Somnath Swabhiman Parv Marks a Millennium of Resilience and Revival

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…

Read More

Bhubaneswar Transforms into a ‘Mini India’ as Sisir Saras 2026 Begins

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….

Read More

Odisha’s Kanya Bibaha Yojana Ties Up with Utkalika for Marriage Gift Support

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…

Read More

Over 1.1 Million Migratory Birds Flock to Chilika, Reinforcing Odisha’s Global Wetland Significance

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…

Read More

Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 to Be Held from January 22 to 26

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…

Read More

Labour Reforms under Atmanirbhar Bharat: Expanding Social Security and Worker Protection

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…

Read More

Bhubaneswar to Host Mega Rural Fair ‘Sisir Saras–2026’ from January 10

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…

Read More

Odisha Tableau Returns to Republic Day Parade, Showcases Heritage Under Self-Reliance Theme

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…

Read More

Odisha Unveils Ambitious Tourism Expansion Plan, Targets 15 Iconic Destinations and 15 Lakh Jobs by 2036

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced an ambitious tourism development roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a leading eco-cultural tourism hub in Asia. The plan envisions the development of 15 iconic tourism destinations and the creation of nearly 15 lakh livelihood opportunities by 2036 under the state’s long-term vision document,…

Read More

Bhubaneswar to Host Season’s First ‘Patha Utsav’ on January 4, 2026

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is all set to welcome the first Patha Utsav of the season this Sunday, January 4, 2026, transforming select city streets into vibrant, vehicle-free public spaces for citizens to enjoy. The initiative, which has become a popular urban engagement programme in the capital, aims to promote healthy living, environmental awareness, and community bonding….

Read More