Author: BIBHUTI PATTNAYAK

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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 Remember Organised 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…

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…

The Jagannatha Rath Yatra, a cornerstone of Hindu festivals, unfolded with unparalleled fervour across the United Kingdom this year, uniting devotees in celebration and spiritual devotion. From London to historic cities like Bath, Aylesbury, Manchester, and Cambridge, the festival showcased a vibrant tapestry of culture, community spirit, and religious reverence. London’s Vibrant Tribute to Lord Jagannatha In Southall, London, the Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK) orchestrated a spectacular celebration on Sunday, 7th July 2024, coinciding with the auspicious Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi. The event, held at The Featherstone High School, drew over 600 devotees, who gathered to honour Lord…

In a dramatic political shift, Sir Keir Starmer has been appointed the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking a historic victory for the Labour Party. This transition followed Labour’s overwhelming win in the general election, which saw the party achieve its best results since Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide. After a tumultuous morning, Sir Keir Starmer and his wife, Victoria, were photographed outside 10 Downing Street, the iconic residence of the Prime Minister. The couple paused for pictures, radiating confidence and hope as they embarked on this new chapter in British politics. Election Day Recap: A Whirlwind of Political…

London, June 29, 2024 – The capital city of the United Kingdom witnessed a colourful and lively celebration of Raja Festival, an essential Odia festival marking the onset of the agricultural season and celebrating womanhood. Organised by OCAL UK, this 16th annual event brought together the Odia diaspora from across the UK, transforming a distant locale into a vibrant hub of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. The event, held at a school premise in London, was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Sumant Mansingh and Partha Sarathi Panda from the Odia Society UK (OSUK), as well as Dr. Sahadev Swain from the…

Bridgetown, June 29, 2024 — In a pulsating encounter at Kensington Oval, India triumphed over South Africa by seven runs to claim their second T20 World Cup title. The dramatic finale saw Virat Kohli’s masterful 76 setting up India’s competitive 176-7, a total that just held off South Africa’s spirited chase. India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Despite a rocky start, where they found themselves at 34-3, Kohli’s composed and skilful innings turned the tide. His 54-ball effort, laced with precision and poise, steered India to a total that looked formidable in…