Monalisa Patsani

child marriage

Urgent Need for Stronger Action as Child Marriages Persist in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Despite various government efforts, child marriage continues to be a pressing issue in Odisha, with over 8,100 cases reported in the past six years. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, speaking in the Assembly on February 15, revealed that the highest number of cases were recorded in tribal-dominated districts, where girls’ school dropout rates are…

Read More

ASI Resumes Excavation at Ratnagiri Buddhist Site After 63 Years

Bhubaneswar: The ancient Buddhist site of Ratnagiri in Odisha’s Jajpur district is once again under the archaeological spotlight. Known for its stunning ruins, intricate sculptures of Lord Buddha, and expansive monastic complexes, the site has long drawn the admiration of historians and visitors alike. After a gap of 63 years, the Archaeological Survey of India…

Read More

Diwali in Odisha: Honoring Ancestors with the Tradition of Badabadua Daka

Bhubaneswar: While Diwali is celebrated across India with the joy of lighting lamps, bursting crackers, and sharing sweets, in Odisha, the festival carries an added layer of spiritual significance through the ancient ritual of Badabadua Daka, a tribute to ancestors observed by every Odia household. Badabadua Daka is a heartfelt reminder of the enduring connection…

Read More

Mangrove Forests of Bhitarkanika Act as Natural Shield Against Cyclone Dana’s Fury

Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Dana, which made landfall between Odisha’s Kendrapada district’s Bhitarkanika National Park and Bhadrak’s Dhamra on the midnight of October 24, saw its impact significantly reduced in Bhitarkanika thanks to the dense cover of mangrove forests in the area. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Dana struck with wind speeds ranging from 100 to…

Read More

Bhubaneswar’s Oldest Bookstore, Modern Book Depot, Closes After Lease Dispute

Bhubaneswar: The shutters of Modern Book Depot, Bhubaneswar’s oldest and most cherished bookstore, have come down permanently. Located in the bustling Master Canteen area, this iconic bookstore had been a beloved destination for book lovers, intellectuals, and politicians for over five decades. However, after a rent agreement expired on July 31, the store’s fate was…

Read More

Odia Classic ‘Maya Miriga’ Restored and Set for Screening at Il Cinema Ritrovato

Bhubaneswar: The illustrious Odia film ‘Maya Miriga’ (1983), directed by the revered filmmaker Nirad Mohapatra, is poised to captivate audiences once more with its restored version, premiering at the prestigious Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna on June 27. This screening will be introduced by Sandeep Mohapatra, son of Nirad Mohapatra, alongside Film Heritage Foundation (FHF)…

Read More