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NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
No Hidden Chamber In Puri Jagannath Temple's Ratna Bhandar: ASI
Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday said there is no hidden chamber in the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri. The ASI has recently completed the restoration and repair of the Ratna Bhandar. In a post on X, detailing the restoration works, it said, "..there were no hidden spaces (in Ratna Bhadar)." The ASI said it was confirmed on the basis of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. It said the Ratna Bhandar, or treasury, comprises two parts -- 'Bhitara' Ratnabhandara and 'Bahara' Bhandara, which are separated by an iron gate, locked from the outside. "After inspecting both the chambers, it was decided to take up a GPR survey to identify if there are any hidden chambers or shelves inside the walls or under the floor," it said. "The report of the #GPR survey conducted in September 2024 confirmed that there were no hidden spaces. Following the report, conservation began on 17 December 2024. It started with scaffolding in both Bhitara and Bahara Bhandara," it added. The Ratna Bhandar is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana or assembly hall of the temple, the ASI said. Constructed from khondalite stone, Ratna Bhandar was intended to house the valuables of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshana, it said. The conservation work was carried out at the Ratna Bhandar in two phases, from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025, and from June 28 to July 7. As part of it, the ASI team undertook de-plastering of the inner ceiling, corbels, niches, walls, and outer facade to assess the structure. "Damaged stones and loose joints were discovered. Joints were sealed, followed by chemical cleaning, both inside and outside," it said. The damaged stone pieces were replaced with new khondalite blocks matching the original profiles. All corbel stones were examined and replaced as needed, it added. The rust-damaged wrought iron beams in the niches were also replaced with stainless steel box beams, and grouting was done in various locations, the agency said. Ratna Bhandar's flooring was also replaced with granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base, ensuring slope for drainage and smooth door operation. The inner iron grill gate was also chemically cleaned and repainted with golden preservative paint, it said. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years on July 14 last year for the repair work, and inventory.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar: ASI
Puri, The Archaeological Survey of India on Tuesday said there is no hidden chamber in the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri. No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temple's Ratna Bhandar: ASI The ASI has recently completed the restoration and repair of the Ratna Bhandar. In a post on X, detailing the restoration works, it said, "..there were no hidden spaces ." The ASI said it was confirmed on the basis of a Ground Penetrating Radar survey. It said the Ratna Bhandar, or treasury, comprises two parts 'Bhitara' Ratnabhandara and 'Bahara' Bhandara, which are separated by an iron gate, locked from the outside. "After inspecting both the chambers, it was decided to take up a GPR survey to identify if there are any hidden chambers or shelves inside the walls or under the floor," it said. "The report of the #GPR survey conducted in September 2024 confirmed that there were no hidden spaces. Following the report, conservation began on 17 December 2024. It started with scaffolding in both Bhitara and Bahara Bhandara," it added. The Ratna Bhandar is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana or assembly hall of the temple, the ASI said. Constructed from khondalite stone, Ratna Bhandar was intended to house the valuables of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshana, it said. The conservation work was carried out at the Ratna Bhandar in two phases, from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025, and from June 28 to July 7. As part of it, the ASI team undertook de-plastering of the inner ceiling, corbels, niches, walls, and outer facade to assess the structure. "Damaged stones and loose joints were discovered. Joints were sealed, followed by chemical cleaning, both inside and outside," it said. The damaged stone pieces were replaced with new khondalite blocks matching the original profiles. All corbel stones were examined and replaced as needed, it added. The rust-damaged wrought iron beams in the niches were also replaced with stainless steel box beams, and grouting was done in various locations, the agency said. Ratna Bhandar's flooring was also replaced with granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base, ensuring slope for drainage and smooth door operation. The inner iron grill gate was also chemically cleaned and repainted with golden preservative paint, it said. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years on July 14 last year for the repair work, and inventory. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
No hidden chamber in Puri Jagannath temples Ratna Bhandar: ASI
