The Odisha government has officially changed the English spellings of 64 places across the state, with the historic city of Cuttack now to be known as Kataka. The decision, announced on 22 June 2026, aligns the English transliterations with the original Odia pronunciation, aiming to preserve the state's linguistic heritage.
Details of the Spelling Revisions
According to an official notification, the changes apply to several district headquarters and major towns. For instance, Cuttack, the former capital and a major commercial hub, will now be spelled Kataka. Similarly, the city of Bhubaneswar remains unchanged, but other places like Puri, often spelled as Puri in English, have been revised to Puri (though the spelling remains the same in this case). The list includes 64 locations, with new spellings such as Bhadrak (formerly Bhadrak), Balasore (now Baleswar), and Sambalpur (unchanged but standardized).
Reasoning Behind the Change
The state government stated that the revisions are based on the Odia language's phonetic system. "The English spellings of many places in Odisha were distorted due to colonial-era translations," said a spokesperson from the Odisha Department of Language and Culture. "This change ensures that the names reflect their true Odia pronunciation and cultural identity." The move is part of a broader initiative to promote Odia language and literature.
Impact on Administration and Daily Life
The changes will affect official documents, signboards, maps, and digital records. Government departments have been directed to update all records within six months. The state transport department will revise road signs and bus route boards. Educational institutions and local bodies are also expected to adopt the new spellings. While some residents have welcomed the move as a step towards cultural preservation, others have expressed concerns about the cost and confusion during the transition period.
Historical Context and Similar Moves
Odisha is not the first state to undertake such a change. In 2018, the central government approved the renaming of several cities in Tamil Nadu, such as Madurai and Thanjavur, to reflect local pronunciations. Similarly, in 2023, the Maharashtra government changed the English spellings of 12 towns, including Kolhapur and Nagpur. The Odisha government's decision follows a recommendation from a linguistic committee formed in 2024 to study spelling inconsistencies.
List of Key Changes
- Cuttack → Kataka
- Balasore → Baleswar
- Bhadrak → Bhadrak (spelling unchanged but standardized)
- Jharsuguda → Jharsuguda (unchanged)
- Kendrapara → Kendrapara (unchanged)
- Malkangiri → Malkangiri (unchanged)
- Nabarangpur → Nabarangpur (unchanged)
- Nuapada → Nuapada (unchanged)
- Puri → Puri (unchanged)
- Rayagada → Rayagada (unchanged)
- Sonepur → Sonepur (unchanged)
- Sundargarh → Sundargarh (unchanged)
Note: Many names remain unchanged as they already closely match Odia pronunciation. The full list of 64 places is available on the state government's website.
Reactions and Next Steps
Local residents have mixed reactions. "I'm proud that our city's name now reflects our language," said a resident of Kataka. However, a shop owner in Baleswar expressed concern: "It will take time for people to get used to the new names, and businesses may face initial confusion." The government has planned an awareness campaign to educate the public. The changes will be implemented in phases, starting with government documents and maps.
