Festivals & Events News Updates

In May 1999, the Pakistani army secretly infiltrated Kargil'sDrass and Batalik sectors to control NH 1A movements.

In India, various festivals similar to Halloween are celebrated, known as 'Desi Halloween'. Each of these festivals involves unique rituals to honour ancestors and ward off evil spirits.

The nine-day-long Rath Yatra concluded on Friday with the return of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to Puri Srimandir. The ritual, known as Niladri Bije, showcased divine love between Lord Jagannath and Goddess Lakshmi.

Since July 30, 2015, people of Odisha have been celebrating this auspicious day of ‘Niladri Bije’ as ‘Rasagola Dibasa’.

Today, lakhs of devotees are expected to gather in Puri to witness the 'Suna Besha' of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The deities will be adorned with gold ornaments brought from the temporary Ratna Bhandar.

The Odisha Police have introduced an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot to provide real-time traffic and route planning information during Rath Yatra.

In a historic moment for Odisha, the Ratna Bhandar of Puri Srimandir was opened on July 14 at 1:28 PM. The outer chamber was accessed first, with efforts underway to open the inner chamber. CM Mohan Majhi expressed his joy and offered prayers for the people of Odisha.

On the sixth day of Rath Yatra, the Dakshina Moda ritual is observed in Puri, marking the start of Bahuda Yatra. The three chariots of Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Jagannath are turned southward for their return journey to Srimandir.

The Hera Panchami ritual during Rath Yatra depicts Goddess Lakshmi's anger towards Lord Jagannath. Observed on the fifth day of the festival, it symbolizes human-like activities of deities.

World Population Day, observed on July 11, aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities that come with our ever-growing global population. This year, as we hit an estimated 8.1 billion people on Earth, let's take a look at the 10 most populated and the 10 least populated countries.

Puri Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb expressed concerns over a mishap involving Lord Balabhadra during the 'Adap Mandap Bije'. A detailed investigation will be conducted, and a three-member committee has been formed to examine video footage and provide a report within 10 days.

After remaining on chariots for two days, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were taken to the Adapa Mandap pedestal inside Gundicha Temple. This event is part of the Adapa Mandap Bije ritual during their annual Rath Yatra journey.

Lord Balabhadra slipped on the Charamala while being taken off His Taladhwaja chariot to the Adapa Mandap of Gundicha temple. Despite the mishap involving servitors, He was safely repositioned.

During the Rath Yatra in Puri, a stampede-like situation occurred due to overcrowding on chariots and lax cordon systems, resulting in the death of a devotee and several injuries.

The Puri Rath Yatra, held annually in Odisha during Ashadha, originally involved six chariots due to the Malini river's presence.