Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to expand water-based adventure tourism by identifying suitable locations across five districts — Puri, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh. As part of the initiative, a joint technical team will carry out physical verification of proposed tourism sites between May 4 and May 20. The exercise will cover beaches,…
Bhubaneswar: The temple city of Puri, once central to the origins of Odia cinema, today has no operational cinema halls—marking a striking cultural void. It was at Laxmi Talkies that Sita Bibaha premiered on April 28, 1936, a milestone in the history of regional cinema. Today, the same theatre stands damaged and abandoned, symbolising the…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended amendments to the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955 to introduce a formal dress code for devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple. As per the proposal, women may be restricted from wearing jeans or trousers inside the temple premises, while traditional attire has been suggested for male devotees. Male…
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the closing ceremony of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood at Paljor Stadium. On the occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over ₹4,000 crore across the state. The initiatives are aimed at strengthening connectivity, infrastructure, and public service delivery….
Bhubaneswar: Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar has been appointed as the brand ambassador to promote Odisha’s rich culinary heritage on the global stage, in an initiative led by the state government. The agreement was formalised during the Odia Paksha celebrations in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. As part of the initiative, MasterChef India…
Bhubaneswar: The vibrant festival of Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, commenced on April 14, ushering in the Assamese New Year with week-long celebrations rooted in agriculture, culture, and community spirit. Leaders across the country extended greetings on the occasion, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Home…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic dessert Chhena Poda has become the centre of a growing debate over its true origin, with experts warning that conflicting claims could impact its Geographical Indication (GI) recognition and cultural identity. The sweet, closely associated with Nayagarh, is widely believed to have been created by Bidyadhar Sahu of Daspalla. Historical accounts suggest…
Bhubaneswar: Chhenapoda Dibasa was observed across Odisha, especially in Bhubaneswar, to mark the birth anniversary of Sudarshan Sahu, credited with creating the state’s iconic dessert Chhenapoda. Chhenapoda, a beloved Odia delicacy, is prepared by baking roasted chhena (cottage cheese) mixed with sugar and semolina, resulting in a distinctive caramelised crust with a soft, flavourful interior….
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to undertake a major illumination project at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, aiming to enhance the visual and spiritual appeal of the iconic temple complex. The project, estimated to cost between ₹17 crore and ₹18 crore, will involve the installation of advanced lighting systems across the परिसर (premises). Officials…
Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha has launched Odia Pakhya 2026, a 14-day statewide celebration from April 1 to April 14, aimed at showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and promoting Odia identity. The initiative is being celebrated across all districts, including Bhubaneswar, with a series of themed events designed to encourage community participation and cultural…