Ratha Yatra was celebrated with great fervor in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi district despite heavy rainfall. Thousands of devotees gathered at various locations including Gopinathpur and Mahulpatna to pull the chariots. The event, which has historical roots dating back to the local monarchy, was conducted peacefully under the supervision of the local administration and police. Specialized units from the fire and electricity departments were on high alert to ensure safety during the festival. https://www.dharitri.com/gorgeous-rath-yatra-in-thuamul-rampur-block-chariot-pulled-by-devotees-despite-heavy-rain/

The Odia film 'Lahari' has been named the Best Odia Feature Film at the 72nd National Film Awards for 2024. Directed by Amartya Bhattacharyya and produced by Jhillik Bhattacharjee under the Jhillik Motion Pictures banner, the film explores the dynamics of father-son relationships, social core values, and the impact of eco-tourism on rural development. It previously gained international acclaim at film festivals in Kolkata and Melbourne. The movie features an ensemble cast including Choudhury Jayaprakash Das and Dipanwit Dashmohapatra, with music by Kisaloy Roy. https://www.dharitri.com/lahari-is-the-best-odia-feature-film/

The inventory of ornaments used on the deities of Puri Jagannath Temple will be conducted today as per the government-approved SOP. The counting, which was suspended since May 23, includes ornaments removed during Snana Purnima. Simultaneously, thousands of devotees have gathered at Gundicha Temple for 'Adapa Darshan,' with the public viewing scheduled to begin after 10 AM following the completion of temple rituals. https://argusnews.in/odisha/puri-srimandir-ratna-ganati-lord-jagannath-ornaments-sop

The world-famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple follows a unique tradition where no small bell is kept in the main sanctum. According to legends, Lord Venkateswara gifted the temple's divine bell to a childless couple in a dream to swallow, leading to the birth of the great Vaishnava saint Vedanta Desika, who is considered an incarnation of the bell. Since that miraculous event, no bell has been kept in the sanctum. Vedanta Desika went on to become a legendary scholar and pillar of Vaishnavism, authoring significant works like Hayagreeva Stotram and Paduka Sahasram. https://www.dharitri.com/why-is-there-no-bell-in-the-tirumala-garbhagriha/

The deities of Puri Jagannath Temple have reached the Adapa Mandapa (birthplace) inside the Gundicha Temple through the 'Goti Pahandi' ritual. After the Rath Yatra procession, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra entered the temple by 10:40 PM on Saturday. Devotees will be allowed to have the 'Adapa Mandapa Darshan' starting Sunday. Security has been tightened in Puri for the large influx of devotees expected at the Gundicha Temple. https://sambad.in/rathajatra/jagannath-adapa-mandap-gundicha-temple-rath-yatra-2026-12177345

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Zee Entertainment MD Punit Goenka expressed mutual appreciation for their long-term partnership to promote football in India. Zee will broadcast 39 FIFA competitions, including the 2027 Women's World Cup and Youth World Cups. The collaboration aims to make football a year-round celebration in India through public screenings in cinemas and restaurants, fostering the game's growth and nurturing the dream of seeing the Indian team on the FIFA World Cup stage. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/sports/fifa-president-applauds-zee-for-transforming-football-culture-in-india/3270866

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico's Puerto Madero at a depth of 10 km, triggering a tsunami warning for coastal areas within a 300 km radius. While no casualties were reported, residents fled their homes in panic. The tremors were also felt in Guatemala and El Salvador, causing cracks in buildings. Experts attribute the seismic activity to the movement of four major tectonic plates beneath Mexico, located in the geologically active Ring of Fire. https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/zeeodisha/national-international/earthquake-in-mexico-know-details-here/3269929

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 Odisha government has introduced measures to address the fertilizer shortage by promoting alternatives to DAP and Urea. Agriculture Department officials have directed district collectors to encourage the use of Complex Fertilizer and Ammonium Sulphate. Cooperative Minister Pradip Bal Samanta warned of strict action against black marketing of fertilizers. The central government will provide large quantities of Ammonium Sulphate, which helps address sulfur deficiency in the soil. https://odishasambad.in/odisha-govt-pushes-for-complex-fertilisers-and-ammonium-sulphate-as-alternatives-to-dap-and-urea-news/