Odia, also spelled Oriya, is an Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Odisha. It is one of the classical languages of India and has a rich literary tradition. Odia has official status in Odisha and is recognised as a minority language in the neighbouring states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh.

The language uses the Odia script, which is a syllabic alphabet derived from the Brahmi script. Odia has a distinct phonological and grammatical structure, and it exhibits three genders (masculine, feminine, and neuter) and two numbers (singular and plural). Odia literature has a long history, dating back to ancient texts like the “Sarala Mahabharata.” It has produced renowned poets, writers, and scholars.

Odia is not only a means of communication but also a key aspect of Odisha’s cultural identity. It is used in various domains, including education, administration, media, and literature. Efforts have been made to promote and preserve the Odia language, including initiatives in education and the arts, contributing to its continued significance in the linguistic landscape of eastern India.