Ratna Bhandar Inventorization From New Year: Law Minister Harichandan

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan Friday said inventorization of the ornaments and pearls of Puri Shreemandir's Ratna Bhandar will begin on New Year i.e. January 1, 2025.

Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan Friday said inventorization of the ornaments and pearls of Puri Shreemandir's Ratna Bhandar will begin on New Year i.e. January 1, 2025.

The Minister said primary inspection revealed that there was no secret chamber or underground room inside the Ratna Bhandar (Treasure Trove). However, cracks have been marked on the walls of the Ratna Bhandar, he said.

The Minister said the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) would start repairing the cracks soon after the holy month of Kartika is over.

"A heavy rush of devotees is being witnessed inside the Shreemandir each day during the current Kartika month. After the holy month is over, the ASI would start repairing the cracks in the inner Ratna Bhandar," said Harichandan.

He said the ASI is expected to take one month to repair the cracks.

"Inventorization of Ornaments of Ratna Vandar will begin fron the New Year. The list preparted ealier will be compiled with the list to be prepared afresh. The report will be published in seven days," said the Law Minister.
It may be noted that the State government has constituted a committee to oversee the Ratna Bhandar repair work and weighing and listing ornaments. The process started during Rath Yatra is still in progress.

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Australian PM Celebrates Diwali, Bandi Chhor Divas In Sydney

by Hemanta Pande

Sydney, Nov 1: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday visited the Sydney Murugan Temple along with Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton to celebrate Diwali with the country's Hindu community.

Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

Fantastic to join with the Tamil Australian community at the Sydney Murugan Temple today.

The temple draws in people from all walks of life every day, and has become a sanctuary for Western Sydney's South Asian Hindu… pic.twitter.com/sY1eoRRngs — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) November 1, 2024

"Deepavali celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Fantastic to join with the Tamil Australian community at the Sydney Murugan Temple today. The temple draws in people from all walks of life every day, and has become a sanctuary for Western Sydney's South Asian Hindu community," Albanese posted on X.

Later, he also visited Gurdwara Sahib in the Sydney suburb of Glenwood on the occasion of Bandi Chhor Divas.

"Wonderful to celebrate at Gurdwara Sahib Glenwood today and open the newly expanded kitchen, serving thousands of people every week," Albanese stated while posting photographs of him wearing a turban during the visit.

On Thursday, while extending his Diwali wishes, Albanese said that the festival of lights is an "extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture" that inspires Australians from all walks of life.

"This annual festival of joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society," Albanese stated in his Diwali greetings.

"With its celebration of the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, it affirms the ideals that inspire Australians from all walks of life. The rituals and traditions of Diwali are in every way an expression of community, culture and heritage. It's a moment to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the shared inheritance of centuries of tradition," he added.

The Australian PM emphasised that the festival of lights, joy, hope and togetherness is an extraordinarily beautiful celebration of faith and culture - one embraced by Australia's diverse and vibrant society.

"As families and friends gather in homes, parks, temples and community centres across our nation, may the glowing lights of this cherished festival bring you peace and joy. To everyone who celebrates, I wish you a wonderful Diwali," he mentioned.

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India, Pakistan Border Troops Exchange Diwali Sweets Near Jaisalmer

by Hemanta Pande

Jaipur, Nov 1: Indian and Pakistani troops posted on the border exchanged sweets on the occasion of Diwali near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, continuing the tradition of greeting each other on the festival and displaying the flag of peace, an official said on Friday.

Border Security Force officials gave sweets to Pakistani Rangers and the Pakistan Ranger also greeted them by saying “Happy Diwali” and offering sweets.

The exchange of sweets and greeting took place near the Zero line, said the official.

The BSF jawans posted in the desert area under the Rajasthan Frontier celebrated the festival of lights by giving the message of unity and security to the countrymen and lighted diyas at forward posts of the border and distributing sweets.

Women jawans also made rangoli, adding to the celebratory Diwali atmosphere on the border.

In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had celebrated Diwali with soldiers here. He flew to Longewala Post in Rajasthan and rode on a tank during his visit.

PM Modi continued his tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces this year as well and spent time with soldiers at Lakki Nala in Gujarat's Sir Creek on Thursday.

Extending his wishes, he lauded the commitment and dedication of soldiers stationed at the challenging border area.

"On this sacred land near Sir Creek, it is my privilege to celebrate Diwali with you. When I celebrate with you, the joy of Diwali multiplies. This Diwali is special as Lord Ram has finally returned to his temple in Ayodhya," he said, noting the symbolism of this year's festival.

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude on behalf of India's 140 crore citizens, recognising the courage of the soldiers defending the nation in extreme conditions.

"You serve in regions where temperatures drop below zero in the mountains and where searing heat and desert storms test your resilience. Your dedication shines like steel, intimidating any enemy who attempts to challenge us," he said. (IANS)

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Top American Leadership Extends Greetings For Diwali

by Pabitra Mohan Senapaty

Washington DC, Nov 1: As Diwali celebrations continue across the world, leaders from the top brass of the American polity expressed their heartfelt greetings towards the South Asian community which celebrates this festival with fervor.

Through personal messages and official posts on X (formerly Twitter), the leaders conveyed their wishes, underscoring the international significance of this revered Indian festival.

American Vice President Kamala Harris on X shared how the Vice President's Residence lit up to celebrate Diwali. She shared on X, "In celebration of Diwali, we illuminated the Vice President's Residence and remember to see the light in our world, in each other, and in ourselves".

Harris had also participated in Diwali celebrations with the members of the Indian-American community.

Kamala Harris is the daughter of Shyamala Gopalan who was an Indian immigrant scientist in the US and worked extensively in the field of cancer studies.

Tim Walz, who is running as the Vice-President candidate for the upcoming US Elections, also took part in the Diwali celebrations in the country.

In his post on X, he said, "Honored to light a diya today to celebrate Diwali and recognize the many contributions South Asians have made to our nation".

He added, "Diwali is a reminder that light always triumphs over darkness. I'm inspired by the love, community, and joy I felt today".

"Happy Diwali to everyone! You can feel the sense of community here. You can feel the sense of love". He said to the Indian American community.

On these days of light over darkness, I hope you all find peace, find the calm", Walz said in the video message shared on the social media platform, X, where he interacted with the Indian American community for the Diwali celebrations.

On X, Foreign Secretary Anthony Blinken said, "Diwali is more than just a festival; it's a powerful reminder of the values we all cherish: patience, togetherness, kindness, and unity".
He noted in the post, "To all who celebrate, all over the world, and with us here in the U.S., I wish you a Diwali filled with joy, peace, and prosperity".

Anthony Blinken is the top diplomat of the US who is currently serving as the 71st United States Secretary of State.
Wishes have been pouring in from people across the world for the celebration of the festival of Diwali. (ANI)

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Ratna Bhandar Inventorization From New Year: Law Minister Harichandan

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