Ghata Parab of Kotpad: A Living Tradition of Faith, Family, and Cultural Harmony

By:- Gourab  Deep in the culturally rich landscapes of Kotpad, a unique and vibrant festival known as Ghata Parab (or Ghata Jatra) continues to thrive as a powerful expression of tribal identity, spirituality, and communal harmony. Celebrated across southern Odisha, this festival is dedicated to Maa Shitala Thakurani, a revered goddess believed to protect her devotees, prevent diseases, and fulfill their wishes. Blending devotion, folklore,…

Anand Vihar Station Unveils State-of-the-Art EV Charging Hub

New Delhi is taking a significant step toward cleaner, greener transportation with the launch of a new electric vehicle (EV) charging hub at Anand Vihar Namo Bharat Station. Designed to accommodate up to 10 vehicles charging simultaneously, the hub addresses one of the growing concerns of EV owners – accessibility and convenience. The initiative is part of the city’s broader push toward sustainable mobility. Officials…

Rini Sampath Becomes First South Asian Candidate on DC Mayoral Ballot

Washington, D.C. – Rini Sampath, originally from Theni, Tamil Nadu, has become the first South Asian candidate to appear on the Democratic primary ballot for Mayor of Washington, D.C. The 31-year-old government contractor moved to the United States at the age of seven and has been a resident of Washington, D.C. for over a decade. Sampath’s campaign focuses on improving city services under the theme…

Delhi-NCR Shaken by Moderate Earthquake

Late Friday night, a moderate earthquake shook Delhi-NCR and several parts of North India, sending residents rushing out of their homes and offices in alarm. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported so far. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar confirmed that the quake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. It struck at 9:42 pm IST, with its epicenter in Afghanistan at a depth of 150 km.…

Puri Railway Station Upgrades Completed Ahead of Rath Yatra, ECoR Records Strong Freight Growth

April 4: Renovation work at Puri Railway Station is expected to be completed ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatraath festiva, ensuring improved facilities for thousands of pilgrims visiting the temple town. East Coast Railway (ECoR) General Manager Parameswar Funkwal confirmed that the main station building is complete, with platform upgrades and boundary works underway. These improvements aim to offer a comfortable and efficient experience for visitors…

IRCTC Launches Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour to Boost Pilgrimage Travel

New Delhi: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a special “Bharat–Nepal Faith Tour” aimed at strengthening cultural and religious connections between India and Nepal. The tour will run for 10 days and 9 nights, starting from April 21, 2026. It will be operated through the Bharat Gaurav Deluxe AC Tourist Train, offering यात्रियों a comfortable and organised pilgrimage experience. Pic Credit:…

New Bill Eases Rules for Citizens and MSMEs

In a significant push toward simplifying governance, the government has introduced a reform-focused Bill that seeks to decriminalise a range of minor offences and replace them with more practical, citizen-friendly provisions. The move reflects a broader effort to create a fairer and more balanced compliance system across the country. I extend my sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji for the Jan Vishwas…

Tikabali Mahotsav Concludes Successfully with Grand Celebrations

Tikabali, April 04:  The Tikabali Mahotsav 2026 has been successfully concluded under the leadership of Bulu Digal, President of the Traditional Folk Artists’ Federation.During the closing ceremony of the festival, around 25 dance groups performed. Teams including the Phulbani Nataraj Kala Mandir and several groups from Tikabali presented traditional dances, which were highly appreciated.The District Collector, Veda Bhushan, attended as the chief guest. Among the…

Goddess Maa Patakhanda Appears in Divine Lotus Flower Attire, Devotees Enthralled

Baliguda, April 04:  The fourth and final Tuesday festival of the Chaitra month dedicated to Maa Patakhanda, the presiding deity of the Baliguda region in Kandhamal district, has been successfully concluded.On this occasion, Maa Patakhanda appeared before devotees in a special “lotus flower attire” (Padma Phula Besha). As it was the last Tuesday of the Chaitra month, hundreds of devotees from across Kandhamal district as…

Awareness Camp Held on Laws for Prevention of Child Marriage to Promote Legal Literacy

Baipariguda April 04:  An awareness camp on the prevention of child marriage was organized today at Makaput Government High School under the initiative of the Legal Services Authority, Jeypore.On this occasion, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee, Koraput, Dr. B. Gayatri Devi, attended as the chief guest. Among the other guests were Chief Legal Aid Defense Counsel Pramod Kumar Dash, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel…