Kandhamal

Deep sorrow filled the hearts of around 500 faithful who gathered at Our Lady of Charity Parish in Raikia, Kandhamal, Odisha, to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican City.

A group of pilgrims from Kerala, fondly known as "God’s Own Country," made a faith-filled journey to Kandhamal, Odisha—revered as the land of Christian martyrs—to honour the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for Christ on April 9.

Catholics of Kandhamal district in eastern Indian state of Odisha gave a rousing welcome to 23 bishops who visited the region to express solidarity with survivors of the 2008 anti-Christian violence.

Father Parichha stated, "We have to wait and see how Pradhan can help us because most politicians' hands are tied by their respective parties.”

Rajendra said, “It is a proud moment for me that my father died for the faith in Christ. He is the true witness to the whole world of firm faith in God.”

The Kandhamal Human Right Awards recognize individuals/organizations/movements for their outstanding contribution to the promotion, protection, and advancement of human rights, social justice, and equitability for all. 

The monument enshrines the names of 105 Christians who were martyred during Kandhamal persecution in 2008.

“This documentary recounts the decade-long travails of the 7 Innocent Christians of Kandhamal behind bars due to a political fraud,” journalist author Akkara