In the rich tapestry of Indian regional music, certain songs transcend mere melody to become anthems of identity, sacrifice, and pride. For the state of Odisha (formerly known as Utkala), “Odi Odi Odi Utkalantha” is one such immortal piece. Often considered an unofficial state anthem, this stirring invocation is not just a song; it is a cry of the soul from the land of Lord Jagannath. To write its lyrics in English is to attempt to capture the thunderous devotion and fierce regional consciousness that defined the movement for a united Odisha.
Odia (Phonetic): Jagannatha dekhiba pain, Prarthana mo sadhana re, Se ratha no aakarshana, Bhuliba mo jibana re. odi odi odi utkalantha lyrics in english
English Translation: Just to see Lord Jagannatha, That is my only prayer and practice (sadhana). The magnetic pull of that Chariot (Rath Yatra), I cannot forget it in this lifetime. The Soul of a Land: An Essay on
In the rich tapestry of Indian regional music, certain songs transcend time and become cultural anthems. For the people of Odisha (formerly known as Utkala), "Odi Odi Odi Utkalantha" is one such masterpiece. Often referred to as the "Unofficial Anthem of Odia Pride," this song is not merely a collection of verses; it is a raw, emotional cry from the heart of an Odia person separated from their motherland. To write its lyrics in English is to
Whether you are a non-Odia speaker trying to understand the essence of this beloved track, a second-generation Odia diaspora member trying to reconnect with your roots, or a researcher of Eastern Indian folk-based music, this article will provide you with the complete English lyrics of "Odi Odi Odi Utkalantha," along with their meaning, cultural context, and the story behind the song.
Here is the line-by-line English meaning for the devotional enthusiast searching for "odi odi odi utkalantha lyrics in english."
| Odia (Transliterated) | English Translation | | :--- | :--- | | Odi odi odi Utkalantha | Calling, calling, calling – O voice of Utkala (or O yearning one)! | | Odi odi odi re bandhu janha tu | Calling, calling, calling – O friend who is like the moon! | | Kete dina rahibi barei rekhi | How many more days will you stay behind the barrier (of illusion/circumstance)? | | Kete dina rahibi lukai | How many more days will you remain hidden? | | Mora Chaka netra chahin re tu | O Lord with discus-like eyes (referring to Jagannatha’s large, circular eyes), please look at me. | | Aji mo jibana sangata heu re | Become the companion of my life today. | | Suna kala hari na tu jebe aasibu | O dark-complexioned (Krishna/Jagannatha) Lord, when you return (come to me), | | Mu sabu dukha pakhiribi | I will erase (wipe away) all my sorrows. | | Mora Aankhi luha moti haube | The tears from my eyes will become pearls, | | Hrudaya pain phula phutiba re | And flowers will bloom for my heart. |
