Traditional jewelry inspired by ancient temple architecture and deities is gaining immense popularity. These designs, such as Cuttack's famous silver filigree (Tarakasi), Kasu Mala with Goddess Lakshmi motifs, and Manga Mala featuring mango-bud patterns, enhance traditional beauty. Other significant pieces include hand-carved Nakshi jewelry, Vanki (armlets) worn in South Indian weddings, and Jhumkas with decorative 'Matti' chains. These timeless pieces bridge the gap between ancient heritage and modern fashion. https://www.samayalive.in/lifestyle-news/traditional-jewelry/article-37651

The Odisha government has introduced measures to address the fertilizer shortage by promoting alternatives to DAP and Urea. Agriculture Department officials have directed district collectors to encourage the use of Complex Fertilizer and Ammonium Sulphate. Cooperative Minister Pradip Bal Samanta warned of strict action against black marketing of fertilizers. The central government will provide large quantities of Ammonium Sulphate, which helps address sulfur deficiency in the soil. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-govt-pushes-for-complex-fertilisers-and-ammonium-sulphate-as-alternatives-to-dap-and-urea-news/

During the month of Shravana, millions of Kanwariyas wear saffron-colored clothes while performing their pilgrimage to offer water to Lord Shiva. In Sanatan tradition, saffron represents sacrifice, penance, service, and devotion. It signifies the devotee's temporary detachment from worldly desires and complete surrender to God. Wearing this color is believed to enhance self-confidence and spiritual consciousness while fostering a sense of unity and discipline among the pilgrims. Devotees also follow strict rules like abstaining from alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and maintaining celibacy to make their journey successful and spiritually fruitful. https://argusnews.in/national/why-kanwariyas-wear-saffron-significance-in-sanatan-dharma

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has leveled serious allegations against the Delhi Police following a scuffle during a Parliament march. CJP claims that the police attacked a truck carrying party founder Abhijit Dipke, actor Prakash Raj, and Shabana Azmi. They alleged that protesters were beaten and police used excessive force. Conversely, the Delhi Police has dismissed these allegations as baseless and urged the public not to believe in social media rumors, maintaining that no such violence occurred. https://www.dharitri.com/cjp-accuses-delhi-police-of-assault-after-parliament-march-as-police-deny-violence-claims/

The 9th annual Rath Yatra was celebrated with grand fervor in Rhode Island, USA, at the Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Warwick. Hundreds of devotees from states like Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts gathered to participate. The rituals began with Mangala Arati and special prayers led by the chief priest. Following the traditional Chhera Pahanra by temple chairman Nagesh Kamsani, the deities were carried in a Pahandi procession to the decorated chariot. The Ratha was pulled for about one kilometer through the streets of Warwick. Cultural programs featuring Odissi and Kathak dances were organized, and Mahaprasad was distributed to the devotees in the style of Puri's Ananda Bazar. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/americas-rhodes-island-hosts-rath-yatra-12181259

A new 160.18 km coastal highway connecting Rameshwar to Paradip is set to be constructed in Odisha at a cost of ₹8,300.79 crore. Spanning across Khordha, Puri, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur districts, the project includes a 4-lane access-controlled section from Rameshwar to Konark and a 2-lane section from Konark to Paradip. Designed for speeds up to 100 km/h, it aims to reduce travel time by 2.5 hours, boosting spiritual tourism to Jagannath and Konark temples, while promoting local economy and logistics through the PM Gati Shakti initiative. https://sambad.in/state/odisha-rameswaram-paradip-coastal-highway-rs-8300-crore-project-12182649

Three BDA parks in Ward No. 15 of Bhubaneswar are facing severe maintenance issues. Parks in VIP Colony, Rental Colony, and Akshay Mohanty Park lack basic amenities like children's play equipment and yoga platforms. Residents complain about piled-up garbage, rusted gym equipment, and lack of drinking water. The BDA engineer stated that tenders have been called for improvements and sanitation work will be conducted soon. https://sambad.in/metro/bda-park-in-trouble-12182905

A protest march by the CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) towards the Parliament in New Delhi turned violent on Monday. Clashes erupted as protesters tried to break security barricades, leading police to use tear gas, lathi charge, and deploy riot control vehicles. Several people were injured, and security was tightened at Jantar Mantar and Rail Bhavan. As a precaution, five metro stations were temporarily closed, and the South Entrance of the Parliament was shut for vehicles. Protesters also alleged mobile and internet services were jammed during the protest. https://www.samayalive.in/india-abroad/tear-gas--lathicharge--scuffles--chaos-as-cjp-protesters-march-on-parliament/article-37635

Protests were held in Puri, Odisha, demanding the resignations of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and State Education Minister Nityanand Gond. The protestors, including members from CITU, Congress, and CPI, demanded the abolition of NTA, cancellation of NEP 2020, and expressed outrage over the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk. They also highlighted issues like NEET paper leaks and errors in state textbooks containing unscientific and unhistorical information. A massive rally was conducted from PKDA Square to the District Collector's office. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208091

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led a protest in Delhi demanding the restoration of full statehood for J&K. After being stopped by the police on their way to Jantar Mantar, Omar Abdullah traveled in an auto-rickshaw with his sons to continue the protest. The National Conference (NC) party has been demanding statehood since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which turned the state into two Union Territories. Omar emphasized that this protest is just the beginning of their fight for constitutional rights. https://sambad.in/india-and-beyond/demand-for-statehood-for-jammu-and-kashmir-12182400