Illegal sand mining and smuggling in 10 districts of Western Odisha are causing significant revenue losses to the state government. While these districts generate an annual revenue of approximately 20 crore rupees, intellectuals believe it could be much higher if illegal activities were curbed. Currently, 629 out of 1077 sand quarries are functional. Sambalpur district leads in revenue collection with 7.5 crore rupees annually, followed by Sundargarh and Kalahandi. https://sambad.in/state/annual-revenue-from-balighat-is-rs-20-crores-12182867

The Odisha government has changed the names of 28 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state to align with the revised geographical names of districts and cities. The Skill Development and Technical Education Department issued a notification making the new names effective immediately. All official documents, student certificates, and admission records will now use the updated names to ensure uniformity in government records. This decision follows the Revenue and Disaster Management Department's revised naming list and will soon be published in the Odisha Gazette. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-renames-28-government-itis-changes-come-into-immediate-effect/

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

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/

Yoga has gained immense popularity in nearly 191 countries worldwide, continuing a 6,000-year-old Indian tradition. Baba Ramdev has played a pivotal role in making yoga and pranayama accessible to common people, transforming it into a global movement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also encouraged citizens to adopt yoga. Today, Baba Ramdev is recognized not just as a monk but as a leading global promoter of Indian yoga culture, inspiring millions to lead a healthy lifestyle. https://sambad.in/video/baba-ramdev-from-a-poor-family-to-a-global-guru-12062871

The article describes the 'Dakshina Moda' ritual of the Rath Yatra in Puri, where the three chariots are turned towards the Nakachana Gate of the Gundicha Temple for the return journey. Unlike the forward-only movement during Rath Yatra, the chariots are pulled from both front and back during this ritual. Traditionally, Goddess Subhadra's chariot is pulled first. The ritual has deep spiritual significance linked to Goddess Mahalaxmi's visit on Hera Panchami. Modern improvements to the roads have simplified this process, which was historically assisted by elephants. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/today-is-the-right-turn-of-the-chariot-12182866

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/

Jharsuguda district in Odisha is facing a severe environmental crisis as its forest cover has depleted to 14.87%, far below the required 33%. Rapid industrialization and coal mining over the last three decades are the primary causes. Reports indicate that 42% of forest land has been diverted for industrial use in the last 20 years. The upcoming three new coal blocks in Lakhanpur block threaten to further destroy the remaining greenery, including areas near the famous Koilighughar shrine, sparking deep concern among environmentalists. https://sambad.in/state/time-honored-industrial-journey-to-jharsuguda-12182874

Devotees gathered in large numbers at the Maa Tarini temple in Koira to celebrate the Bipada Tarini Brata. Linked to Jagannath culture, this ritual is observed on the Tuesday falling between Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra. Women perform this fast seeking protection from dangers and for the well-being and prosperity of their families. Significant crowds were also seen at Ghatgaon Tarini temple and various other Shakti Peethas. https://sambad.in/district/sundargarh/incredible-crowd-of-devotees-during-maa-tarinis-fast-in-koida-12184180

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