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

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/

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/

The deities of Jagannath Temple will move to the Adapa Mandapa today evening in a ritual known as 'Goti Pahandi'. After the sandhya dhupa, the servitors will bind the Charamala for the movement. From tomorrow (Sunday), devotees can have darshan of the deities at the Janmabedi and partake in the Adapa Abhada. The police and administration have tightened security at Saradhabali for a smooth process. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/state-news/adapa-mandapa-bije-ritual-to-be-held-in-puri-at-gundicha-temple/3269953

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/

A massive protest was held by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Led by Abhijit Dipke following environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalization, protesters marched towards Parliament. Police used lathi charge and tear gas to control the crowd, leading to injuries. A viral video shows a young woman crying and pleading with female police officers, stating that violence is not a solution. Security has been tightened in the area. https://www.dharitri.com/cjp-jantar-mantar-protest-march-to-parliament-abhijeet-dipke-girl-emotional-video-viral/

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

Sunfeast Marie Light launched the 'Surya Varadan' campaign during the Puri Rath Yatra to spread awareness about Vitamin D deficiency. The initiative included on-ground interactions by 'Surya Sahayaks', free Vitamin D tests for participants, and a WhatsApp-based self-assessment tool. Brand ambassador Archita Sahu and ITC officials emphasized the importance of sunlight and fortified biscuits for daily health. https://prajuktiodisha.com/sunfeast-marie-light-surya-baradan-campaign-vitamin-d-awareness-at-puri-rath-yatra