Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, the ceremonial head of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, has raised a strong objection to the untimely Rath Yatra celebration planned by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Houston, Texas, on November 9. Despite his formal request to cancel the event, ISKCON has yet to announce its plans regarding…
Honouring Utkal Keshari’s Legacy The Odisha government has announced a year-long celebration in honor of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab, popularly known as Utkal Keshari for his tireless dedication to the people and heritage of Odisha. Dr. Mahatab, an iconic nationalist leader, left an indelible mark on Odisha’s political, social, and cultural…
Odisha’s Vulnerability to Natural Calamities Odisha, with its expansive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, is highly vulnerable to natural calamities, particularly cyclones and floods. The state has faced numerous severe storms over the years, leaving a lasting impact on its infrastructure, economy, and the lives of millions. Since the devastating super cyclone of 1999,…
Odisha, known for its diverse wildlife, is home to a significant elephant population, a species considered vital to the state’s natural heritage. Yet, despite conservation efforts, Odisha has reported a worrying rise in unnatural elephant deaths, with approximately 50 fatalities recorded so far in 2024 alone. The state government, previously proactive with initiatives like the…
Odisha’s Expanding Seafood Market and Fishery Policies Odisha, with its long coastline and rich marine biodiversity, plays a significant role in India’s seafood industry. The state’s abundant marine resources support a thriving seafood export sector, particularly from the Paradip Fishing Harbour. In 2022-23, Odisha exported over ₹3,000 crore in seafood, making it one of the…
New Guidelines Permit Only Musical Performances in Bars Odisha’s Law Minister, Prithviraj Harichandan, announced on Friday that dance performances are now banned in bars state-wide. Under the updated Odisha Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2024, bars are permitted to host only musical programs, such as orchestras, to ensure entertainment aligns with Odia cultural values. Establishments that violate…
In response to a proposed off-season celebration of two significant festivals, Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra, in Houston, Texas, Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb has requested ISKCON to adhere to traditional Hindu calendar dates. As the primary custodian and “Adya Sevak” (first servitor) of Lord Jagannath, King Dibyasingha Deb expressed deep concerns in a letter…
A Humble Beginning Bishnu Charan Nayak’s journey from a struggling student to a respected Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer is a tale of perseverance and determination. Hailing from Sirikoi village under Belguntha block in Ganjam district, Bishnu’s early life was marked by hardship. After failing his Class 12 exams, he left his home to work…
Cyclone Hits Odisha Coast, Brings Intense Winds and Rain Cyclone Dana, a severe tropical storm, made landfall on the Odisha coast, causing heavy rain and strong winds across multiple districts. The storm made landfall between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak, bringing wind speeds of up to 110 kmph. The India Meteorological Department…
Cyclone Dana Set to Strike the Eastern Coast Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, has formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall along the Odisha coast tonight. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone will bring winds reaching 100-120 km/h, with the impact likely to extend across…
