News from Puri

Puri district is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Situated along the coast of Bay of Bengal in the state of Odisha. Puri is also known as Jagannath Puri. It is considered as one “Dhaam” among four holy “Dhaam” in India. The holy script of the Skanda Purana describes Puri as the resting place of Lord Vishnu. Apart from this Puri district is famous for its golden sea beach and black pagoda or sun temple of Konark. The famous heritage art village Raghurajpur is in this district, where artisans paint world famous Pattachitra painting. Puri Khaja, Khechuudi, Dalma has its own special flavor.

Puri Srimandir
Boulder falls off Puri Srimandir, damages roof of a temple

After the incident, the Srimandir Commander collected the boulder and informed the ASI authorities. Baraha temple is situated in front of the Bimala temple at the south of the main temple.

Scam alleged in Rs 1.60 crore spent on Puri Srimandir barricades 
Scam alleged in Rs 1.60 crore spent on Puri Srimandir barricades 

If the reply to RTI queries made by an activist is anything to go by, the Public Works department, Puri spent crores of rupees for just erecting temporary barricades. 

CCTV Grab of Man Fleeing with Cash, Jewellery & Other Items
Miscreants loot cash, gifts, jewellery from marriage reception party in Puri

At the end of the party, the groom’s family collected all the gifts and kept them in a bag. But they left the bag unattended for some time. After returning, they found the bag missing.

Puri Srimandir security intensified following entry of 'non-Hindus' 
Puri Srimandir security intensified following entry of 'non-Hindus' 

The alleged entry of non-Hindus into Puri Srimandir has acted as a wake-up call for the temple administration as security has been beefed up at the Singhadwar. 

Four ‘Bangladeshis’ enter Puri Srimandir; nine detained by police
Four ‘Bangladeshis’ enter Puri Srimandir; nine detained by police

Additional Superintendent of Police, Puri, Sushil Mishra said, “We received complaints that some people of other religion entered the temple. We have detained the people who entered the temple. We are verifying their documents and looking into the matter.  One of the detainees is a Hindu.”

Sidharth Routray's Poster Torn In Nimapara
Congress MLA Suresh Routray’s son Sidharth points finger at BJD after office ransacked in Puri

As per reports, Sidhharth had recently set up an office at Nimapara in Puri from where he is aspiring to contest the Assembly elections this year.

Netherlands National Robbed In Puri
Robbed of valuables by cabby, foreign tourist stuck in Puri for a month

The tourist has been identified as Anthony Van Arkel. Rendered penniless by the theft, he has been staying at the Niladri Nilay shelter since then.

Lalitendu or Upasana? Who will be BJP's pick for Brahmagiri seat? 
Lalitendu or Upasana? Who will be BJP's pick for Brahmagiri seat? 

As for rival Dasburma's chances of contesting from the Bramhagiri seat, Upasana said, “We are hardly concerned about whoever comes or goes out or whoever is in front of us. We are looking after our organisation and want to work for our people. We are born in Bramhagiri and will stay in this soil.”

Emar Mutt Excavation Site
Emar Mutt excavation: Unsolved questions persist over clay pots found at site; Odisha govt mum

It has been alleged that the pots found during excavation of the site did not concern the officials who shifted the soil to another place. Reportedly, construction of Sri Jagannath Reception Centre (SJRC) and Raghunandan Library is underway near the age-old and now razed, Emar Mutt.

Emar Mutt
Is there hidden treasure underneath Emar Mutt in Puri? Construction near site stokes resentment

The people in the know opposed the construction alleging non-discloser of GPS mapping report which was undertaken to ascertain any possible hidden treasure underneath the Emar Mutt site.

No major threat to Puri Atharanala Bridge: ASI
No major threat to Puri Atharanala Bridge: ASI

In a major relief to historians and monument lovers, the superintendent engineer of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday scotched the fear of the historical Atharanala bridge having any major crack. 

Railway Level-Crossing At Matiapada, Puri
RoB at Puri’s Matiapada to be a reality soon, land acquisition finished

As per reports, the required land acquisition has already been completed. The contractor is now working towards constructing the drainage system following which electric poles will be shifted paving the way for the service road on both sides of the proposed bridge.

ASI to start repair of Nata Mandap’s cracked beam from tomorrow
ASI to start repair of Nata Mandap’s cracked beam from tomorrow

ASI superintendent DB Garnaik said, “The conservation work of the Srimandir Nata Mandap has already been started. Many components of its conservation work like roof-tightening and leak plugging have been completed. The only work left is the repair of the cracked beam.”   

Puri Srimandir
Lord Jagannath darshan in Puri Srimandir an uphill task for Divyangs!

As per reports, the divyangs can only get up to the Singhadwara of Srimandir. But in the absence of a ramp, they cannot go inside the Temple on a wheelchair. In some rare cases, their attendants, if they have any, carry them into the Temple. But it is easier said than done given the huge rush on almost every day of the week.

Bring Your Own Film Festival kicks off at Puri Beach
Bring Your Own Film Festival kicks off at Puri Beach

The 21st edition of the five-day-long Bring Your Own Film Festival kicked off at Chakratirtha Road sea beach in Puri on Wednesday. Organised in collaboration with OTT platform Tarang Plus, the film festival is themed on Sun, Sand, and Screen.  

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