Latest news with #LordJagannath
New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Dedicated to realise PM Modi's vision of Viksit Odisha, says CM Mohan Charan Majhi
This afternoon, the beloved prime minister of the country, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, arrives in Odisha. On behalf of four-and-half crore Odias, I extend a heartfelt welcome to him on this sacred land of Lord Jagannath. This visit holds a special significance - Modi Ji completes 11 years of dedicated service as the prime minister of India, while I complete my first year as the chief minister of Odisha. In the past year alone, Modi Ji has visited Odisha five times. With today's visit, it becomes his sixth visit since the formation of the double-engine government in the state. Remarkably, Prime Minister Modi has visited Odisha more times than the total visits of all previous prime ministers combined. His frequent visit to Odisha signifies his unique sense of devotion to Lord Jagannath and love for Odisha. During the last one year, I have not only been fortunate to meet him on several occasions, but also experienced his vision for the accelerated economic growth of Odisha. Being involved in social and political activities since my childhood, my concern always remains to make people's lives qualitative, happy and prosperous. I tried to reflect people's aspirations in various capacities – as an RSS member, a teacher in the Saraswati Shishu Mandir, a sarpanch, an MLA and an Opposition leader in the state Assembly. In the two-and-half decades, since I came to the Assembly as an MLA in 2000 and became chief minister in 2024, I have dedicated myself to public service by keeping my personal life aside. Now, I bear the responsibility of leading Odisha's development. My journey of over three decades - built on experience, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to public welfare - has shaped my vision. Above all, the BJP's development model and prime minister's leadership have inspired me with new resolutions. On this path, I am not alone - 4.5 crore Odias walk with me. Modi Ji's governance model - Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas - guides our mission. Today, in the gracious presence of Modi Ji, discussion is being held on the development activities undertaken in Odisha in last one year and the Vision 2036 and 2047. I take this opportunity to reiterate our resolve to facilitate that the benefits of development reach the common Odia families, especially women, farmers, youth and the poor, by making them successful in a time-bound manner.
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
4L devotees to gather as Iskcon Temple chariots roll
Bhubaneswar: With Rath Yatra around the corner, preparations are in full swing at the Iskcon Temple in Nayapalli area of Bhubaneswar. Chariot makers, including skilled artisans from Ganjam, are busy crafting the three wooden chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra with intricate carvings and mythological motifs. Each chariot will be meticulously decorated with vibrant fabrics, garlands and traditional artwork narrating stories from the Jagannath lore. This year, the temple authorities estimated that over 4 lakh devotees are likely to stand on the route from the shrine in Nayapalli to the Mausi Ma Temple at Unit VIII, as the three chariots traverse the NH-16 amid tightened security measures and traffic diversions. "When Iskcon decided to construct a temple in Bhubaneswar in the 1980s, founder Prabhupada Maharaj asked Gour Govind Swami, head in Odisha, to place idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra in one of the three altars. Gurudev believed that the deities would come to the temple on their own. Surprisingly, a devotee in Old Town area constructed three idols of the deities for a temple in his home. But Lord Jagannath came in his dreams and told him about the newly constructed temple where he wanted to be worshipped with His siblings. Since then, unflinching faith and devotion to the deities have been guiding us," said Upendra Mishra Das, co-president of Iskcon Temple. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo During the initial days, the idols used to be kept on a bus and pulled to a temporary Mausi Ma temple, which had to be erected in open fields in nearby areas. Later, only the Mausi Ma Temple of Iskcon was constructed in Unit VIII area in 2000. "Divine intervention of Lord Jagannath has always guided us. Since pulling the chariots along the NH-16 is not allowed, the chariots crossed the road at CRP Square, from where deities were pulled to the Mausi Ma temple amid a sea of devotees," said Kashinath Pandit Das, vice-president-cum-treasurer of the Iskcon Temple. The Iskcon Temple has become a powerful social and cultural symbol for the city by attracting many foreign devotees. "The festival is about more than just pulling chariots. It is about togetherness, rituals and the joy of participating in something bigger than oneself," said Banamali Jagannath Das, chairman of the festival committee. To ensure safety and crowd management, the temple administration works closely with traffic police and local administration, deploying hundreds of volunteers across strategic points. "Besides, fire personnel and officials of BMC, drainage, health and other line departments work in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of Rath Yatra," said Radhakanta Das, chief coordinator of the festival committee.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Children lead the way in Old Town's Badhei Banka
