Festivals & Events News Updates

After a brief halt, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra reached Gundicha temple as part of their annual Rath Yatra. This year's event was unique due to multiple rituals occurring on the same day.

Devotees resumed pulling the chariots of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on the second day of the Rath Yatra in Puri. Despite a pause overnight, enthusiasm remained high as devotees thronged to participate in this grand festival.

Millions of devotees gathered in Puri to witness the rare Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath. Rare because multiple rituals including 'Netra Utsav' and 'Nabajouban darshan were held on the same day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings for the Jagannath Rath Yatra, sharing memories from Puri and Gujarat in 1985. Modi Archives recounted his defiance against a Congress-imposed ban, leading to the celebrated 'Swayambhu Rath Yatra'.

March 31, 1865, marked the birth of a trailblazer who went to make history in the field of medicine.We are talking about Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first Indian woman to become a physician in the field of western medicine.

With the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri nearing, preparations are nearly complete. Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that CM Mohan Majhi will review final arrangements. The event focuses on discipline, amenities for women, and resolving VIP movement issues. President Droupadi Murmu is set to attend and participate in the celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed the NDA government's commitment to improving India's health infrastructure on National Doctors Day. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda praised doctors for their expertise and humanitarian spirit, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's Rath Yatra on July 7, as many as 315 special trains will run to Puri, as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced after discussions with Odisha CM.

The servitors of Puri Rath Yatra have called for a museum to conserve the wooden idols of 'Sakhi' and side deities.

On Anasara Panchami, Lord Jagannath and his siblings receive Phuluri oil treatment, a traditional herbal remedy during their stay at Srimandir, Puri. This ritual aids their recovery from illness induced by the Snana Yatra's ceremonial baths.

As Rath Yatra, ‘Nabajouban Darshan’ and ‘Netra Utsav’ are falling on the same day, the SJTA has taken the decision to not allow devotees to have ‘Nabajouban Darshan’.

The Uttar Pradesh government plans to implement AI technology for efficient crowd management during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of safety, cleanliness, and convenience for this major event, which will also focus on enhancing state and national branding.

As per the timetable fixed in the Chhatisha Nijog meeting, on July 7, after Gajapatai Maharaja Dibyasingha Deba’s ‘chhera panhara’ ritual at 4 PM, the ‘charamala phita’ will be held at 4.30 PM and then the chariot pulling will begin at 5 PM. 

After the lavish bath on Snana Purnima, the deities are believed to develop a fever. Then they are taken in Anasara Pahandi to a sick room called ‘Anasara Ghara’.

According to a belief, the deities are dressed as Lord Ganesha to satisfy the followers of the Ganapatya sect.