Latest news with #OdiaSamaj
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Time of India
Bahuda Yatra celebrated in Tanzania
Rourkela: The Odia Samaj of Tanzania celebrated Bahuda Yatra, the return car festival of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra, with traditional fervour in Dar es Salaam Sunday. India's high commissioner to Tanzania, Biswajit Dey, performed the 'chhera pahanra'. The ornately-decorated chariot carrying the deities was pulled from Swaminarayan temple on Pramukha Swami Street to Lord Jagannath temple on India Street, accompanied by devotees singing devotional songs. "With the blessings of the deities and support of our Tanzanian friends, we've recreated the magic of Puri right here in Dar es Salaam," said Bijaya Kumar Sahu, president of Odia Samaj Tanzania. The celebration featured Odissi dance performances, devotional music, and traditional Odia cuisine, including 'poda pitha' served as prasad. Devotees dressed in traditional attire added to the festive ambience. "The high commissioner's presence not only brought us immense joy but also highlighted the strong spiritual and cultural ties between India and Tanzania," Sahu added. The Odia Samaj has been organising Rath Yatra in Dar es Salaam since 2015. This year's Rath Yatra was celebrated on June 29.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
For first time, wooden chariot to be used in Rath Yatra this year
1 2 3 Nagpur: For the first time a fully custom-crafted wooden chariot based on the famous Puri-style Jagannath Rath will be used for Rath Yatra to be held at Shri Jagannath Mandir in Rameshwari on June 27. The sacred spirit of Jagannath devotion is set to come alive as the Odia Samaj Nagpur gears up for a grand celebration of the festival from June 26 to July 8, promising a rich blend of tradition, devotion, and cultural vibrancy. This year's celebration carries a special significance, as for the first time, the revered deities — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra — will ride a completely wooden chariot, inspired by the iconic 'Rath' of Puri, Odisha. "This chariot is a labour of love and tradition, entirely made of wood, reflecting the grandeur of the original design," said Bhabani Prasad Mishra, president of Odia Samaj, addressing a press conference. General secretary Ganesh Das added, "The spiritual journey will commence on June 26 with the Netroutsav or Nava Youvana Darshan, symbolising the rejuvenated appearance of Lord Jagannath after 14 days of ritual seclusion during 'anasara'." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo On June 27, following the ceremonial 'Pahandi Bije', the Ratha Yatra will begin at 11.30am from Shri Jagannath Mandir, Rameshwari. The wooden chariot will traverse the surrounding localities and return to the temple premises, where mahaprasad will be graciously served to devotees. Adding devotional depth, the ISKCON Kirtan Mandali will accompany the procession with soul-stirring chants. As dusk settles, a majestic maha aarti will be held at 7pm, followed by a spirited live performance by Aaraadhya Dhol Tasha Dhwaj Pathak. The celebration will continue with sacred rituals such as Hera Panchami (July 1), Bahuda Yatra (July 5), Suna Besh (Golden Attire) on July 6, and culminate with Niladri Bije on July 8. Supplementing the rituals, a vibrant cultural calendar will feature traditional dances, devotional songs, and a captivating 'nrityanatika' by the Samaj's ladies wing, dramatising the divine tale of Mata Laxmi's Contravention. With over 5,000 devotees expected to participate, elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure the spiritual fulfilment and comfort of all attendees. Also present in the press conference were Odia Samaj vice-president BB Panda, cultural head Chinmay Patra, puja committee head Akshay Kumar Nayak, and mahaprasad incharge Prabhat Barik.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Puri-style wooden chariot to roll during Rath Yatra in city
Nagpur: The city is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of the annual Rath Yatra as over 10,000 devotees, including a large number from the Odia community, prepare to participate in the grand event this year. For the first time, the yatra will feature a fully wooden chariot modelled after the traditional Rath used in Puri. "This year's Rath Yatra is truly special. We have prepared a chariot entirely out of wood, inspired by the original in Puri," said Bhawani Prasad Mishra, president of Odia Samaj Nagpur. "To ensure authenticity, a team was sent to Rajamunda near Rourkela to scout suitable wood (ratha katha), which was then transported to Puri. After performing special rituals, the chariot is being fabricated in Puri and is scheduled to arrive in Nagpur on June 18," said Ganesh Das, secretary. In city, the festivities are being organised by Shri Jagannath Mandir, Odia Samaj, Rameshwari and ISKCON among others. Celebrations will begin on June 11 with the sacred 'Deva Snana Purnima', a ceremonial bathing of deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. "In the evening, the Lord will appear in Gajanan Besha (elephant attire)," said Debashish Mohanty and BB Panda, vice-presidents of Odia Samaj. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Following the ritual, the deities will enter 'Anasara Kala', a 14-day period of rest, ending with Nava Youvana Darshan on June 26. The grand Rath Yatra will roll out on June 27 from Shri Jagannath Mandir, Rameshwari, where around 5,000 devotees are expected to take part. On June 28, ISKCON will host its Rath Yatra, expecting around 5,000 devotees. "Lord Jagannath comes out to bless all. The event will feature a 350-member bike rally and offering of 56 bhog," said ISKCON's Shyamsundar Sharma. The celebrations will conclude on July 8 with Bahuda Yatra.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Odias living in Indonesia, Bahrain, Australia celebrate Utkal Divas
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Children from Odia families living in Jakarta performed at the Utkal Divas function organised by Indonesia Odia Samaj recently. The event was held at a deferred date to accommodate all working professionals. The programme started with Shreya Agasti, a Class X student, presenting the history of Odisha's formation. It was followed by dance performances by Shanaya Behera and Angela Dhar, piano recital by Shrehaan Dhar, Vani Thakur chanting 'Vishnu Sahasranama', a fashion show by children and dance presented by women of Odia Samaj and Bengaluru-based danseuse Rajasmita Kar. "We wanted the children to take the lead role so that they learn about our culture and pass it on to future generations," said Subhashree Tripathy, a core committee member of the samaj. "The members practised their parts for the last two to three months," she added. Indian ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, was the chief guest at the event. "People from West Bengal, Bihar and Karnataka residing in Indonesia also attended," said Saroj Kumar Mohanty, president of the samaj. The ambassador and other invitees were presented with pattachitra paintings made by Tripathy. In Bahrain, Utkal Divas was celebrated as Odia Asmita Utsav to promote Odia identity and culture globally. Organised by the Bahrain Odia Samaj , it showcased the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Has Honda Done It Again? The New Honda CR-V is Finally Here. TheFactualist Undo The event featured cultural performances, Odia cuisine and attire. Dancers from Odisha performed Odissi, Sambalpuri and Ranapa dances. The samaj's mouthpiece, 'Bahrain Utkalika', was unveiled by the guests. Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik and Guru Saswat Joshi were honoured with the Odia Asmita Samman and Odia Asmita Nritya Kala Samman, respectively. Indian ambassador to Bahrain, Vinod K Jacob, and founder of the samaj, Arun Kumar Praharaj, were present. Odias living in Australia hosted a three-day biennial Kalinga Utsav at the Point Walters Recreation Centre in Perth. It witnessed the gathering of more than 120 Odias along with their family members from all Australian states. Apart from the cultural programme, Odia cuisine and a cricket match were the other big attractions. The Orioz magazine, 'Smaranika Kalinga Utsav-2025', was released on the occasion.
