Author: BIBHUTI PATTNAYAK

Oxford, UK — November 15, 2024 – The Oxford Hindu Society (HumSoc) has expressed strong condemnation over the Oxford Union’s decision to invite speakers allegedly involved in anti-Hindu rhetoric and linked to organizations associated with Hindu genocide and terrorism. The society’s letter to the Oxford Union highlights concerns about platforming individuals they claim promote hatred and violence against Hindu communities.The controversy stems from a debate scheduled on November 14, 2024, where the Oxford Union invited Ms. Naz Shah, MP, Mr. Khwaja Asif, Mr. Zafar Khan of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), and Mr. Muzzamil Ayyub Thakur of the Justice…

London, 04/11/2024: Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Parvati Parida, alongside Bexley Mayor Councillor Sue Gower MBE JP, inaugurated the new Odia restaurant, Chillika, in Bexleyheath, London. The event marked a significant cultural occasion, drawing an enthusiastic crowd from the Odia diaspora and other Indian communities, all eager to connect with Odisha’s first female Deputy Chief Minister. The inauguration was attended by dignitaries, including Councillor Rags Sandhu of Bexley Council, Councillor Avtar Sandhu from Dartford Council and Kent County Council, and UK-based entrepreneur Arun Kar.The ceremony opened with the lighting of the traditional lamp, followed by the soulful rendition of Bande…

Bath, October 20, 2024 – The Shree Jagannatha Temple in Bath, in association with the Bath Hindu Community, observed the sacred Karwa Chauth Vrat and performed several traditional Hindu rituals on Sunday, 20th October 2024. Devotees and their families gathered at the temple from 5:30 pm onwards to participate in the religious proceedings, which included the Puja, Satya Narayana Katha, Karwa Chauth Katha, Damodar Puja, Bhajan, and distribution of Prasad.The Kartik month, revered as the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is known for its spiritual significance, with the moon believed to be at its full power. During this…

The Kalinga Parivaar brought the essence of Odisha to Reading on 19th October 2024, as they celebrated Kumar Purnima in a grand and joyous fashion. The festival, significant in Odia culture, saw over 200 people from various parts of the UK gather at Basildon Village Hall in Upper Basildon to partake in the festivities. Kumar Purnima, traditionally celebrated by unmarried girls and married women in Odisha, is a festival of hope and prosperity, where prayers are offered to the full moon for a bright future.This year’s celebration in Reading was a colorful blend of traditional rituals, cultural performances, and heartfelt…

Bath, October 15, 2024 — Shree Jagannatha Temple in the city of Bath, in collaboration with the Bath Hindu Community, celebrated Durga Puja 2024 with grandeur, bringing devotees and families together for a series of traditional and spiritually enriching events. The festivities, which began on October 3rd and continued through October 12th, featured vibrant rituals, traditional dances, and the iconic Dussehra celebration.About Navratri and Dussehra:Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a Hindu festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day, honours the triumph of good over evil, as symbolized by Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.Navratri…

London, UK – October 14, 2024: The Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK), a prominent registered charity with a mission to establish London as a hub for Jagannatha Culture in Europe, has officially ended its association with Finnest Group. The group had initially pledged a substantial sum of £25 million (approx. Rs. 250 crores) towards the construction of the Shree Jagannatha Mandir London, a project aimed at building a grand temple dedicated to Lord Jagannatha in the UK capital by 2024.In January 2023, the Finnest Group publicly committed to this significant financial contribution. However, despite a formal announcement in May 2023…

Orpington, October 15, 2024 — The UTSAB community hosted a grand three-day Durga Puja celebration in Sanderson Hall, Orpington, from 11th to 13th October, drawing around 2,000 participants from across Kent and London. The event was a magnificent display of cultural unity, bringing together people from diverse communities to celebrate the auspicious festival with devotion, joy, and solidarity.The celebration featured a wide range of cultural performances, with both children and adults showcasing their talents. Notable performers included Shree Chakraborty, Rupankar Majumdar, Debanshi Chatterjee, Adwiti Tripathy Pattnayak, Aadya Rajwanshi, Shreyanvi Roy, Tanya Roy, Ridan Asher Roy, Raktim Roy, Maria Roy, Aishani…

Mumbai, October 10, 2024 — The final rites of Ratan Tata, one of India’s most respected industrialists and philanthropists, were performed with full state honours at the Worli crematorium on Thursday evening. Tata, who passed away on October 9 at the age of 86, leaves behind a monumental legacy that spans industries, communities, and countries.Tata’s body, adorned with white flowers, was taken from his residence to the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai, where hundreds gathered to pay their last respects. Among those present were his family members, including his half-brother Noel Tata, and top Tata Group…

The Bigjalebi Diwali Charity Ball, held on Sunday, 6th October at Oakley House, Bromley, was an extraordinary event that united communities, showcased cultural vibrancy, and raised substantial funds for charity. Running from 5 PM to 11 PM, the celebration brought together people from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Diwali—unity, joy, and generosity.A Night to RememberOrganised by Sumeet Jalan and Ritu Jalan, the event was a tremendous success, raised fund for three charitable organisations: Madlani Cancer Support, The MumMum Foundation, and Yoga Mission. These charities, which work in both the UK and India, focus on critical…

London, UK – Bharatiya Janata Party’s significant victories in both the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections in Odisha resonated in the UK, where the Odia community enthusiastically joined the OFBJP UK Odisha Chapter’s celebration at Deja Vu Restaurant, London. With BJD’s 24-year rule in Odisha ending, the Odia diaspora in the UK is optimistic about the development opportunities under the new BJP government.The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the singing of “Bande Utkala Janani,” an Odia song that celebrates Odisha’s rich cultural and historical heritage, embracing the pride of being an Odia. This was…