Bhubaneswar: The sacred preparations for Rath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Monday with the dispatch of the first consignment of holy wood for the construction of the Lord Jagannath chariots from the Daspalla forest range in Odisha’s Nayagarh district. The wood logs were transported from the Takra forest section to Puri, marking a crucial traditional…
Bhubaneswar: Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal is set to reprise his popular role of Major Vihaan Shergill in Dhurandhar 2, appearing in an extended cameo that has already sparked excitement among fans. According to recent media reports, the film is set in the 2016 Uri timeline, allowing Kaushal’s character from the acclaimed war drama to be…
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: 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: Indian authorities on January 9, 2026, enforced a comprehensive ban on the sale and delivery of non-vegetarian food and liquor within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, citing concerns over religious sentiments and public order. The directive explicitly applies to online food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy, in…
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…
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…
Bhubaneswar: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday asserted that India has every right to defend its people when faced with hostile neighbours, stressing that cooperation and goodwill cannot coexist with terrorism and sustained hostility. Addressing an event, Jaishankar said a neighbouring country cannot expect India to share critical resources such as water while continuing…
Bhuabneswar: As the capital prepares to celebrate Christmas and usher in the New Year, the Commissionerate Police has rolled out an elaborate security plan to ensure peaceful festivities across Bhubaneswar. Twin City Commissioner of Police Suresh Dev Datta Singh on Monday announced the deployment of an additional 15 platoons of police personnel to maintain law…
