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

Top Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge held a massive protest outside the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi. The protest was sparked by the NEET paper leak scandal and the subsequent police lathi-charge on students. Protesters demanded the resignation of PM Narendra Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Senior leader K.C. Venugopal was seen protesting by lying on the road outside Lok Kalyan Marg as leaders raised slogans against the government. https://www.dharitri.com/cjp-protest-rahul-gandhi-priyanka-gandhi-march-against-lathicharge-on-students-outside-pm-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 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

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 Badagrahi and Daitapati servitors of Lord Jagannath have clarified the reasons for removing the 'Tahia' (decorative headgear) during the Pahandi ritual in Puri. Due to heavy rain, the Tahia made of solapith and flowers became extremely heavy, causing the deity to remain stationary for 45 minutes. To ensure the safety of the servitors from the bamboo sticks and to protect the Lord's idol from rain by using a 'Gilapa' (raincoat), the Tahia was removed. Senior servitors stated that this was not a violation of tradition but a necessary step for safety and smooth conduct of the rituals. https://www.dharitri.com/opened-tahia-badagrahi-said-since-the-mahaprabhu-did-not-move-for-45-minutes/

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 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