Odisha Gears Up for ‘Subhadra Shakti Samavesh’; Deputy CM Reviews Statewide Preparations

Bhubaneswar, June 17 (UDN): Odisha has intensified preparations for the upcoming ‘Subhadra Shakti Samavesh’, a major state-wide initiative aimed at empowering women and strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs). To ensure the successful organization of the programme across all districts, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday conducted a comprehensive virtual review meeting with district-level officials and field functionaries. During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister reviewed…

Basumati Snana: Odisha’s Sacred Ritual of Rebirth, Rest, and Reverence for Mother Earth

June 17: In Odisha’s rich cultural calendar, Basumati Snana stands out as a deeply symbolic and spiritually grounded ritual that concludes the vibrant Raja Parba festival. It is not merely a ceremonial tradition, but a poetic expression of how an agrarian society once understood the Earth—as a living, breathing mother who deserves rest, respect, and renewal. Observed on the fourth day of Raja, Basumati Snana marks…

First Indian to Win Russian Grand Sand Master Cup, Sudarsan Pattnaik Felicitated in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, June 17: Renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik was felicitated by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, in recognition of his outstanding international achievement. Pic Credit: https://x.com/DrHariBabuK Pattnaik was honoured for winning the prestigious Russian Grand Sand Master Cup 2026 at the II International Festival of Sand Sculpture held in Kaliningrad. With this accomplishment, he…

“An Evening of Sweet Melodies” Musical Program Enthralls Audience in Nayagarh with Captivating Performances and Cultural Harmony

Nayagarh, June 17:  On the occasion of its 19th annual celebration, Art Point organized a musical program titled “An Evening of Sweet Melodies” at the local Journalists’ Bhavan in Nayagarh. The event was inaugurated in the presence of chief guest Harish Pradhan, a noted lyricist, while Pradeep Prakash Acharya attended as the inaugurator and Dr. Gitanjali Mahapatra graced the occasion as the guest of honor.…

Two Members Nominated to Jayapur Airport Advisory Committee to Strengthen Stakeholder Participation and Airport Development Efforts

Jayapur  June 17:: Two distinguished individuals have been nominated to the Advisory Committee of Jayapur  Airport. According to a recommendation issued by the office of the Koraput Member of Parliament under reference number MP/KOR/18/443, the names were proposed for inclusion in the committee. Under the social background category, Sanjay Kumar Jain, a resident of Bell Road,Jayapur , has been nominated. Under the political background category,…

Mukesh Ambani Donates Rs 10 Crore During Visit to Badrinath and Kedarnath Shrines, Offering Prayers at the Sacred Himalayan Temples

Badrinath, June 17:  Industrialist Mukesh Ambani visited the sacred shrines of Badrinath Temple and Kedarnath Temple, where he offered prayers and performed religious rituals. Mukesh Ambani first arrived at Badrinath Dham in the morning and sought the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal. He later traveled to Kedarnath, where he prayed before Lord Kedarnath and paid his respects at the holy shrine. Following his visit to…

BCPPER Initiative Charts a New Roadmap for Smart, Sustainable, and Inclusive Urban Development Across the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Region

Cuttack, June 17:  Under the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) initiative, a comprehensive and forward-looking urban development framework is being designed with a strong emphasis on smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. The vision aims to transform the region into a modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible urban corridor that can effectively meet the challenges of rapid urbanization while ensuring a high quality of life for its residents.…

Innovative Initiative by Madhya Pradesh Administration: Blood Donors to Receive VIP Darshan Facility at the Renowned Omkareshwar Temple

Madhya Pradesh , June 17:  To encourage voluntary blood donation, the administration has launched a unique scheme under which blood donors will be given the privilege of VIP darshan at the renowned Omkareshwar Temple. Healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 are eligible to donate blood under this initiative. The scheme has not only helped address the shortage of blood in blood banks…

CT Admission Sees Overwhelming Response as Applications Reach Twelve Times the Number of Available Seats

Bhubaneswar, June 17: A notification has been issued for admissions into the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed.), commonly known as the CT (Certified Teacher) course. Applications will be accepted until June 18. With only four days left before the deadline, applications have already reached 12 times the number of available seats. Notably, the number of male applicants is nearly three times higher than that of…

Pahili Raja Celebrated with Great Enthusiasm Across Various Areas of Baipariguda Amid Traditional Festivities and Cultural Activities

Baipariguda June 17:: Raja is one of Odisha’s most important traditional festivals. The festival is celebrated over three days. The day before Raja Sankranti is observed as Pahili Raja, the second day as Raja Sankranti, and the third day as Bhumi Daha (Bhumi Dahana). During Raja, households prepare traditional delicacies such as pitha and pana, while swings are set up for enjoyment. Young girls and…