The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for fishermen along the Odisha coast, advising them not to venture into the sea from July 24 to 27 due to rough sea conditions. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 55-60 kmph during this period. Fishermen already at sea have been asked to return to the coast immediately, and port authorities have been alerted to take necessary safety measures. https://odishasambad.in/fishermen-asked-to-stay-ashore-as-rough-sea-likely-along-odisha-coast-till-july-27/

Four poachers were arrested in the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary by the South West Wildlife Division staff after being caught on AI trailguard cameras. The enforcement team, including the Similipal Tiger Protection Force, seized two handmade guns, gunpowder, and torches from them. The accused, identified as Faguram Tudu, Ram Chandra Kisku, Ranjan Kisku, and Biswanath Hansda, were sent to jail after their bail applications were rejected. A case has been registered at the Podadiha Wildlife Range. https://sambad.in/district/mayurbhanj/4-poachers-while-making-illegal-intrusion-into-the-similipal-wildlife-sanctuary-for-hunting-of-wild-animals-are-arrested-12193084

A massive explosion occurred at a rod manufacturing factory in Cachar district, Assam, on Sunday morning. At least four laborers were killed and several others injured. The blast, suspected to be caused by a gas cylinder explosion at Ked Global Infrastructure LLP, was so powerful that it damaged parts of the factory. NDRF and local police conducted rescue operations, and the injured were moved to Silchar Medical College. The state government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. https://odishasambad.in/massive-explosion-at-rod-manufacturing-factory-in-assam-four-workers-killed/

Security forces have unearthed a major Maoist dump in the Swabhimaan Anchal of Malkangiri district, Odisha. During a joint search operation by the 177th BN BSF and District Voluntary Force (DVF) near Gumusupadar, a large quantity of explosives including 32 gelatin sticks, 11 detonators, 500g of gun powder, codex wires, and solar panels were recovered. The operation was launched following intelligence reports of Maoist activity in the region. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/mao-dumps-from-swabiman-area/article-37747

Jyotirmayee Nayak from Nilgiri, Balasore, has emerged as the winner of Indian Idol Season 16, bringing pride to Odisha. She received a trophy and a cash prize of 20 lakh rupees from Sony TV. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi congratulated her on this historic achievement. Jyotirmayee, who is also a music therapist serving cancer patients, credited her victory to them. In the final, she defeated Tanishka Shukla and Manraj Veer Singh. She expressed her dream of becoming a professional playback singer for Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt. https://www.samayalive.in/odisha-news/jyotirmayi-nayak-is-the-winner-of-indian-idol/article-37766

The Adharapana ritual of the deities on the chariots was completed on Sunday night in Puri. Nine pots of Pana were offered and subsequently broken to satisfy ethereal spirits. Following this, preparations for Niladri Bije (return to the temple) have begun for Monday. Lord Jagannath will offer Rasagola to Goddess Laxmi to appease her pride before entering the temple. The Pahandi ritual is scheduled to start at 4 PM on Monday. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/adharapana-2026-lord-jagannath-ritual-completed-niladri-bije-july-27-12199862

Odia singer Jyotirmayee Nayak, the winner of Indian Idol Season 16, received a grand welcome at Bhubaneswar airport. She won the prestigious trophy along with a 20 lakh cash prize, defeating strong contenders in the finale. She credited Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha for her success. Having sung over 1000 songs in Ollywood, her journey to this national platform was marked by determination and hard work despite initial failures. https://argusnews.in/odisha/indian-idol-winner-jyotirmayee-grand-welcome-bhubaneswar-airport

The world-famous Suna Besha of Lord Jagannath and his siblings was held in Puri on the occasion of Ashadha Shukla Ekadashi. Adorned with massive amounts of gold ornaments on their respective chariots, the deities blessed over 1.2 million devotees who gathered at Badadanda. The ritual began around 5:19 PM and continued until 11 PM, featuring intricate gold jewelry like Kirita, Sri Bhuj, and various traditional weapons. The local administration ensured disciplined darshan and tight security for the massive sea of devotees. https://odishatazanews.com/?p=208459

Niladri Bije marks the return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple in Puri. After Suna Besha and Adhara Pana, the idols are taken in a procession called Goti Pahandi to the Ratna Singhasana. A unique ritual involves a dialogue between Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Jagannath, where the Lord offers Rasagola to appease the Goddess. This is the only day Rasagola is offered to the Lord inside the temple, prepared with great purity by the Bhitarachha Mahapatra. https://www.samayalive.in/feature/niladribije/article-37781