Devotees Gather in Puri for Sacred Sandhya Darshan Ahead of Lord Jagannath’s Return Journey

Puri, July 22 (UDN): Thousands of devotees are preparing to gather at the Gundicha Temple in Puri for the sacred Sandhya Darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra as the deities’ nine-day stay at their aunt’s abode nears completion. The special darshan holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the final opportunity for devotees to seek blessings of the Holy Trinity at the…

Newly Constructed Road Caves In After Heavy Rain in Cuttack, Residents Allege Poor Construction Quality

Cuttack, July 23 (UDN): A newly constructed stretch of road at Nuapada-Khapuria in Cuttack caved in on Thursday following heavy rainfall, disrupting traffic and triggering allegations of substandard construction. The incident occurred after incessant rain lashed the city, causing a section of the recently completed road to collapse. Authorities immediately cordoned off the affected area, suspended vehicular movement, and diverted traffic to ensure public safety.…

Odisha Government Boosts Employee Benefits with 5 pc DA Increase, Arrears to Follow

Bhubaneswar, July 23 (UDN): The Odisha government has announced a 5 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, offering financial relief to thousands of employees and pensioners across the state. The decision, approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, will raise the total DA from 257 per cent to 262 per cent. The revised allowance will come into effect retrospectively from…

Unsung Heroes of Rath Yatra: Puri Sanitation Teams Keep Bada Danda Spotless for Millions of Devotees

Puri, July 23 (UDN): While millions of devotees gathered in Puri to witness the world-famous Rath Yatra, an equally remarkable effort unfolded behind the scenes as sanitation workers of the Puri Municipality (PMC) worked tirelessly to keep the Grand Road (Bada Danda) clean and hygienic throughout the festival. Behind every clean stretch of Bada Danda is the relentless efforts of Team PMC @puriulb . Working…

Ranchi’s Jagannath Temple Celebrates Rath Yatra with Rare 335-Year-Old ‘Mauri Dan’ Ritual

Ranchi, July 23: A rare and centuries-old cultural tradition continues to flourish at the historic Jagannathpur Jagannath Temple in Ranchi, where devotees observe the unique ‘Mauri Dan’ ritual during the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. The 335-year-old tradition involves newly married couples offering the groom’s ceremonial wedding headgear, known as ‘Mauri’, to Lord Jagannath as an expression of devotion and a prayer for marital happiness, family…

Malkangiri Man Held for Allegedly Threatening Electricity Worker with Gun Over ₹140 Power Bill

Malkangiri, July 23 (UDN): A routine electricity bill collection drive took a dramatic turn in Odisha’s Malkangiri district after an electricity department employee was allegedly threatened at gunpoint over an outstanding ₹140 power bill, leading to the arrest of the accused and the seizure of suspected illegal firearms. The incident occurred at Nilimariguda village under the jurisdiction of Malkangiri Police Station, where the electricity worker…

India’s Fencing Stars Break New Ground at Senior World Championships

July 23: Indian fencers Taniksha Khatri and Prachi Beniwal have scripted a historic moment for Indian fencing by securing qualification for the main draw of the Senior World Fencing Championships. The Indian duo delivered impressive performances in the qualifying rounds, overcoming strong international competition to earn their spots in the prestigious tournament. Their achievement marks a significant milestone for the sport in India and reflects…

India Gears Up to Host FISU World University Squash Championship in Mumbai from August 3

Mumbai, July 23: India is set to welcome university-level squash talent from across the world as Mumbai prepares to host the FISU World University Squash Championship from August 3. The international championship will bring together top university athletes competing for honours on a global platform, showcasing skill, determination, and the growing popularity of squash among young sports enthusiasts. The hosting of the prestigious event marks…

Durand Cup Excitement Builds in Kolkata as Historic Trophies Unveiled Ahead of Tournament Opener

Kolkata, July 23: Football enthusiasm has reached a high in Kolkata as the prestigious Durand Cup trophies were showcased in the city ahead of the tournament’s commencement on July 25. The display of the iconic Durand Cup, President’s Cup, and Shimla Trophy marked the final phase of the trophy tour and celebrated the rich legacy of one of India’s oldest and most prestigious football tournaments.…

India Showcases 2030 Commonwealth Games Vision as Glasgow Edition Begins with 74 Nations

July 23: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya participated in the Commonwealth Sports Ministers’ Meet and discussed India’s preparedness and vision for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. During the meeting, Mandaviya highlighted India’s growing sports infrastructure, commitment to athlete development, and readiness to deliver a world-class sporting event. The discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation, improving sporting facilities, and…