Bhubaneswar: Uttar Pradesh is set to establish India’s first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, aimed at showcasing the historical, cultural, and scientific significance of cows in Indian society. The proposed museum will feature dedicated galleries on the role of cows in Indian traditions, agriculture, ecology, and rural livelihoods, highlighting how indigenous cattle breeds have…
Bhubaneswar: Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Mayor Subhash Chandra Singh has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, seeking the renaming of Cuttack as ‘Katak’, citing it as the city’s original and historically authentic name. In his letter, the Mayor referred to archival records preserved at the Records Department of Ravenshaw College, which, he said,…
Bhubaneswar: The Isha Yoga Center marked its 33rd annual Mahashivratri celebrations on February 15, drawing thousands of devotees for an all-night spiritual and cultural gathering. The event featured powerful yogic practices such as Pancha Bhuta Kriya, midnight consecrations, and a series of cultural performances. Spiritual leader Sadhguru addressed participants, highlighting the significance of Mahashivratri as…
Bhubaneswar: The 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela will commence on February 14 at Janata Maidan, bringing together artisans and weavers from 20 states to showcase India’s handloom and handicraft heritage, officials said. Organised by the Odisha Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department, the fair will feature 905 stalls, including handicrafts, handlooms, MSME products and a dedicated food…
Bhubaneswar: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive mandating that the complete six-stanza version of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’ be played or sung at official functions, laying down a standard protocol for its performance. According to the order dated February 6, 2026, the official version will run for 3 minutes…
Bhubaneswar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a directive mandating the playing of the complete three-minute-10-second version of “Vande Mataram” at official state functions, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, the arrival of the President, and Governors’ addresses. The directive also instructs audiences to stand at attention during the song and encourages mass participation in singing….
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…