Odisha Government Proposes Revision of District and Place Names to Reflect Odia Pronunciation

The Odisha government has announced a proposal to revise the English names of seven districts and 24 places across the state to better reflect authentic Odia pronunciations and spellings.

The move, officials say, is aimed at correcting long‑standing distortions and preserving the state’s linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage.

Among the districts set for revision are Deogarh (to Debagarh), Khordha/Khurda (to Khoradha), Balasore (to Baleshwar), Kendrapara (to Kendrapada), Keonjhar (to Kendujhar), Nayagarh (to Nayagada), and Kandhamal (phonetic correction retained).

The proposal also covers several towns and places, including Podia (to Padia), Reamal (to Riamal), Bolagarh (to Bolagada), Banpur (to Banapur), Jatni (to Jatani), Angul (to Anugol), Athagarh (to Athagad), Salipur (to Salepur), Baramba (to Badamba), Nilgiri (to Nilagiri), Aul (to Ali), Makalapara (to Mahakalapada), Barbil (to Badbil), Keonjhargarh (to Kendujhargarh), Rairakhol (to Redhakhol), and Daspalla (to Dashapalla).

This initiative follows earlier efforts such as the 2011 renaming of “Orissa” to “Odisha” and “Oriya” to “Odia,” underscoring the state’s commitment to phonetic accuracy and decolonisation of spellings.

The proposal is expected to undergo further review before formal implementation.