The curious case of a submerged idol of Narayan Goswami deity in Odisha's Jajpur is ridden with intriguing events from the state's medieval history. The idol was submerged in a temple's pond in 1569 to protect it from an invading army commanded by an estranged Hindu general who converted to Islam in order to marry a Muslim princess. On every Odia new year ever since, the idol has been taken out of the pond for worship and submerged back — a ritual that hadn't been observed for the last two years due to restrictions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to know more about the historical origins of the ritual.

The 10-day long Bali Jatra is considered an integral part of the socio-cultural identity of the eastern state. It also provides an opportunity to the artisans of the state to promote their traditional crafts.

For the past two years, the Jagannath Yatra in Odisha had been a low-key affair as the general public was not allowed to participate in the grand event in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with no restrictions on the event this year, the festivities began today with the riveting pomp and show for which the Jagannath Yatra is known for. Details here.

Kalalandi was once known as the land of starvation deaths. For the past couple of years, UNICEF, along with a local NGO KARRTABYA, has been promoting nutrition rich atkel, made with finger millet and molasses, among tribal inhabitants of the district in Odisha. Results are promising.

Early heatwaves this year have had an adverse impact on a variety of major crops such as wheat, peppermint, and mango. With an aim to assist and counsel the distressed farmers, a mobile phone application has been launched. It seeks to help farmers by providing the technical know-how which is expected to help them make informed decisions. Read on to know more.

Two years after finding it unsustainable to pursue their traditional singing, about 150 Kendara singers in Odisha are now back to wandering in the villages, humming songs while playing their cherished musical instrument which dates back to the 12th century. State government’s efforts to include these artists in the craft festivals and the ongoing festive season has brought cheers to the wanderer-singer community. Details here.

A research project in Odisha is working on the possibility of promoting wild yams commercially. These tubers grow in abundance in the state’s tribal areas and are high in nutrition.

A teacher in a village government school in Nuapada, Odisha has been regularly donating blood for the past 30 years. He has participated in more than 400 blood donation camps and organises awareness drives for blood donation.

Women from the Kondh tribal community in Kandhamal, Odisha have been trained to make laddus from the mahua flowers that has enhanced their livelihood. The state government plans to introduce these nutritious laddus in anganwadis and tribal residential schools.

Age is no deterrent to Banabihari Das, the 84-year-old teacher in Odisha, who continues to impart education at the same village school after retirement in 1999, free of cost. The octogenarian said that he plans to teach till he turns 100!