The Odisha government has banned consumption of Ganja at Shiva shrines across the state. The Odia Language, Literature and Culture department has directed all collectors and SPs to implement the ban. Ganja Ban: Odisha Government Bans Ganja at Shiva Shrines Across the State.
Offered as prasad at some Shiva shrines in the state, ganja has long been associated with religious significance in the region. It is also consumed as prasad by devotees.
An aura of peace and harmony was emanating through the mantras and sermons as Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik joined hundreds of monks from Japan, America, Ukraine and Kazakhstan to celebrate the golden jubilee of the peace pagoda on Friday.
The Odisha unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday observed a 12-hour bandh in Deogarh district protesting the arrest of Deogarh legislator Subash Panigrahi.Notably, Subash was arrested on Sunday by Deogarh police for allegedly thrashing .