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…

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…

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…

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…

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 – The Odisha Society of the United Kingdom (OSUK) proudly announces its official registration as a Community Interest Company (CIC), making it the only formally registered organisation under the name Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) in the UK. This important milestone comes after over four decades of dedicated service to the Odia diaspora. Along with this achievement, OSUK is launching a series of new initiatives to strengthen community engagement and promote Odia culture throughout the UK. For more than 40 years, OSUK has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Odia culture while providing critical aid…

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…