Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to promote linguistic pride and strengthen the use of the state’s official language, the Odisha government has mandated that all official work in government offices be carried out exclusively in Odia. The directive was issued on Wednesday by the General Administration Department, making strict compliance compulsory across all levels of…
Bhubaneswar: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline protocol darshan and reinforce discipline within the sacred temple premises, following a recent controversy linked to protocol arrangements. Under the revised SOP, the entire responsibility for managing protocol guests will rest with the SJTA, aimed at ensuring better…
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Somnath Temple marked the commencement of Somnath Swabhiman Parv, a four-day celebration from January 8 to 11, commemorating 1,000 years since the first desecration of the sacred shrine in 1026 and honouring its extraordinary history of 17 reconstructions despite repeated invasions. The Prime Minister participated in a…
Bhubaneswar: The vibrant annual rural fair, Sisir Saras 2026, officially kicks off in Bhubaneswar, turning the IDCO Exhibition Ground into a bustling hub of culture, commerce, and craftsmanship. Organized by ORMAS under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the event promises to be a grand celebration of rural entrepreneurship….
Bhubaneswar: In a move that combines social welfare with the promotion of local livelihoods, the Odisha government’s Women and Child Development Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Utkalika, the state’s apex handicraft and handloom marketing corporation, for the supply of marriage gift items under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana. Under the flagship…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic Chilika Lake has once again transformed into a spectacular natural haven, hosting over 1.1 million migratory birds this winter season and reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s most significant wetland ecosystems. Spread across more than 1,100 square kilometres, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon becomes a seasonal refuge for avian visitors travelling…
Bhubaneswar: The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 will be held from January 22 to January 26, reviving one of Odisha’s most iconic coastal cultural events. The confirmation came following a preparatory meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, bringing clarity and putting an end to speculation regarding the festival’s आयोजन this year. Celebrated annually…
Bhubaneswar: As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat reform agenda, the Government of India has undertaken far-reaching labour reforms aimed at formalising employment, improving working conditions, and extending social security coverage across sectors, including Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Under the Social Security Code, 2020, MSEs have been brought within the ambit of statutory social security…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is set to host the mega rural fair Sisir Saras–2026 from January 10 to January 18, bringing together artisans, weavers and self-help groups (SHGs) from Odisha and nearly 20 other states under one roof. Organised by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) in collaboration with Mission Shakti, the fair aims to…
Bhubaneswar: After a year’s absence, Odisha’s tableau will return to the Republic Day parade in 2026, with the Ministry of Defence approving the state’s proposal to participate in the national event alongside tableaux from 16 other states and Union Territories, official sources said. The Centre has directed the chief secretaries of all selected states to…