Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will celebrate Odia Pakhya for the second consecutive year from April 1 to April 14, coinciding with Odisha Day (Utkal Dibas) and the Odia New Year (Pana Sankranti). The fortnight-long observance is aimed at promoting the Odia language, literature, culture, and traditions through a series of community-driven and government-supported activities across…
Bhubaneswar: In Bisimatri village of Odisha’s Puri district, a group of nearly 50 rural women has transformed eco-friendly craftsmanship into a sustainable livelihood, building a successful jute-based enterprise that has brought financial independence and social empowerment to their community. The initiative began in 2015, when artisan mentor Amiya Poddar introduced local women—many of whom were…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has proposed changes to the English spellings of 24 place names across the state, including renaming Khurda as “Khoradha,” to more accurately reflect their original Odia pronunciation and historical forms. Officials said the initiative is aimed at preserving Odisha’s linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage by aligning official English spellings with authentic…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a ₹100-crore ecotourism development project at Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed at creating world-class tourism infrastructure while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystem. Official sources said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been cleared, with a total estimated investment of ₹99.75 crore, fully funded by the state government. The project is…
Bhubaneswar: In a symbolic gesture of cultural pride and national support, Varanasi will gift traditional Banarasi sarees to the families of Indian cricketers ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup. The initiative will be facilitated through the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), highlighting India’s rich handloom heritage while extending moral support…
Bhubaneswar: Tourism development officers in Odisha have been directed to carry out regular inspections of wayside amenity centres and report any deficiencies within two weeks to ensure timely corrective action and quality upkeep. The directive was issued during a recent review meeting in Bhubaneswar, where it was decided that all 68 wayside amenity centres currently…
Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026 has announced a significant expansion of government support for Ayurveda and India’s broader AYUSH ecosystem, signalling a renewed emphasis on traditional medicine systems alongside modern healthcare. As part of the initiative, the Centre has proposed the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda, aimed at scaling up education,…
Bhubaneswar: Shatak, a film chronicling the 100-year journey of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), explores the organisation’s origins and evolution since its founding in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar. Directed by Aashish Mall and subtitled Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Ke 100 Varsh, the film adopts a historical, documentary-style narrative to chart the RSS’s growth into…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage. The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra…
