Odisha News Today

Tehran, Sep 6: Amid mounting tensions in the Gulf, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy announced Saturday that it had struck multiple vessels — including three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and three US‑linked ships in other regions — in what it described as retaliation for American attacks on Iranian tankers earlier the same day. According to a statement published on the IRGC’s official outlet Sepah News, the tankers struck in the strait were crossing through what Iran called an “unauthorized” route. The navy warned that all vessels in the Gulf and near the Strait of Hormuz should avoid being “deceived” by the US Army or attempting suspicious movements through unauthorized passages, cautioning that such actions would result in being targeted. Also read: US Missiles Hit Iranian Oil Tanker near Kharg Island Earlier, Iran’s state ‑ run IRIB news agency reported that three Iranian oil tankers had been attacked by the US Army off the country’s southern coasts. In response, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for Iran’s main military command, the Khatam al ‑ Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a stern warning to Washington. “If the malice and insecurity against and harassment of Iranian ships, as well as the anti ‑ Iran naval blockade continue, the strikes by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran against US military vessels in the region will become more severe than before, and there is a possibility of their expansion,” Zolfaghari said in a statement carried by Iranian media. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signaled possible new military action against Iran. Speaking at the White House on Friday, Trump declared, “We may hit Pickaxe very soon,” referring to Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified site near Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility where Washington alleges Tehran has moved part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Trump attempted to downplay the confrontation, insisting it was not a war. “It’s a military conflict, but it’s very intermittent,” he said, though he has at times described it as a “war.” He added: “I call it a military conflict because it’s small potatoes for us. It’s not a big thing. I would say that it’s intermittent. You know, we do intermittent strikes. There’s a lot of truth that we’re not fighting right now. There’s no fighting.” The latest escalation follows US ‑ Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, after which Tehran restricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, barring vessels linked to the United States or Israel. In turn, US forces imposed a naval blockade targeting ships traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas, intensifying the standoff in one of the world’s most critical waterways. (IANS)

Sambalpur, Sep 5: The auspicious timing for western Odisha’s grand harvest festival Nuakhai has been finalized. Scholars and priests at the Brahmapura Temple in Sambalpur announced that the ritual will be observed on September 15 (Tuesday), during Bhadra Shukla Panchami, between 9:40 AM and 9:54 AM. During this period, the first offering of newly harvested rice, known as Nabanna , will be presented to the presiding deity Maa Samaleswari. Once the goddess receives the offering, families across western Odisha will partake in the sacred food together, marking the beginning of the celebrations. Nuakhai, one of the most significant festivals of western Odisha, symbolizes gratitude to nature and the harvest. Also read: Odisha Govt Files FIR against Andhra Contractor over Water Project Delay Traditionally, the first grains are cooked into khiri or bhog and offered to local deities such as Maa Samaleswari in Sambalpur or Maa Patneswari in Balangir. After the ritual, families gather to share the prasad, reinforcing bonds of unity. The festival also includes the custom of Nuakhai Juhar, where younger members bow to elders for blessings, and communities exchange greetings, setting aside past differences. Cultural programmes featuring traditional dances like Dalkhai, Rasarkeli, and Sajani add vibrancy to the day. Historically, Nuakhai traces its roots back to the Vedic period and continued through the Chauhan dynasty, reflecting the deep connection between people, agriculture, and the land. It remains a festival of renewal, harmony, and cultural pride for western Odisha.