Roll out a hundred Jagannath Dhams
First, it was the Great Rasagola-Roshogolla Spat. Now it's the 'Goddamn, there's another Jagannath Dham !' tussle. The two sparring parties are the same – Odisha and West Bengal. As is wont with legacy institutions not taking kindly to upstart crows, this time, too, Odisha, where the Jagannath Temple has been standing in the coastal town of Puri since the 12th c., is miffed after Bengal's new Jagannath Temple has come up at the seaside resort of Digha since April 30, 2025. One would have thought that Odisha would have been chuffed that Bengal turned to Puri for inspiration to spread the lord's word. But it turns out now that quite like rasagola-roshogolla, the epithet of 'dham' (abode) can be applied only to four sacred places: Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Puri. Somehow, Delhi's Akshardham missed the memo.
The quarrel, of course, is over more mortal things: religious tourists. It's as if when a Wendy's outlet opens in the 'hood, legacy McDonald's is supposed to get riled up. But guys, guys, guys. Places of worship are also part of competitive capitalism. One more branch of Jagannath Dham® should be good news, no? After all, if Big J is, as divinity, omnipresent, it should stand to reason that he has many dhams. In fact, setting up a Jagannath St-Tropez and a Jagannath KwaZulu-Natal should be the next logical step in J-walking.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Step Into Adventure: Agoda's Guide to Asia's Top Cities to Explore on Foot
SINGAPORE, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda invites travelers to lace up their walking shoes and discover the charm of Asia's most stroll-worthy cities. From cobblestone streets to scenic riversides, Agoda's list of Asia's top cities to explore on foot celebrates destinations where pedestrian-friendly streets, compact layouts, and clusters of attractions make walking the ideal way to experience the local culture. Walking through a city is more than just a way to get around. It's a journey of discovery that engages all five senses. Whether it's the aroma of street food wafting through the air, the chatter in bustling markets, or the intricate details of historic architecture, exploring on foot allows travelers to experience the rhythm of daily life, discover hidden corners, and fully engage with their surroundings. Agoda has rounded up seven destinations across Asia where walking isn't just an option—it's the best way to experience the heart and soul of the city: 1. Hanoi, Vietnam: A Stroll Through Time in the Old Quarter Hanoi's Old Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow streets brimming with history and culture. French colonial architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant street markets create a dynamic backdrop for exploration. The area's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to wander and discover local delicacies like Pho and Bánh mì from street vendors. The Old Quarter's charm lies in its ability to surprise, with hidden cafés, serene pagodas, and bustling markets around every corner. 2. Kurashiki, Japan: Canal-Side Serenity in Okayama Prefecture Kurashiki's Bikan Historical Quarter in Okayama Prefecture is a compact, flat area that is a dream come true for those who love leisurely strolls. The picturesque canals lined with weeping willows and traditional white-walled kura (storehouses) create a tranquil atmosphere. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Ohara Museum of Art, while shoppers can browse handmade crafts. Walking through Kurashiki feels like stepping into a postcard, with every corner offering a picture-perfect view. 3. Chiang Khan, Thailand: Riverside Charm in Loei Province Nestled along the Mekong River, Chiang Khan is a quaint town located in northeastern Thailand that's best explored on foot. Its famous pedestrian-friendly walking street, Chai Khong Road, is a car-free stretch lined with well-preserved wooden shophouses, cozy guesthouses, quirky cafés, and local boutiques. In the evenings, it transforms into a lively night market with street food, handicrafts, and live music. Visitors can also experience the serene Buddhist ritual of giving alms to monks at dawn, a photogenic and peaceful tradition. Don't forget to catch the sunrise over the Mekong for a truly magical experience. 4. Melaka, Malaysia: A Fusion of Cultures in a UNESCO-Listed Old Town Melaka Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that's compact, flat, and ideal for a walking tour. The city's rich history as a trading port is reflected in its diverse architecture, from Dutch colonial buildings to Chinese shophouses. Attractions, museums, cafés, and shops are clustered together, making it easy to wander on foot. Jonker Street and the surrounding heritage area are car-free on weekends, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience. Shaded walkways, riverside promenades, and historical sites add to the charm of this culturally rich destination. 5. Pondicherry, India: A French Connection Pondicherry's French Quarter is a walker's paradise, with its grid-like street layout, pastel-colored colonial buildings, and tree-lined avenues. The seaside promenade, Goubert Avenue, is closed to vehicles in the evenings and early mornings, offering a peaceful space for pedestrians to stroll or relax by the sea with views of the Bay of Bengal. The city's relaxed vibe, with less traffic and noise compared to many Indian cities, makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy exploring on foot. 6. Gyeongju, South Korea: A Walk Through History Known as "the museum without walls," Gyeongju's historic city center is a treasure trove of historical sites, making it perfect for walking. The main attractions, including Tumuli Park, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyeongju National Museum, and Woljeonggyo Bridge, are all within walking distance of each other. The city's well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian zones, and scenic walking paths make it easy to explore on foot at a leisurely pace. 7. Taipei, Taiwan: The Emerging "15-Minute City" Cited by The Economist as an emerging "15-minute city," Taipei offers wide sidewalks, clear signage, and shaded boulevards for the perfect city adventure, complete with an efficient MRT system that connects walkable hubs seamlessly. Highlights include Da'an Forest Park, Yongkang Street's food scene, the historic Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, and the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park loop. Scenic riverside bikeways and walkways add another layer of accessibility and beauty to the city. Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, shared, "Walking is such a simple yet rewarding way to explore a destination. It's about letting the world unfurl around you, noticing the little things, and really soaking in the atmosphere of a place. At Agoda, we love to help travelers find places where they can wander, get lost, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're strolling through Hanoi's Old Quarter or catching the sunrise in Chiang Khan, we've got the stays and activities to make your trip unforgettable." With Agoda's extensive offerings of over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, travelers can easily plan their next walking adventure. Visit or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals and seamless booking options. --- ENDS --- View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Agoda
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
J/PR Denver Announces New Travel, Culinary and Lifestyle Account Wins and Office Growth; Elevates Senior Leadership
Denver Office of Global Travel and Hospitality Agency Demonstrates Growth and Expansion DENVER, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- J/PR, a leading global travel and lifestyle agency specializing in public relations, content creation, social media, and brand collaborations, continues to grow and expand in the Denver market with 13 of the agency's clients currently serviced out of Denver and five full time team members. The growth of the Denver office, located in the vibrant Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood, reflects J/PR's deepening commitment to the thriving Colorado market and its diverse array of travel, hospitality, and lifestyle clients. Since establishing its presence in the market, J/PR has cultivated strong partnerships with some of the region's most esteemed brands. The agency proudly represents a distinguished portfolio of Denver-based clients, including: Travel: Vail Resorts, Under Canvas, The Clayton Hotel & Members Club, The Ritz-Carlton Denver, The Rally, The ART, a hotel and Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs Culinary: Elway's Downtown, Call Me Pearl, The OG and Milepost Zero Lifestyle: Fresh Sends and Slumbercloud To support this growth and further enhance its client service capabilities, J/PR has also announced several key promotions and a recent new hire within its Denver team: Anna Korte and Audrey Thompson have been promoted to Vice President: In their elevated role, Anna and Audrey continue to provide strategic leadership and drive innovative public relations campaigns for their local, national and global client portfolios. Both Korte and Thompson have been with the agency for nearly 10 years and their deep understanding of the travel and lifestyle sectors has been instrumental in J/PR's success in the Denver market, and beyond. Betsy Lynch has been promoted to Senior Publicist: Betsy's dedication, strong media relations skills, and keen eye for detail have consistently delivered outstanding results for her clients. This promotion recognizes her growing expertise and contributions to the agency. Ava Wiesenmeyer has joined J/PR as Publicity Assistant: Ava brings enthusiasm and a strong passion for the industry to the team. She will provide crucial support to senior team members and contribute to the successful execution of client programs. The expansion of the Denver office underscores J/PR's dedication to fostering strong relationships within the local market and its confidence in the continued growth of the region's travel, hospitality, and lifestyle sectors. About J/PRJ/PR is a global agency specializing in public relations, social media strategy, photography, content creation, influencer relations, brand strategy, strategic partnerships, and crisis communications, with vast experience in travel, hospitality, destination marketing, lifestyle, real estate, and wellbeing. With offices in New York City, London, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Toronto, Denver, Nashville and Arizona, J/PR is renowned for telling the unique and inspiring stories of some of the most coveted brands in the world. View original content: SOURCE J Public Relations
Business Mayor
07-05-2025
- Business Mayor
Roll out a hundred Jagannath Dhams
First, it was the Great Rasagola-Roshogolla Spat. Now it's the 'Goddamn, there's another Jagannath Dham !' tussle. The two sparring parties are the same – Odisha and West Bengal. As is wont with legacy institutions not taking kindly to upstart crows, this time, too, Odisha, where the Jagannath Temple has been standing in the coastal town of Puri since the 12th c., is miffed after Bengal's new Jagannath Temple has come up at the seaside resort of Digha since April 30, 2025. One would have thought that Odisha would have been chuffed that Bengal turned to Puri for inspiration to spread the lord's word. But it turns out now that quite like rasagola-roshogolla, the epithet of 'dham' (abode) can be applied only to four sacred places: Badrinath, Dwarka, Rameswaram and Puri. Somehow, Delhi's Akshardham missed the memo. The quarrel, of course, is over more mortal things: religious tourists. It's as if when a Wendy's outlet opens in the 'hood, legacy McDonald's is supposed to get riled up. But guys, guys, guys. Places of worship are also part of competitive capitalism. One more branch of Jagannath Dham® should be good news, no? After all, if Big J is, as divinity, omnipresent, it should stand to reason that he has many dhams. In fact, setting up a Jagannath St-Tropez and a Jagannath KwaZulu-Natal should be the next logical step in J-walking.
