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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the...

MVA protests for third day:

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies continued their agitation for the third day in different parts of Maharashtra with an aggressive state Congress hitting the streets today to protest the detention of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra and other Congress leaders yesterday, here on Wednesday. State and city Youth Congress again carried out vociferous protests near Mantralaya raising slogans, carrying banners and placards slamming the state and central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and when some attempted to enter inside, they were prevented by a strong posse of Mumbai Police deployed there since Monday. As tensions appeared to escalate, the police clamped down by detaining top state and city Youth Congress leaders including President Harshwardhan Sapkal, Vijay Wadettiwar, Bhai Jagtap, Hussain Dalwai, and many others. Thousands of students carried out a fresh demonstration at Dadar west Shivaji Park to vent their ire at the police action on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s agitation in New Delhi on Monday. Several MVA leaders and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray visited or expressed solidarity with the protesting youth, comprising many women. Opposition’s Voice The Congress leaders alleged that Rahul Gandhi was targeted by the BJP-led government to muzzle democratic dissent, suppress the Opposition voices inside and outside Parliament and trampling upon the peoples' Constitutional Rights to protest peacefully. Defying pouring rains in the city on Wednesday, Congress workers along with activists of MVA allies, staged a noisy demonstration in Chembur and another group attempted to storm the BJP office in south Mumbai, condemning the assault on students in New Delhi and the detention of the Gandhi siblings. Senior Congress leader Hussain Dalwai flayed the government for “misusing the police” to gag democratic rights and the protests were intended to defend the Constitution and democracy against the BJP’s policy of intolerance of dissent in any form. “This is gross injustice. We are not allowed to protest against the government failures as they are misusing the police. The PM is scared of taking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as he could be the next. We want to highlight to the BJP to govern the country as per the Constitution,” Dalwai declared, interacting with the media at Nariman Point. As the BJP also threatened to launch counter-protests, the police cordoned off and deployed a precautionary security ring around Tilak Bhavan, the state Congress headquarters, as leaders from both sides exchanged political darts and looked aggressive enough for a confrontation. MVA ‘bandh’, ‘Tricolour’ march today The state is set for another two days of political turmoil as the MVA has announced a Maharashtra shutdown (‘bandh’) on Thursday followed by a non-partisan ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on Friday. MVA allies, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, besides other leaders of the alliance, informed of the state and city level actions today. Ambedkar appealed to the masses and also the BJP youth to participate wholeheartedly in the bandh tomorrow and claimed that students’ bodies, parent-teachers associations, colleges, universities, other institutes of higher education, private coaching institutions, and other governmental departments could support the shutdown, as it has now become a national issue. Aaditya sought the peoples’ participation in the ‘Tricolour Peace March’ on the theme of “One Nation, One Emotion” planned on July 24 afternoon to Shivaji Park, in support of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, the Cockroach Janta Party, plus the youth and students protesting in New Delhi. Terming it as a national citizens’ movement rather than a political party, he called upon the people not to carry any party flags but unite under the National Tricolour to assert democratic rights and express resentment against the government’s high-handed policies. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have already imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 across the city from July 23-to- August 6, apprehending the possibility of law-and-order disturbances.

Odisha: Where History, Faith and Art Come Alive

Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences.

Odisha, on India’s eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal, is a land where history, spirituality, art, architecture, nature and culture come together in harmony. Often called the “Land of Temples”, the state preserves a legacy spanning more than two thousand years. From magnificent temples and ancient caves to serene lakes, golden beaches and vibrant traditions, Odisha offers an unforgettable journey into India’s heritage.


Located between West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and the Bay of Bengal, Odisha enjoys a unique geographical setting. Its capital, Bhubaneswar, is known as the “Temple City of India” for its concentration of ancient shrines. The landscape includes coastal plains, rivers, forests, hills, wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries. Among its natural wonders is Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, home to migratory birds and the rare Irrawaddy dolphin.


Odisha’s history is closely linked with the ancient kingdom of Kalinga. The region gained worldwide significance through the Kalinga War of 261 BCE between Emperor Ashoka and the people of Kalinga. The devastation of the conflict inspired Ashoka to embrace Buddhism, helping spread its message of peace across Asia. Over the centuries, Odisha flourished under dynasties such as the Mahameghavahanas, Somavamshis, Eastern Gangas and Gajapatis, leaving behind a rich legacy of temples, monuments and artistic achievements.


Among Odisha’s greatest treasures is the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri. Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, it is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and is one of Hinduism’s four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Renowned for its wooden deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple symbolises inclusiveness and universal spirituality. Every year, millions gather for the grand Rath Yatra, when the deities are carried through the streets on enormous chariots.


The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the finest examples of mediaeval Indian architecture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I, it was designed as a colossal stone chariot dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Twelve intricately carved wheels and seven stone horses appear to pull the temple across the heavens. Its sculptures depict dancers, musicians, celestial beings, animals and scenes from daily life, reflecting the artistic and cultural richness of ancient Odisha.


In Bhubaneswar, the Lingaraj Temple stands as a masterpiece of Kalinga architecture. Dating to the 11th century, this Shiva temple remains an important pilgrimage centre. Nearby, the Mukteswar Temple is admired for its carved gateway, while the Rajarani Temple is renowned for its graceful sculptures.


Beyond its temples, Odisha offers numerous historical and natural attractions. The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves provide insights into the region’s early religious history, while Puri is celebrated for both its sacred temple and golden beaches. Nature lovers are drawn to Similipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its forests, waterfalls, elephants, tigers and biodiversity.


Odisha’s artistic heritage is among the richest in India. Temple sculptures, renowned for their beauty and symbolism, depict gods, dancers, warriors, animals and scenes from daily life. Odisha is also the birthplace of Odissi, one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, inspired by temple sculptures. Traditional arts such as Pattachitra painting, silver filigree work, stone carving, appliqué crafts and handloom weaving continue to flourish.


The state’s vibrant festivals add another dimension to its cultural identity. While the Rath Yatra is its most famous celebration, festivals such as Raja Parba, Boita Bandana, Chandan Yatra, Durga Puja, Makar Mela and the Konark Dance Festival showcase Odisha’s traditions, maritime heritage and artistic excellence.


In recent years, Odisha has emerged as one of India’s most dynamic tourism destinations. Improved infrastructure, enhanced air connectivity, heritage conservation initiatives and ecotourism projects have increased its appeal to travellers worldwide. The state has successfully promoted heritage, wildlife, beach and tribal tourism while preserving its unique cultural character.


The best time to visit Odisha is between October and March, while travellers wishing to experience the Rath Yatra can plan their visit during June or July.


Odisha is far more than a destination; it is a living museum of India’s history, faith, art and natural beauty. Whether marvelling at the stone chariot of Konark, experiencing the devotion of Puri, exploring the temples of Bhubaneswar or watching dolphins in Chilika Lake, visitors discover a state that leaves an enduring impression. Rich in heritage yet vibrant with modern energy, Odisha remains one of India’s most rewarding travel experiences.

 

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)

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