Festivals & Events News Updates

World Press Freedom Day promotes democracy along with interreligious and intercultural dialogue. As the world is facing polarization, hate speech and misinformation, here are some reasons why it should stick to press freedom.

Words that have become timeless and songs that continue to cause steer in hearts of countless generations. Legendary singer Manna Dey has left behind a legacy that still guides his descendants.

World Dance Day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of the father of the modern ballet- Jean-Georges Noverre.

Malaria, responsible for 608,000 deaths in 2022, is a global health concern, particularly in Africa. World Malaria Day on April 25 promotes awareness and early symptom recognition to reduce fatalities. Common symptoms include fever, chills, severe headaches, excessive sweating, and persistent fatigue.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act led to the formation of the Panchayati Raj System in 1993 and ever since then National Panchayati Raj Day has been celebrated on April 24, every year.

Chaitra Purnima, a significant Hindu festival during the Full Moon in Libra, is linked to Chitragupta, the keeper of deeds. It's a time for balancing thoughts, rectifying sins, and celebrating Lord Hanuman's birthday. Devotees engage in rituals like bathing, fasting, and temple offerings.

Designated in 2009 by the UN, International Mother Earth Day on April 22 emphasizes reversing environmental damage and protecting ecosystems amid rising species extinctions and emergent wildlife diseases.

The Sudasha Brata, a unique festival in Odisha during the Chaitra Navratra, involves married Odia women performing early morning puja to Goddess Lakshmi for family well-being. The ritual includes wearing a sacred thread, decorating homes, and offerings in sets of ten to symbolize purity and devotion.

Puja performed at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of Ram Navami. Ram Navami is being celebrated for the first time in Ayodhya's Ram Mandir after Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla.

Sri Ram has been at the core of most of the Hindu ideologies. Since Ram Navami is the birthday of Sri Ram, it is celebrated with joy and fervour across the country.

Ashok Ashtami also known as Bhavani Ashtami is celebrated by worshipping Goddess Durga on the day of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami.

On World Voice Day various international communities and platforms organize events to encourage people to learn how to use their voice for pleasure as well as for business purposes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wished the people of Odisha on New Year.

The day assumes much significance as the new Odia calendar or Panjika is released on the auspicious day. The day also marks the onset of the summer season and is known as Pana Sankranti and people distribute 'pana', a traditional cool drink.

Draped in traditional yellow cloths, holding peacock feathers in hands and carrying red/yellow flags, these are Danduas or Bhokatas who are participants of Danda Jatra, one of the most famous traditional festivals of Ganjam district in Odisha.