Bhubaneswar: Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura on Sunday marked 54 years of statehood, commemorating their transition from Union Territories to full-fledged states in 1972 under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act. The day was observed with official messages, cultural programmes and reflections on the region’s journey and challenges. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh called for unity…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced plans for a comprehensive redevelopment of the Mahima Temple at Joranda, the principal seat of Mahima Dharma, aimed at enhancing its spiritual, cultural and tourism significance. As part of the proposed makeover, a new grand temple will be constructed over the existing Shunya Mandir, while preserving the core philosophical…
Bhubaneswar: The Sisir Saras Mela-2026 concluded on a high note, registering a record business turnover of ₹30 crore and reaffirming its status as one of Odisha’s most significant platforms for rural and artisanal entrepreneurship. The fair attracted more than five lakh visitors over its duration, with around 400 stalls showcasing a wide range of handicrafts,…
Bhubaneswar: Assam witnessed a landmark cultural moment with the grand staging of Bagurumba Dwhou 2026, a historic celebration of the Bodo community’s iconic Bagurumba, or butterfly dance. Held at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, the event brought together more than 10,000 Bodo artistes from all 81 Assembly constituencies across 23 districts, creating one of the largest synchronised…
Bhubaneswar: Bihar has marked a historic spiritual and architectural milestone with the installation of the world’s largest Shivling at the Viraat Ramayan Mandir complex in Kesariya, East Champaran. Standing 33 feet tall and weighing an extraordinary 210 tonnes, the monumental Shivling has been carved from a single, continuous block of black granite, setting a new…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has introduced a dedicated support framework to promote authentic Odia cuisine restaurants within the state and across major Indian cities, aiming to strengthen the region’s culinary identity and expand its national footprint. Under the revised Odisha Tourism Policy–2026, restaurants serving traditional Odia food will be eligible for capital expenditure (CAPEX) support…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday announced the establishment of a state branch of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Keonjhar district, a move aimed at strengthening regional theatre education and preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a theatre workshop jointly organised by…
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…
