Odisha Government Plans Multi-Specialty Hospitals in Every District for Better Healthcare
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Odisha Government Plans Multi-Specialty Hospitals in Every District for Better Healthcare

Kotpad  1st February 2025  To accelerate healthcare services in the state, SUM Healthcare Services has initiated an extensive plan. To provide affordable and high-quality healthcare at the grassroots level, the organization will establish 50-bed multi-specialty hospitals in every district of Odisha. In this regard, a proposal submitted by SUM Healthcare to the state government has been accepted. This announcement was made during the Utkarsa Odisha Program on Wednesday.

The announcement was made in the presence of Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling and Health Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary S. Ashwini.

These hospitals will offer both primary and secondary healthcare services and will be equipped with modern diagnostic labs, dedicated geriatric care units, pharmacies, trauma care, emergency services, and physiotherapy facilities. An investment of ₹10,000 crore will be made for this initiative

Saraswati Puja to Be Celebrated at Shri Jagannath Temple on February 2
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Saraswati Puja to Be Celebrated at Shri Jagannath Temple on February 2

Kotpad 1st February 2025 There was a debate regarding the date of Saraswati Puja this year—whether it should be observed on February 2 or February 3. However, the Shri Jagannath Temple administration has resolved this uncertainty. According to Jitendra Sahu, the temple’s ritual administrator, Saraswati Puja will be conducted at the temple on February 2.

As per tradition, on the day of Saraswati Puja, three 12-foot-long Dhaura wood logs are worshipped, which will later be used for constructing the three chariots for the world-famous Rath Yatra. Prior to this decision, a calendar reconciliation meeting was held at the Shri Jagannath Temple administration office with various almanac experts. Based on the conclusions from that meeting, it has been officially confirmed that Saraswati Puja will be observed at the temple on February 2.

Bada Danda Gets Special Carpet as Authorities Prepare for Devotees Amid Scorching Heat
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Bada Danda Gets Special Carpet as Authorities Prepare for Devotees Amid Scorching Heat

Kotpad 1st February 2025 As the summer season approaches, devotees visiting the Jagannath Temple often face extreme heat while standing in long queues for darshan. The intense heat causes discomfort and inconvenience. To mitigate these issues before the summer begins, the Shri Jagannath Temple and district administration have started extensive preparations to protect devotees from the scorching heat.

To prevent devotees’ feet from burning due to the extreme heat, carpets will be laid from Bada Danda (Grand Road) to the temple entrance. Additionally, arrangements will be made for shade, drinking water, fans, and water sprinkling on devotees. Information centers will also be set up at all four gates of the temple to assist devotees. Currently, only one information center is available at Singhadwara (Lion Gate), causing difficulties for devotees. Hence, three additional centers will be established at the other gates.

The Puri District Collector, Siddharth Shankar Swain, stated:

“Devotees should not face any inconvenience due to the summer heat. This year, several measures will be taken, including laying carpets, water sprinkling, shade arrangements, fans, and drinking water facilities. Discussions have been held on strengthening the sound system and setting up information boards at all four temple gates.”

The Puri District Collector also responded to the viral video incident inside the temple. He emphasized:

“Bringing mobile phones inside the Shri Jagannath Temple is strictly prohibited. Any individual violating this rule will face strict action. A police case has been registered regarding the viral video of the temple’s inner sanctum, and an investigation is underway. Anyone found involved will face severe consequences. Awareness campaigns are being conducted around the temple premises to remind visitors not to carry mobile phones inside.”

Exploring Prayagraj? Here’s a Guide to the Best Local Delicacies You Must Try
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Exploring Prayagraj? Here’s a Guide to the Best Local Delicacies You Must Try

Kotpad 1st February 2025  Millions of people gather at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela.  The crowd is increasing day by day. The holy confluence of three sacred rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—is present here, known as Triveni Sangam. This city is also famous for its food and beverages. Over the decades, some dishes served here have gained immense popularity. If you plan to visit Prayagraj, you must try its special delicacies.

