New Odisha Age

Bihar Government Proposes Restrictions on Meat and Fish Sales Near Schools and Religious Sites

Bhubaneswar: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha has announced that the state government plans to ban the sale of meat and fish near educational and religious institutions, as well as in crowded public spaces. The proposal, he said, is driven by health concerns and an aim to curb violent tendencies among children. The move is…

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Isha Yoga Center Hosts 33rd Mahashivratri Celebrations, Thousands Gather in Coimbatore

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…

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Odisha to Observe Odia Pakhya from April 1 to 14

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…

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When time stands still: Murshidabad invites the world back to its royal past Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2026 – 6th to 8th February

Bhubaneswar: Once the Nawabi Capital of Bengal and a cradle of power, prosperity and culture, Murshidabad is not merely a place in the map – it is a living inheritance. Its palaces, river ghats, silk looms and age-old rituals continue to echo stories whispered by the Ganga. From 6th to 8th February 2026, this historic place of legacy will…

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‘Shatak’: Film Tracing 100-Year Journey of RSS Sparks Debate Ahead of Release

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…

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Khandagiri Mela 2026 Sees Parking Fee Row, Artist Controversy Amid Heavy Footfall

Bhubaneswar:  The ongoing Khandagiri Magh Mela 2026 has been marked by controversy even as it continues to draw massive crowds for its religious rituals and cultural performances. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a show-cause notice to the leaseholder managing parking facilities at the mela after complaints of overcharging visitors, with fees reportedly almost…

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BKTC Proposes Ban on Entry of Non-Hindus at Badrinath, Kedarnath Temples

Bhubaneswar: The Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has proposed restricting the entry of non-Hindus into the revered Badrinath and Kedarnath temples, along with other shrines under its jurisdiction, citing the need to protect religious traditions and sanctity. The proposal was discussed during a meeting of temple authorities held on Sunday. BKTC chairman Hemant Dwivedi said…

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Gen Z Redefines Spirituality with Rise of ‘Bhajan Clubbing’ Across India

Bhubaneswar: A new cultural phenomenon known as “bhajan clubbing” is reshaping how India’s Gen Z engages with spirituality, blending ancient devotional traditions with the energy and aesthetics of modern live music. Across major cities, young people are gathering in packed venues to sing, dance and chant to remixed bhajans and kirtans, set against electronic beats,…

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Indian Army Personnel’s Participation in Religious Event Sparks Debate

Bhubaneswar: Footage circulating on social media from January 24 has shown Indian Army personnel attending a religious programme at Bageshwar Dham in Madhya Pradesh, where they were seen participating in a katha conducted by religious preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri. The visuals also show soldiers cutting cakes bearing the words “Sita Ram” and interacting with devotees…

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Famous Khandagiri Magha Saptami Mela Begins in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The world-renowned Khandagiri Magha Saptami Mela commenced on Friday amid religious fervour and spiritual enthusiasm at the foothills of the historic Khandagiri caves. The sacred site has come alive with chants, rituals, and the arrival of sadhus and saints, drawing large gatherings of devotees from across Odisha and beyond. With the arrival of ascetics,…

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