The Rath Yatra festival in Rairangpur concluded its second day as the deities reached the Mausi Maa temple and moved to the Adapa Mandapa. Under the supervision of chief priest Devabrata Rath Mohapatra, rituals like Surya Puja and Dwarapala Puja were performed. A significant highlight was that women exclusively pulled the chariot this year. The event saw participation from MLA Jalen Naik, local administrators, and thousands of devotees. Cultural and spiritual programs are scheduled for the next week at the temple premises. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/rairangpur-rath-yatra-day-2-chaturdha-deities-reach-mausima-temple-amid-devotee-rush-12174318

Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge staged a major protest near the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi over the NEET paper leak case. Rahul Gandhi appealed to citizens on social media to join the protest, emphasizing justice for students. During the demonstration, leaders symbolically tied their hands with cable zip ties. Police intervened, leading to scuffles and the detention of several Congress members. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also visited the site to negotiate with the protesting leaders. https://www.dharitri.com/rahul-gandhi-appealed-to-students-to-join-the-protest-outside-the-pms-residence/

Koraput Town Police raided a location between Mission Compound and Chindiri village following reports of illegal cow slaughter and meat smuggling. Two individuals, Hamid Bibi and Madhab Bhoi, were arrested while 15 others were detained. Police seized three slaughtered cows and disposed of the remains under the supervision of a magistrate and a veterinary surgeon. Two cases have been registered at the Town Police Station. https://www.dharitri.com/cow-slaughter-and-meat-trafficking-2-arrested-15-detained/

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow warning for seven districts in North and West Odisha due to an active monsoon. Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj are expected to witness heavy rainfall. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has instructed district collectors to remain vigilant and keep emergency operation centers functional 24/7 to manage potential issues like urban flooding and landslides. https://odishasambad.in/heavy-rain-to-batter-western-northern-odisha-as-imd-issues-alert-for-seven-districts/

Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra have begun in Puri as the three chariots undergo the 'Dakshina Moda' (southern turn) ritual. After the morning rituals at Gundicha Temple, the 'Ajnamala' was brought to the chariots. Following tradition, Goddess Subhadra's chariot is moved first, followed by Lord Balabhadra's and finally Lord Jagannath's chariot towards the Nakachana Gate at Sharadhabali. Servitors and blacksmiths conducted a thorough inspection of the chariots before the movement. https://www.dharitri.com/chariot-takes-a-right-turn/

Preparations for the Bahuda Yatra are in full swing in Puri. Following the Hera Panchami rituals, the important 'Dakshina Moda' (southward turn) of the three chariots is scheduled for today. After receiving the 'Ajnyamala', the chariots will be pulled from the front of the Gundicha Temple towards the Nakachana Gate. The administration has made extensive arrangements on Bada Danda, including spreading sand to ensure smooth chariot movement. This ritual marks the formal commencement of preparations for the Lord's return journey, as lakhs of devotees eagerly await the Bahuda Yatra. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/ratha-yatra/puri-gears-up-for-bahuda-yatra-as-three-chariots-take-the-south-turn/3272298

The release of Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayakan' is set for July 23 after a 6-month delay by CBFC. While Vijay previously announced this as his final film before entering politics, director H. Vinoth has sparked new speculation by suggesting it might not be his last, rather his first as a future CM. https://www.dharitri.com/south-cinema-is-jana-nayagan-not-thalapathy-vijay-last-film-director-drops-hint/

The annual Bahuda Jatra preparations have reached the final stage in Puri as the Dakshina Moda (southward turn) of the three chariots was completed at Saradhabali. Following the tradition on the sixth day of the journey, Goddess Subhadra's chariot was pulled first, followed by Taladhwaja and Nandighosa towards the Nakachana Dwara. This unique ritual involves pulling the chariots from both front and back. Large crowds of devotees gathered to witness this event as the deities prepare to return to the Ratnavedi. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/puri-bahuda-yatra-south-turn-three-chariots-2026-12185239

A political row has erupted in Odisha over the alleged stampede during the Puri Rath Yatra. The opposition BJD has blamed administrative failure and demanded a judicial inquiry along with the resignation of the Health and Law Ministers. BJD accused the government of hiding the actual death toll. However, the ruling BJP dismissed these allegations as cheap politics, highlighting the successful management of over 1.2 million devotees during the festival. https://odishasambad.in/politics-heat-up-after-rath-yatra-stamped-like-situation-bjd-demands-suspension-of-two-ministers-bjp-calls-it-low-politics/