Must-Try Food in Prayagraj:

1. Samosa:
Samosa is a must-try dish in Prayagraj. It is stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes and served with chickpeas (chole). It is often accompanied by curd, tamarind chutney, onions, coriander, and sev, making it one of the best street foods in the city.

2. Raja Ram Lassi:
This place is famous for its thick and creamy lassi. It is so rich and smooth that it feels like drinking butter. With various flavors available, once you taste this lassi, you might forget all others.

3. Netaram Mulchand & Sons’ Kachori Sabzi:
The kachoris here are round, soft, and crispy, served with delicious and spicy sabzi. These kachoris are so flavorful that describing them in words is difficult.

4. Kachori from Netaram Mulchand & Sons:
These kachoris are stuffed with spiced lentils (harad dal) and deep-fried to perfection. They are served with a tangy and spicy chutney, making the taste extraordinary. The specialty of this shop is that all kachoris are fried in pure desi ghee, enhancing their flavor and richness.

5. Masala Churmura in Civil Lines:
You can find masala churmura in every street and corner of Prayagraj. This snack resembles Kolkata’s jhalmuri but has a unique twist with chickpeas, peanuts, and chat masala, giving it a distinctive taste.

6. Hira Halwai’s Gulab Jamun:
Hira Halwai is a well-known sweet shop in Prayagraj, famous for its gulab jamuns. Made from fresh khoya (thickened milk), these gulab jamuns are extremely soft and soaked in sugar syrup. They are also garnished with almonds, adding an extra touch of richness and flavor.

If you ever visit Prayagraj, these food specialties should definitely be on your list!

Farmers of Shundhigudaguda Stage Protest Over Canal Irrigation Issues
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Farmers of Shundhigudaguda Stage Protest Over Canal Irrigation Issues

Kotpad 1st February 2025 After the completion of Kharif cultivation, farmers are now preparing for Rabi farming, which requires water. However, the main issue they face is the lack of adequate water supply through the canal. Although water was released from the canal on January 6, its maintenance remains a distant dream. Farmers had faced similar difficulties two years ago, receiving no assistance or support at that time. They had to solve their water issues on their own, as the canal authorities provided no help.

This year, too, even though water was released into the canal on January 6, about 800 meters of the canal remains blocked due to accumulated soil, weeds, and debris, preventing water from reaching the farmlands of Shundhiguda. Despite repeated complaints from farmers of Batasana Panchayat to the canal authorities, no action has been taken. Even attempts to contact officials over the phone have gone unanswered.

Frustrated with the inaction, farmers took matters into their own hands and cleaned 800 meters of the blocked canal themselves. Even while doing so, they continued trying to reach canal authorities over the phone, but still received no response.

Now, the farmers have warned that if they are not compensated for their labor, they will protest on the main roads and intensify their agitation. This warning has been communicated through the media, highlighting their demand for immediate action. Translate in English

Complaint Lodged with BDO Over Discrepancies in Millet Distribution
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Complaint Lodged with BDO Over Discrepancies in Millet Distribution

Kotpad  1st February 2025  Beneficiaries from 13 villages under Kusumi Panchayat in Kotpad, Koraput district, have lodged a complaint with the local Block Development Officer (BDO) regarding the non-distribution of Mandia (Millet). The state government had announced that each ration card-holding family would receive rice along with 60 kg of Mandia. However, beneficiaries from Semiliguda, Bandaguda, and Kuagaon villages in Kusumi Panchayat have reported that they have not received their allotted Mandia.

Despite repeated complaints to the PDS officer and supply assistant, the beneficiaries claim they are still waiting for the distribution. Officials have allegedly responded that the supply of Mandia is insufficient and that it would be distributed once it arrives, but this has been the case for the past three months. Since rural communities heavily rely on Mandia during drought periods, the delay has caused significant hardship.

As a result, beneficiaries from the three villages collectively submitted a written complaint to local BDO Vikram Dora. The BDO assured them that the shortfall in Mandia supply is the reason for the delay and promised an investigation into the matter. He assured the beneficiaries that the distribution would be carried out once the issue is resolved.

