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Rourkela: The Odia community in Australia virtually came together on March 29 evening to mark the first Pan-Australia Utkal Divas, commemorating the formation of Odisha.Hosted on a videoconferencing platform, the event witnessed participation from around 200 members representing 85 Odia families across the country, reflecting a shared pride in heritage and tradition.In a press release issued on Wednesday, Dr Subrat Mishra, cultural secretary of ORIOZ, informed about celebration of Utkal Divas in Australia.The programme began with a warm welcome and introductory address by Dr Mishra, who set the tone for a well-curated cultural evening.This was followed by the formal inauguration and presidential address by Tapas Senapati, ORIOZ president, who emphasized the importance of preserving cultural roots. Prominent Odia actress Archita Sahu also joined the celebration.The highlight of the evening was a presentation of "Bande Utkal Janani," a video tribute featuring singers from across Australia performing at iconic locations. The programme introduced participants to the spiritual and cultural significance of the Jagannath Temple. The event seamlessly blended devotion, history, and artistic expression.The release said, "Throughout the evening, performance and presentation celebrated Odisha's rich traditions, reinforcing a collective identity that transcends geographical boundaries. The programme stood as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Odia diaspora in Australia."The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Satya Das, ORIOZ general secretary, expressing gratitude to all participants, organisers and supporters who made the event a grand success."As the virtual gathering came to a close, participants carried with them a renewed sense of pride and belonging-echoing the timeless spirit of Odisha across continents." the release said. Residing in Brisbane, Dr Mishra said, "One community, one culture, one proud Odia identity across Australia, Utkal Divas is a celebration where heritage meets hearts across continents."

Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): An Odissi dancer set to perform at the commencement of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri on Friday described the performance as a form of 'seva' (service) to Lord Jagannath. While speaking to ANI, the dancer said, 'This is a form of 'seva'. I will be performing before Lord Jagannath today. The experience of this service, of performing before Lord Jagannath, is something different.' Describing their attire, the dancer said, 'This is Lord Krishna's form. Devotees get to witness the Lord in this form and express their devotion.' Another Odissi dancer ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: A 65-year-old man, believed to be mentally unstable, was detained for questioning by Puri police on Wednesday after he allegedly scribbled a message on the wall of a Puri shrine, hinting at a terror plot aimed at Jagannath Temple. He was later released with a stern warning.The man was identified as Raghunath Sahoo. He is reportedly suffering from mental health issues and was recently released from a de-addiction centre. Last year, he had been arrested for assaulting a police officer in Puri.According to the police, Sahoo's graffiti, hinting at a potential terror attack on Jagannat ...Read More >

Lucknow, Apr 1 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday extended greetings to the people of Odisha on the state's formation day. "With the unwavering energy akin to the ocean's waves, the brilliance like the Sun of Konark, and illuminated by the boundless grace of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji Mahaprabhu, heartfelt congratulations to all Odia residents on the Foundation Day of Utkal Bhumi, 'Utkal Divas'," the chief minister said in a Hindi post on X. "By the grace of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji Mahaprabhu, under the successful guidance of the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar, April 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday conveyed deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his heartfelt wishes on the occasion of Utkal Divas. Reacting to the letter by PM Modi, CM Majhi said, "On this auspicious occasion of Utkal Divas, I extend my deepest gratitude to you on behalf of the people of Odisha for your heartfelt wishes and your eloquent recognition of our state's glorious history and civilization heritage. Your words have resonated deeply with every Odia heart." The Chief Minister further added that PM Modi's endu ...Read More >

New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): Union Minister and BJP national president JP Nadda on Friday extended his greetings on the occasion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, praying for happiness, prosperity, and good health for all. He said the holy journey plays an important role in preserving the religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the people and takes it to greater heights. In a post on X, JP Nadda wrote, 'Heartfelt greetings to all on the sacred occasion of Lord Jagannath Ji's Rath Yatra. This holy journey is significant for preserving the religious, cultural, and spiritual herit ...Read More >

PURI/BHUBANESWAR: Hours after a graffiti warning of a possible terrorist attack was found on a wall near Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, police on Wednesday detained a 'mentally unstable' man for his alleged involvement in the act. The 55-year-old suspect was detained for allegedly threatening a possible terrorist strike on the 12th century shrine by writing messages on the wall of Budhi Maa Thakurani temple near Balisahi entrance of the Heritage Corridor (Parikrama Marg), a high-security zone. Police said the suspect, Raghunath Sahoo, is a native of Gadisagada village under Kanas block, abo ...Read More >

New Delhi, April 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Odisha Day and lauded the state's "significant role" in the journey of 'Viksit Bharat'. Odisha Day, or Utkal Divas, is celebrated annually on April 1 to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate province on April 1, 1936, based on linguistic identity. This day honours Odisha's rich culture, heritage, and the leaders who fought for a separate state. In a post on X, President Murmu said, "Warm greetings to the people of Odisha on Odisha Day! This occasion celeb ...Read More >

BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday outlined an ambitious roadmap for Odisha's transformation, calling the next 10 years a 'decade of resolve' to build a prosperous and developed state. Addressing the state-level Utkal Divas celebrations at Suando, the birthplace of Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das in Satyabadi block of Puri district, Majhi announced a '585 crore development package for the historic place. Describing Gopabandhu Das as a symbol of service and sacrifice whose lega ...Read More >
New Delhi: Traffic in central Delhi will be affected on Thursday as the traffic police has issued an advisory due to the Janmashtami and Tazia processions.According to police, the traffic movement in Paharganj is likely to be affected from 1.30pm in view of the shobha yatra for Janmashtami and the Tazia procession.The Janmashtami procession will start from Mandir Shri Banke Bihari Ji in Paharganj's Sangatrasan Bazar and pass through Desh Bandhu Gupta Road, Chuna Mandi, Main Bazar, Munja Chowk and Arakashan Road. The Tazia procession will start from Ajmeri Gate and proceed through Pul Paharganj ...Read More >

Odisha, the first state in India to be formed on a linguistic identity, turned 90 on Wednesday as the state celebrated Utkal Divas (Odisha Day) to commemorate its formation on April 1, 1936. President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from Odisha, lauded the state's invaluable contribution to India's freedom struggle and nation-building. She said this occasion celebrates the state's rich cultural heritage, timeless traditions, and the resilience of its people. What is the history behind the formation o ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], April 1 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday extended his greetings to the people of the state and Odia citizens residing across the country on the occasion of Odisha Foundation Day, also known as Utkal Divas. Marking the formation of the first state on a linguistic basis, Odisha has carved a distinct identity both nationally and globally. On this occasion, CM Majhi paid heartfelt tributes to the great sons of the soil whose vision and sacrifices made a separate Odisha possible, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CM ...Read More >
Puri: Despite travel uncertainties due to recent conflicts in some parts of the world, people from Europe and elsewhere have reached Puri to witness the annual Ratha Yatra of the sibling deities.As non-Hindus are not allowed inside the 12th-century Jagannath Temple, the Ratha Yatra provides a rare opportunity for devotees across the world to see the deities in their full glory atop their majestic wooden chariots."Back home, we are surrounded by uncertainty and fear. But here, I found peace. I came because this is my only chance to see Lord Jagannath. He comes out for the whole world. This is v ...Read More >

The sacred coastal city of Puri is bustling with devotional energy as preparations intensify for the Bahuda Yatra 2025, the revered return journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan from the Gundicha Temple to the Shree Jagannath Temple. After the completion of the important Hera Panchami ritual on Tuesday night, the focus shifted to the Dakshina Moda (southward turning) of the three grand Rath Yatra chariots. On Wednesday, July 2, the chariots of Devi Sub ...Read More >

Lucknow, Apr 1 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday extended greetings to the people of Odisha on the state's formation day. "With the unwavering energy akin to the ocean's waves, the brilliance like the Sun of Konark, and illuminated by the boundless grace of Lord Shri Jagannath Ji Mahaprabhu, heartfelt congratulations to all Odia residents on the Foundation Day of Utkal Bhumi, 'Utkal Divas'," the chief minister said in a Hindi post on X. ...Read More >

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Odisha Day and lauded the state's "significant role" in the journey of 'Viksit Bharat'. Odisha Day, or Utkal Divas, is celebrated annually on April 1 to commemorate the formation of Odisha as a separate province on April 1, 1936, based on linguistic identity. This day honours Odisha's rich culture, heritage, and the leaders who fought for a separate state. In a post on X, President Murmu said, "Warm greetings to the people of Odisha on Odisha Day! This occasion celebrates the state's rich cu ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR: Amid the flare-up over BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's controversial statements linking former CM Biju Patnaik to the CIA, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Odisha Day on Wednesday wrote to chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi praising Biju, calling him a symbol of strength and courage. In his letter from his Dibrugarh camp office, Modi wrote, "This is the soil that nurtured the great Biju Patnaik, whose life epitomises strength, courage and an unwavering commitment to nation-building. Biju Babu's multifaceted persona inspires us all." The PM also recalled the valour of Buxi Jagabandhu and Ve ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other VIPs Wednesday greeted the people of Odisha on the state's 90th foundation day. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, leader of the Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, also greeted people on 'Utkal Dibasa'. On this day in 1936, Odisha became a separate province based on language by carving out parts of the erstwhile Bihar, Bengal and Madras. Odisha was the first state in the country to be formed on the linguistic basis following a three-decade movement. Earlier, Odia-speaking regions ...Read More >

Dimapur, Apr 1 (UNI) Lok Bhavan Kohima celebrated Utkal Divas, marking the foundation day of the state of Odisha, on Wednesday, with Governor Nand Kishore Yadav stating that Nagaland and Odisha, despite geographical distance, share common values of cultural pride, strong community bonds, and respect for heritage, which strengthen national unity. Gracing the celebration, Yadav expressed his pleasure in joining the Odia community in celebrating the day and said events exemplify India's unity in diversity. Highlighting the historical significance of the day, commemorating the formation of Odish ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar: The auspicious Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at Shree Jagannath Temple, Agara, HSR Layout, Bangalore. The event witnessed a massive turnout of more than 30,000 devotees who gathered to seek the divine blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The celebration began with all rituals and traditions performed meticulously and on time. The Pahandi Bije was conducted gracefully, capturing the essence of Odia tradition and emotional participation from the devotees. Academician and Trustee Sitikantha Sarangi performed ...Read More >

New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Ahead of the Assembly elections in Bihar, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday announced the launch of "VoterAdhikarYatra" against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and called on people to "join this people's movement" Making the announcement in a post on X, the Congress MP said, "From August 17, with #VoterAdhikarYatra, we are launching a direct fight against vote theft from the soil of Bihar" Also Read | New Cheque Clearing System: Banks To Clear Cheques Within Few Hours Starting October 4, Announces RBI. ...Read More >

Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], April 1 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday extended greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of Utkala Divas, highlighting the state's cultural and historical significance. In a post on social media, he said, "Odisha, a vital part of the chariot of India's advancement and progress, is renowned for its rich culture, unique crafts, and glorious history. Heartfelt congratulations to all residents of the state on Utkala Divas." Also Read | New Income Tax Act: Know How Your Take-Home Salary Changes in FY 2026-27. Odisha ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The capital city turned into a canvas of colour and devotion on Friday as thousands of devotees thronged the streets to witness Rath Yatra celebrations. Over 50 large and small chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were pulled through different parts of the city, accompanied by chants of 'Jai Jagannath'.The air reverberated with sounds of devotional music as people from all walks of life joined hands to pull the intricately decorated wooden chariots. Dressed in traditional attire, devotees danced to the rhythms of Odisha's folk instrument ...Read More >

The campus will also have an auditorium with a capacity of 300 seats, a space where light and sound shows will be hosted daily, and a large open-air stage where cultural performances will be showcased, he said. Stressing that a large number of tourists, especially the youth, visiting Puri are not aware of the Jagannath culture, Majhi said little has been done in this regard for the last seven decades. "For the promotion and preservation of Jagannath culture and literature, the government has no ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said Odisha has the power to mesmerise everyone and lauded its rich cultural heritage, spiritual depth, and the resilience of its people, while reaffirming the Centre's commitment to the state's development. Modi wrote a four-page letter to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on the occasion of the Utkal Dibasa or the statehood day. He recalled many great sons and daughters of the soil, including Buxi Jagabandhu, Veer Surendra Sai, Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Narayan Deo, Madhusudan Das, Gopabandhu Das, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gang ...Read More >

New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday extended her warm greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad on the occasion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. 'On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. By witnessing Lord Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan on the chariot, millions of devotees experience divine bliss,' the President wrote in a post on X in Odia. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/193842268838242317 ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar: In the cool spring breeze of the French Riviera, on the cobbled streets of Cannes, as the spotlight lit up the Bharat Pavilion at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, a quiet, proud moment unfolded for every Odia around the world. The first look of Baghuni (Dance Like a Tiger) -- a pathbreaking Odia film -- was unveiled, etching a historic moment for the language and culture that has so far remained underrepresented in global cinema. But behind this cinematic milestone lies the inspiring journey of Partha Sarathi Panda, a soft-spoken yet determined cultural ambassador, who hails from O ...Read More >

New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday extended her warm greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath in India and abroad on the occasion of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. "On the occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the devotees of Lord Jagannath residing in India and abroad. By witnessing Lord Balabhadra, Lord Shri Jagannath, Goddess Subhadra, and Chakraraj Sudarshan on the chariot, millions of devotees experience divine bliss," the President wrote in a post on X in Odia. Also Read | Delhi Fire: Massive Blaze Erupts at Factory ...Read More >

President Droupadi Murmu extends greetings on Odisha Day, celebrating the state's cultural heritage, traditions, and contribution to nation-building. She acknowledges the significant role of Odisha's people in India's 'Viksit Bharat' initiative, while recalling its historic contribution to the freedom struggle, reforming as a distinct entity in 1936. President Droupadi Murmu expressed her cordial greetings on the occasion of Odisha Day, acknowledging the significant contributions of the state's ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar, April 1 (SocialNews.XYZ) Wishes poured in from various corners as Odisha on Wednesday celebrates Utkal Divas, marking the formation of the state as a separate province on April 1, 1936. Extending greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said that this historic day marks the formation of Odisha as the first linguistic state of India. In his address, the Governor also remembered the vision, sacrifice, and determined efforts of great leaders like Utkal Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Utkalamani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, and Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gaja ...Read More >

Bhubaneswar, Apr 1 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other VIPs on Wednesday greeted the people of Odisha on the state's 90th foundation day. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, leader of the opposition, Naveen Patnaik, also greeted people on 'Utkal Dibasa'. On this day in 1936, Odisha became a separate province on the basis of language by carving out parts of the erstwhile Bihar, Bengal and Madras. Odisha was the first state in the country to be formed on the linguistic basis following a three-decade movement. Earlier, ...Read More >