1 2 Bhubaneswar: What began as a childhood initiative in the narrow lanes of Bada Danda Sahi in Badhei Banka area in Old Town has now blossomed into a major cultural and religious event. A group of children built a small chariot and pulled it through the bylanes of Badhei Banka 18 years ago, inspired by the Rath Yatra in Puri. The humble initiative has now transformed into the Badhei Banka Rath Yatra, featuring a 21-ft-high chariot and drawing a huge gathering from across the city. The annual festival, entirely led and organised by children and youth of the locality, showcases not just devotion but a strong sense of community spirit. From constructing the chariot to observing rituals and pulling it down the Rath Road, children take the centre stage in every aspect of the festival. "When we were in Class V, we made a small wooden chariot and went around the neighbourhood. After a couple of years, elders noticed our procession and helped us to improve by increasing the size of the chariot and following the rituals with sincerity and devotion. They helped us in bringing it from bylanes to the Bada Danda," said 27-year-old Shakti Prasad Sahu, one of the founding members. Fellow organiser Sushil Praharaj said, "For the last several years, we never faced any major challenge. The entire community stands with us. From our elders to small kids, everyone participates, and that's what makes our Rath Yatra special." What makes the celebration unique is the year-long involvement of children. Starting from collecting funds to painting the chariots and performing rituals, children take an active role in all works. The idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are kept at the local Bhagabata Tungi, where they are worshipped daily by the children. They also observe important festivals of Lord Jagannath. The children strictly follow rituals and maintain dietary discipline during the nine-day Rath Yatra. "We all quit non-vegetarian food and maintain a sattvik lifestyle during the festival. We feel proud to carry on the tradition," said Priyanshu Sahoo, aged 13. The Rath Yatra also celebrates Odisha's rich folk traditions. Cultural programmes including banati, sankhua, mardala, ghanta, badi khela, traditional dances and other performances are held as part of the festivities. "Many say children are only interested in mobile phones and video games. But our Rath Yatra shows how spirituality and tradition are deeply rooted among the younger generation. In the process, the youngsters are grooming the next generation of devotees and cultural custodians," said Jitendra Kumar Patra, a resident and parent.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ranarnab Deb, brother of Puri King Dibyasingha Deb, dies at 67; last rites with royal honours
BHUBANESWAR: Puri's royal family mourns as Ranarnab Deb, the younger sibling of King Dibyasingha Deb, passed away at age 67 following a prolonged illness. Family sources confirmed his passing at about 12.30 am between Sunday and Monday at a private medical facility in Puri. The last rites will be performed in Puri with full royal ceremonial honours. A senior Shree Jagannath Temple Administration official stated, "His demise will not affect his elder brother's 'seva puja' during Rath Yatra on June 27." Many dignitaries expressed their grief at Deb's passing. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi shared on 'X': "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the Thata Raja of Puri, Ranarnab Deb. My condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant them patience and strength in this hour of unbearable grief. I pray at the feet of Lord Jagannath for the peace and solace of the departed soul."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Puri King's brother Ranarnab Deb passes away at 67
BHUBANESWAR: Puri's royal family mourns as Ranarnab Deb, the younger sibling of King Dibyasingha Deb, passed away at age 67 following a prolonged illness. Family sources confirmed his passing at about 12.30 am between Sunday and Monday at a private medical facility in Puri. The last rites will be performed in Puri with full royal ceremonial honours. A senior Shree Jagannath Temple Administration official stated, "His demise will not affect his elder brother's 'seva puja' during Rath Yatra on June 27." Many dignitaries expressed their grief at Deb's passing. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi shared on 'X': "I am deeply saddened to hear about the demise of the Thata Raja of Puri, Ranarnab Deb. My condolences to the bereaved family. May Lord Jagannath grant them patience and strength in this hour of unbearable grief. I pray at the feet of Lord Jagannath for the peace and solace of the departed soul."
