Latest news with #SitalSasthifestival
New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
OAPF constable accused of rape attempt dismissed
SAMBALPUR: A constable of Odisha Auxiliary Police Force (OAPF) was dismissed from service on Wednesday following his arrest on charges of trying to rape a minor girl. Biranchi Munda, posted in Bareipali police station, was arrested on Tuesday for attempting to sexually assault the 14-year-old girl who happens to be his relative. Police said the incident took place on Sunday. Munda took the minor to attend the Sital Sasthi festival. While returning from the festival, he reportedly took her to an isolated place and attempted to rape her. However, the victim managed to escape from the spot. On reaching home, she narrated the incident to her parents who lodged a complaint with Bareipali police on Monday. After recording the girl's statement, police sent her to the hospital for medical examination. When the news of the incident spread, locals gheraoed the police station, demanding arrest of the accused constable. They also demanded compensation for the victim. Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Sambalpur Tophan Bagh said the accused is currently in judicial custody. He has also been dismissed from service by the Sambalpur SP and further investigation is underway.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sital Sasthi concludes in Sambalpur
SAMBALPUR: As the week-long festival concluded on Monday afternoon with the divine couple's return to their respective temples, demand for the official recognition to Sambalpur Sital Sasthi festival grew stronger. BJD district president and former minister Rohit Pujari urged the Centre to grant the national recognition to the festival. 'Sital Sasthi is not merely a festival, it has evolved into a grand platform for promoting art and culture. It brings together diverse dance and music traditions from across India, giving them a distinct identity,' he said. Former chief minister Naveen Patnaik had approved financial grants for various Sital Sasthi committees, acknowledging the festival at the state level. It is now time for the central government to step in and grant it the national recognition it truly deserves, he added. This year, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife assumed the ceremonial role of Goddess Parvati's parents on behalf of Jhaduapada Sasthi Committee, offering her hand in marriage to Lord Shiva. The tradition, originating in the 17th century at the Someswar Baba temple in Balibandha, now includes several temples across the city. The festival rituals, which began on May 27, transformed Sambalpur into a cultural and devotional hot spot. Around 8,000 artistes from across Odisha and other states performed in the vibrant carnival organised by Jharuapada, Nandapada, and Mudipada committees. The district administration deployed around 75 platoons of police to ensure safety and manage crowds, with devotees arriving from across western Odisha and neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Deputy CM KV Singhdeo and several other dignitaries attended the festivities on Sunday.
New Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Steps to check jaundice ahead of Sital Sasthi in Odisha
SAMBALPUR: Ahead of the three-day Sital Sasthi festival, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has assured stringent measures to prevent the repeat of last year's jaundice outbreak which was linked to contaminated water. The festival will be held from May 31 to June 2 and is expected to draw lakhs of devotees to Sambalpur Last year, the festive celebrations were marred by a jaundice outbreak traced to ice lollies made from contaminated water and sold by roadside vendors. The root cause was the city's ageing water supply pipelines passing through open drains, allowing pollutants and sewage to seep in through leakages. The outbreak was detected in late June, initially affecting Kumbharpada, Dhobapada and Pensionpada, before spreading to other localities. Over 150 people, mostly children aged 6 to 14, were affected. SMC commissioner Vedbhusan said following last year's incident, periodic inspections of ice factories and other such units are continuing to ensure quality control. One ice unit in Dhanakauda, which was sealed during the outbreak, has resumed operations after several rounds of inspections. 'We are intensifying checks. Contaminated food is being destroyed and violators penalised from time to time. Plastic ban enforcement is ongoing and will be strengthened during the festival,' he added. Food inspector Sandeep Saurav said inspections of sweet shops and food joints across the city have been carried out. 'As temporary stalls will start mushrooming in next few days, we will scale up inspections focusing on food and water quality.' Meanwhile, the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO) has initiated a `7 crore project to revamp the city's compromised water infrastructure. 'The tender has been awarded to four executing agencies. Work will begin shortly,' said WATCO GM Bramheswar Das.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sambalpur gears up for Sital Sasthi
1 2 S ambalpur: Sambalpur is preparing for the annual Sital Sasthi festival, a five-day celebration of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati's divine marriage, scheduled from May 29 to June 2. The state govt has allocated Rs 1.8 crore for the festival, which will be used for preparations and arrangements by 21 organising committees. Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife will perform the prestigious 'kanyadan' ceremony at Jhaduapada. "It's an overwhelming experience to be chosen as Devi Parvati's father for this divine marriage," said Pujari, who is overseeing both the ceremonial arrangements and security measures. The Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has initiated extensive preparations to facilitate smooth processions. "We have cleared unauthorised constructions near Fatak overbridge and Mahamaya Mandir to ensure unobstructed movement of chariots," said SMC commissioner Vedbhusan. The public works department is currently expanding these routes following the decongestion drive. The five-day celebration includes 'patarpendi' (engagement ceremony) on May 29, followed by 'guagunda' (invitation to deities) on May 30, the divine marriage on May 31, nagar parikram (city procession) on June 1, and the temple entry of the divine couple on June 2. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How To Write Faster for Work (Find Out Now) Grammarly Learn More Undo Around 8,000 artists will participate in various processions during the festival. The administration has implemented comprehensive safety and security measures, including deployment of 12 medical teams, including doctors from VSS Institute of Medical Sciences, Burla, and enhanced police vigilance to prevent criminal activities. Govt has told the power distributor to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply besides installation and repair of streetlights to ensure safety. The SMC is also undertaking infrastructure improvements in Modipara, Bad Sadak, and San Sadak areas, along with drain cleaning work at Ring Road to prepare for the grand celebration. This centuries-old festival, considered one of Odisha's most significant cultural events, is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across the state and beyond.