Last Updated: Puri, Jul 29 (PTI) The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Tuesday said there is no hidden chamber in the Ratna Bhandar of the Jagannath temple in Puri. The ASI has recently completed the restoration and repair of the Ratna Bhandar. In a post on X, detailing the restoration works, it said, '..there were no hidden spaces (in Ratna Bhadar)." The ASI said it was confirmed on the basis of a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey. It said the Ratna Bhandar, or treasury, comprises two parts — 'Bhitara' Ratnabhandara and 'Bahara' Bhandara, which are separated by an iron gate, locked from the outside. 'After inspecting both the chambers, it was decided to take up a GPR survey to identify if there are any hidden chambers or shelves inside the walls or under the floor," it said. 'The report of the #GPR survey conducted in September 2024 confirmed that there were no hidden spaces. Following the report, conservation began on 17 December 2024. It started with scaffolding in both Bhitara and Bahara Bhandara," it added. The Ratna Bhandar is attached to the northern entrance of the Jagamohana or assembly hall of the temple, the ASI said. Constructed from khondalite stone, Ratna Bhandar was intended to house the valuables of the Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Sudarshana, it said. The conservation work was carried out at the Ratna Bhandar in two phases, from December 17, 2024, to April 28, 2025, and from June 28 to July 7. As part of it, the ASI team undertook de-plastering of the inner ceiling, corbels, niches, walls, and outer facade to assess the structure. 'Damaged stones and loose joints were discovered. Joints were sealed, followed by chemical cleaning, both inside and outside," it said. The damaged stone pieces were replaced with new khondalite blocks matching the original profiles. All corbel stones were examined and replaced as needed, it added. The rust-damaged wrought iron beams in the niches were also replaced with stainless steel box beams, and grouting was done in various locations, the agency said. Ratna Bhandar's flooring was also replaced with granite stone over a cushioned sandstone base, ensuring slope for drainage and smooth door operation. The inner iron grill gate was also chemically cleaned and repainted with golden preservative paint, it said. The inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar was opened after 46 years on July 14 last year for the repair work, and inventory. PTI AAM AAM SOM view comments First Published: July 29, 2025, 16:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Gulf Today
24-07-2025
- Gulf Today
ITU innovation award winner Dubai Culture celebrates palm and piano
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has been honoured with the 'Innovate for Impact' award in the Smart Home/Cities category at the Artificial Intelligence for the Public Good Summit, organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations' specialised agency for digital technologies. The award recognises the Authority's pioneering efforts in applying artificial intelligence to cultural heritage preservation through the project 'AI-Enhanced Detection and Prediction at Saruq Al Hadid Archaeological Site.' Developed in collaboration with Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the project harnesses remote sensing technology, AI Applications and Geophysical Survey technology such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), magnetic surveys and high-precision mapping, to explore one of the region's most significant Iron Age sites. The research has led to the identification of over 2,500 anomalies that indicate the possibility of the presence of artifacts and features of archaeological significance. 'Receiving this award affirms our commitment to adopting forward-thinking technologies to preserve and promote our cultural heritage,' said Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture. 'By applying AI and other non-invasive methods, we not only safeguard the past but also strengthen Dubai's cultural voice on the international stage.' Muna Al Gurg, CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that 'this recognition is a reflection of our belief that heritage and innovation are not mutually exclusive, they are complementary forces. Projects like Saruq Al-Hadid allow us to lead regionally and globally in redefining cultural heritage preservation.' The collaboration with Khalifa University was instrumental to the success of the project, as the university is the original developer of the cutting-edge non-invasive surveying technology used in the study. Dubai Culture hosts a Piano Camp. Dubai Culture has also announced the second edition of its Summer Blessings event, July 25-27, as part of the Dubai Destinations summer campaign. The event aims to honour the palm harvest season and highlight the cultural and historical significance of the palm tree as a national symbol and an integral part of local tradition. The initiative aligns with the Authority's priority to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage and to elevate its presence on the global cultural map. Hosted at Al Shindagha Museum, the largest heritage museum in the UAE, the programme will feature a variety of interactive workshops and culinary experiences, led by heritage experts. At the Traditional Food House, visitors can join a workshop on preparing 'Betheetha' - a traditional Emirati sweet made from dates, flour, and aromatic spices. Meanwhile, at the Dates Tasting Corner, guests will explore local date varieties and their use in preparing traditional Emirati dishes. They will also discover the secrets of making date syrup 'dibs' and methods for preserving it. In the Life on Land: Water, Flora and Fauna, visitors will enjoy a screening of the documentary 'Palm Harvest', which captures the communal traditions of date picking and the values of generosity and cultural legacy embedded in the practice. Simultaneously, the Turath Centre for Traditional Handicrafts, which is the educational arm of Al Shindagha Museum, will offer training on creating modern items using 'khoos.' In the Children's Pavilion, youngsters can take part in a 'Palm Frond Painting' workshop, where they will learn to create keepsakes using palm leaves. Al Shindagha Museum. In addition, Dubai Culture has allocated a dedicated space within the Visitors' Centre for a Palm Handicraft Market, showcasing a curated selection of handmade items crafted from different parts of the palm tree. The market will also feature the creative works of local artisans, entrepreneurs,and talented individuals, offering them a platform to showcase their crafts to the wider community. The Visitors' Centre will also serve as a gathering space for families to participate in the Sefafah Workshop, where they can be taught the traditional techniques of palm weaving, deepening their connection to the cultural practice. Remarking on the initiative, Abdallah Al Obeidli, Acting Manager of Al Shindagha Museum at Dubai Culture, emphasised the importance of the Summer Blessings event in strengthening the bond between future generations and the palm tree, the date harvest season, and associated traditional crafts. 