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…
Koraput district, long recognised for its coffee plantations, is fast emerging as a notable centre for high-quality pepper cultivation, with the spice witnessing rising demand in both national and international markets. Pepper is currently grown across nearly 1,550 hectares in the district, where the unique agro-climatic conditions—marked by moderate temperatures, adequate rainfall, and rich soil—have…
Bhubaneswar: Republic Day commemorates the historic moment when the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, formally transforming the country into a sovereign, democratic republic. The date was deliberately chosen to honour January 26, 1930, when the Indian National Congress proclaimed Purna Swaraj, asserting complete independence from colonial rule and laying the…
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: The Odisha government has introduced a dedicated support framework to promote authentic Odia cuisine restaurants within the state and across major Indian cities, aiming to strengthen the region’s culinary identity and expand its national footprint. Under the revised Odisha Tourism Policy–2026, restaurants serving traditional Odia food will be eligible for capital expenditure (CAPEX) support…
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to revise and fast-track the ambitious Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (Ekamra) project by adopting a component-wise execution strategy, following the foreclosure of the original ₹280-crore contract by the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC). The move comes after OBCC foreclosed the contract citing prolonged delays…
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: The much-awaited Gopalpur Beach Festival 2026 will be held from January 22 to January 26, reviving one of Odisha’s most iconic coastal cultural events. The confirmation came following a preparatory meeting chaired by Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, bringing clarity and putting an end to speculation regarding the festival’s आयोजन this year. Celebrated annually…
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…