Odisha News Today

Puri/Bhubaneswar, Jul 27: The nine-day Rath Yatra festival will conclude on Monday with Niladri Bije, as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra return to the sanctum sanctorum of Srimandir after completing their annual sojourn to the Gundicha Temple. The occasion is marked by one of the festival's most cherished rituals, where Lord Jagannath offers rasagola to Goddess Mahalaxmi to appease her after leaving her behind during the Yatra.Deities To Re-enter Srimandir Through PahandiThe Niladri Bije rituals will begin with the ceremonial Pahandi of the deities from their respective chariots into the temple. As per tradition, the temple's Mahajan servitors will first escort the idols of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna from the Taladhwaja chariot and Madan Mohan from the Nandighosha chariot into the shrine. Lord Sudarshan will then be carried from the Darpadalana chariot to the temple.Thereafter, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and finally Lord Jagannath will be taken into the temple in a grand Pahandi procession amid the sound of cymbals, traditional instruments and chants of devotees.Rasagola Offering To End Mahalaxmi's AngerOne of the most significant rituals of Niladri Bije unfolds at the Jaya Vijaya Dwara, where Goddess Mahalaxmi symbolically prevents Lord Jagannath from entering the temple. According to tradition, the Goddess is upset because the Lord left for Gundicha Temple along with His siblings without taking her along.To pacify her, Lord Jagannath offers rasagolas. Accepting the sweet offering, Goddess Mahalaxmi forgives the Lord and allows Him to re-enter the temple, bringing the annual Rath Yatra festivities to a close.Also Read: Puri Municipal Corporation Undertakes Massive Civic Mobilisation For Rath Yatra 2026World Rasagola Day The ritual has also become synonymous with World Rasagola Day, which is observed every year on Niladri Bije to commemorate the divine offering.In Odisha, celebrations are centred around the famous sweet shops at Pahala on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, where large crowds of customers thronged outlets since morning. Rasagolas of various varieties have been prepared for the occasion, with prices ranging from ₹5 to ₹500, catering to different tastes and preferences.The Pahala Rasagola Traders' Association has also planned special celebrations in the evening, including distribution of rasagolas among visitors, marking the occasion with festive fervour.

New Delhi, Jul 27: The Centre introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha on Monday amid intense sloganeering by the Opposition benches. Union Minister of State (MoS) Jitendra Singh introduced the Bill, as part of its legislative agenda to further strengthen the legal framework against paper leaks and examination malpractices.However, the Opposition MPs continued with the sloganeering because of which the House was adjourned till 2 p.m.Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla requested the Opposition MPs to let the proceedings run smoothly to discuss the "important" Bill, for which the "country has been waiting for a long time"."For days, you have been wanting to discuss this and today we are discussing it. Whatever suggestions you give, the government will work on implementing them. This is democracy... I urge the House to engage in discussion and debate instead of sloganeering. Do you not want to discuss?" Birla said.The chaos continued, and the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha till 2 pm.This Bill seeks to amend the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.The proposed amendment aims to enhance transparency and integrity in the examination system through stricter legal provisions while ensuring that the future of students remains fully protected. Among the key features are stringent penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to Rs 10 crore, confiscation of assets of those found guilty, and the establishment of a mechanism to ensure verdicts are delivered within three months.Also Read: NDA to Field Young MPs for Debate on Exam Bill; Nearly 10-Hour Discussion LikelyThe move follows the Union Cabinet's approval of the bill and related provisions, designed to establish fast-track courts and provide harsher punishment in cases involving paper leaks and examination fraud.The initiative comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that a comprehensive Bill containing provisions for strong action against paper leaks would be introduced in Parliament.As per the proposal, the fast-track courts will be mandated to complete trials and deliver judgments within three months, ensuring swift justice in examination-related offences.(IANS)