However, village representatives such as Labakusha Dora, Choyatan Harijan, Gupta Gauda, Sadashiva Bhumia, Mukta Dora, Lakshmi Raut, and Bishwanath Gauda have stated in their written complaint to the Jeypore Sub-Collector and District Collector that if the Mandia is not received within the next 15 days, they will stage a protest in front of the Panchayat office.

Government Extends Ration Card e-KYC Deadline by 15 Days for Beneficiary Convenience
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Government Extends Ration Card e-KYC Deadline by 15 Days for Beneficiary Convenience

Kotpad  1st February 2025  The state government has extended the deadline for ration card e-KYC until February 15. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra announced this decision during a review meeting in Bhawanipatna as part of his visit to Kalahandi. The minister stated that the extension was granted because some beneficiaries were unable to complete the process due to various reasons. Previously, the deadline was set for January 31.

Extended Time for Beneficiaries Unable to Update e-KYC: Minister

In several areas, the lack of mobile towers has led to internet connectivity issues, making it difficult for many beneficiaries to complete their e-KYC. During the review meeting, District Supply Officer Pabitra Sahu informed the minister about this problem. Following the meeting, Minister Patra told the media, “The e-KYC deadline has been extended by 15 days. The process will now continue until February 15. Those who have not yet completed it should do so within this period. This extension was made considering network issues.”

The minister further stated, *”So far, 39 lakh beneficiaries in the state have not updated their e-KYC. As of January 29, a total of 2 crore 96 lakh 97 thousand 332 beneficiaries have completed the e-KYC update. Among them, 2 crore 95 lakh 64 thousand 954 beneficiaries are residing within the state, while 1 lakh 32 thousand 378 beneficiaries are outside Odisha. As of January 29,

Puri Ready for Mahaprabhu’s Padma Besha Celebration as Preparations Conclude
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Puri Ready for Mahaprabhu’s Padma Besha Celebration as Preparations Conclude

Kotpad  1st February 2025 In a phased manner, Mahaprabhu will give darshan to devotees in the Padma Besha (Lotus Attire) on the upcoming Saturday. Under the supervision of the Badachhata Math, the traditional temple artisans, after observing the sacred food (Havishanna), have devotedly engaged in the preparation of the Padma Besha. On the night of February 1st (Saturday), Mahaprabhu will be adorned in this rare Padma Besha as part of the Bada Singhara Besha.

According to legend, Mahaprabhu Jagannath had once appeared in this attire before Saint Manohar Das prior to Bhadra Shukla Shree Panchami. Following this tradition, the rare Padma Besha will be performed at the Shree Jagannath Temple on Saturday, February 1st.

Under the guidance of the Badachhata Math, the temple’s traditional artisans are meticulously engaged in creating this sacred attire. The preparation for the Padma Besha began from Purnima (Full Moon day). Materials like sola, zari, jambuara, kaitha wood, bamboo, cane, and various types of beads are used to craft the attire. Skilled tailors and painters are also involved in this intricate process. The required sola is collected, cut, and layered together to form the lotus-shaped facial adornment of Mahaprabhu. Various elements like hand-shaped lotus carvings, swans, garlands, the throne, tree decorations, and other intricate designs are now reaching their final stages, as per the temple artisans.

Vesakar Basanta Kumar Rana stated, “According to legend, in the 12th century, Saint Manohar Das, during winter, collected lotus flowers from a pond in his garment and brought them as an offering to Mahaprabhu. However, by the time he reached the temple, the flowers had withered, and the temple priests turned him away. Heartbroken, he collapsed unconscious near the Badachhata Math. That night, Gajapati Maharaja received divine instructions from Mahaprabhu in a dream, commanding that the lotus flowers brought by the devoted saint be used for adorning Him. Following this divine order, Mahaprabhu was decorated with the Padma Besha using the flowers brought by Manohar Das. In remembrance of this event, the Padma Besha tradition continues annually. Since then, under the direction of the Gajapati Maharaja, the Badachhata Math has been responsible for providing the required materials for this sacred attire each year.”

On the upcoming Saturday, devotees will have the divine darshan of Mahaprabhu in the Padma Besha. At night, Mahaprabhu will be adorned in the Bada Singhara Besha, incorporating the exquisite Padma Besha.