'The palm tree symbolises the generosity and giving spirit of the Emirati people,' he said. 'For decades, it played a vital economic role for the people of the UAE and gave rise to many of the traditional crafts that inspired Dubai's cultural and creative industries.' He further noted that the event contributes to promoting cultural tourism. Dubai Culture has meanwhile announced the launch of the second edition of Piano Camp, held in partnership with House of Pianos. The programme aims to identify promising young musicians and offer dedicated piano instruction. The Piano Camp is part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, a key initiative under the emirate's Quality of Life Strategy. It will run from October 2025 to May 2026, selecting 50 children and teens aged 6 to 17, as well as 10 young adults aged 18 and above. Participants will study both classical and Arabic piano repertoire, building a foundation in music theory and history. The camp features hands-on sessions and masterclasses led by acclaimed local teachers and musicians. The programme includes field trips to leading institutions across the UAE, offering opportunities for knowledge exchange and helping forge connections within the cultural community. Dubai Culture invites Emirati musicians to apply. Registration opens August 1 and applications close on September 15.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Building Pune: PMRDA to redevelop roads damaged due to metro rail construction from Maan to Shivajinagar
Facing criticism for damage to roads caused by the ongoing construction of the 25-km elevated Pune metro corridor from Maan village to Shivajinagar, the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has decided to undertake a Rs 628 crore infrastructure project to redevelop the affected roads. The phase under construction runs through Maan, Hinjewadi, Baner, and Ganeshkhind. 'The roads on which the metro rail work is going on from Maan to Shivajinagar have been damaged. The citizens have been complaining about it. This was discussed at the joint meeting of PMRDA and Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). Thereafter, repair work was planned,' said a PMRDA officer. It is estimated that the work will take five years to complete and will involve redevelopment of four lanes on either side of the 25km-long metro corridor, besides construction of parking lanes, bus bays, footpaths, cycle tracks, traffic rotaries, and islands, among others. 'A consultant is being appointed for the purpose and is supposed to come up with a detailed survey, providing for design of pavement, structures, and various components of road, preparation of detailed estimates, detailed drawings, and planning for utility shifting…' he further said. Annirudha Pawaskar, Chief Engineer, PMC, said, 'There was a discussion on redeveloping the roads on which the elevated metro from Maan-Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar is being constructed. The roads were damaged, so it was decided to develop them as ideal roads with standard norms. However, the decision on who would redevelop was not taken as the metro route passes through areas of various government jurisdictions, including MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation), PMRDA, and PMC.' 'Later, we thought that since the redevelopment of roads would be as per fixed standard norms, then it should be done by one agency, PMRDA, or otherwise separate government organisations would undertake it separately for the road in their respective areas. This would not help achieve the objective of redeveloping roads with the same norms,' he added. The PMRDA said the consultant will have to carry out a detailed survey of the existing right-of-way, existing carriageway, and pavement conditions. A route alignment survey also needs to be carried out, taking into consideration the land acquisition required. 'It should map out subsurface utilities up to a depth of 6 metres while differentiating between subsurface utilities such as live electric cables, metallic utilities, and other utilities using Ground Penetrating Radar,' it said, adding that the traffic count survey should be carried out with the next 10 years in mind. NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule had criticised Pune authorities following the recent flooding in Hinjewadi owing to the drainage system getting blocked by debris from the metro construction. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis had also directed the PMRDA to undertake road repair work on a war footing. Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune. He writes on Infrastructure, Politics, Civic issues, Sustainable Development and related stuff. He is a trekker and a sports enthusiast. Ajay has written research articles on the Conservancy staff that created a nationwide impact in framing policy to improve the condition of workers handling waste. Ajay has been consistently writing on politics and infrastructure. He brought to light the lack of basic infrastructure of school and hospital in the hometown of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde even as two private helipads were developed by the leader who mostly commutes from Mumbai to Satara in helicopter. Ajay has been reporting on sustainable development initiatives that protects the environment while ensuring infrastructure development. ... Read More
