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A naiyandi melam is a type of percussion instrument that is unique to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and parts of South India. It is performed by artistes of different communities. The word, naiyandi, means making fun. Naiyandi melam follows a set of tunes, beginning with ‘thooku’.
06 February, 2024
Art and Culture
Biswanath Ghat is a village in Assam, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and is known as "Gupta Kashi". The name "Gupta Kashi" is a comparison to Kashi during the Gupta Empire era. The village is named after the ancient Biswanath temple, a prominent religious site for centuries. Biswanath Ghat is also known for its ghat, island, and temple built by the Ahom king.
03 February, 2024
Historical sites
The temple is dedicated to the deity Veerabhadra, the fiery form of Lord Shiva. The temple is closely associated with the Ramayana. Top of Form It was built during the 16th century, the architectural features of the temple are in the Vijayanagara style with profusion of carvings and paintings. The Veerabhadra Swamy temple and the Nandi statue in Lepakshi, India were added to UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites in 2022.
02 February, 2024
Temples
In a fishing village of Andhra Pradesh, the practice of social boycott among the Vaddi community has adverse social and economic consequences. Veli is the practice of social boycott. Those subjected to social ostracisation are not allowed to speak to other villagers and in some cases, compelled to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. Many times, the veli is motivated by politics, caste, or economics. An informal grama peddalu (village elders), also called a kula (caste) panchayat, of six or seven members nominated for a year by the community (they are never re-installed), takes a call on veli. The…
05 February, 2024
Art and Culture
Prime Minister will inaugurate the Ram temple in Ayodhya, 73 years ago; the President of India inaugurated another temple in a grand ceremony. Located in - Prabhas Patan, Veraval, in Gujarat. Significance - It is the holy place of the first Aadi Jyotirling Shree Somnath Mahadev, among the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is also the place where Lord Shri Krishna took his last journey. Built by - In 1782, Maratha queen Ahalyabai Holkar built a small temple at the site. Other names - The Somnath temple, also called Soman?tha temple or Deo Patan. The temple faced several attacks from raiders, with the…
04 February, 2024
Temples
The Ram temple in Ayodhya will be inaugurated on January 22. The complex is in the Nagara style of temple architecture, designed by 81-year-old Chandrakant Sompura and his 51-year-old son Ashish. Nagara style Nagara architecture is a classical architecture of temple design in northern India, contrasted with Dravida architecture in southern India. Nagara temples have a shikhara (mountain peak) over the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), a circumambulatory passage around it, and one or more mandapas (halls). Shikhara is a symbolic representation of the cosmic order and the divine presence. There are five modes of shikhara design: Valabhi, Phamsana, Latina, Shekhari, and Bhumija. Valabhi and Phamsana are Early Nagara modes, derived from barrel-roofed wooden structures. Latina…
31 January, 2024
Temples
The Tamil Nadu government has planned to declare the entire hillocks of Alampadi, Melvalai, and Sethavarai a protected monument. All 3 sites are located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. Melvalai – A nondescript village whose paintings dates back to 3000 B.C. and majority of etchings was in red ochre. The word, Rattapparai, has become synonymous with the rock art painted in red ochre. There are 4 sets of paintings that includes human figurines, animals, and symbols. 1st set – There are 3 persons, with a man mounted on a horse; another is pulling the horse with a rope fastened to the animal, while the 3rd man is depicted with hands stretched, welcoming others. 4th set – 6…
29 January, 2024
Paintings
The Indian Vice President recently inaugurated the 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace in New Delhi. Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) It was founded in 1970 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, as a voluntary movement of followers of Buddhism with both monastic (monks) and lay members. Its aim is to bring together the efforts of Buddhists in support of consolidating universal peace, harmony, and cooperation among people in Asia. It is currently headquartered at the Gandanthegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and the Supreme Head of Mongolian Buddhists is the ABCP President. The aims of ABCP: Striving to disseminate and implement the teachings of…
25 January, 2024
Buddhism
The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh, will take place at Seijosa in the Pakke Kessang district from January 18-20, 2024. Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival The first-ever PPHF was held in 2015. The aim was to recognise the role played by the Nyishi tribal group in conserving hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR). Other objectives were to raise alternative sources of income for the region and to create awareness in the rest of India about the wonders of PTR and its surrounding areas. This year, the festival’s theme is Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh. It…
24 January, 2024
Festivals
A recent book has looked into the diets of Soligas and Yeravas communities, who have been living in the Cauvery Basin and the surrounding hills of peninsular India for thousands of years. The book Forgotten Trails: Foraging Wild Edibles was authored by Malemleima Ningombi and Harisha RP. Soligas – They are an indigenous tribe of Biligiri Rangan Hills (B.R. Hills) in Karnataka who have been dependent on the forests for their livelihood traditionally.They are also called as Children of bamboo. Recognition of Soligas They are considered the 1st settlers of India. Their home, BR Hills, was among the 1st areas to be declared a wildlife sanctuary in India,…
24 January, 2024
Art and Culture
All 4 shankaracharyas will not attend Ram temple inauguration in 2024. Birth – Kalady village on the bank of the River Periyar in Kerala. Period – Between 788 and 820 AD. Guru – Govinda Bhagavatpada. Works – Visiting spiritual centres, challenging prevalent philosophical traditions, and establishing mathas, organising monastic orders and a proponent of Advaita Vedanta. Spiritual visits – From Kanchi in Tamil Nadu to Kamrup in Assam, from Kashmir, Kedar & Badri dhams in the Himalayas to Kashi on the bank of the Ganga and Puri on the Bay of Bengal. Contributions – He is also popularly identified as the author of 116 works, including celebrated commentaries (or bhashyas) on 10 Upanishads, the Brahmasutra, and the Bhagavad Gita. Shankara’s…
23 January, 2024
Religion
It is part of the necropolis (burial place) of the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. It is located on the western bank of the Nile, 40 kilometers south of Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Saqqara’s name derives from the name of the burial god Sokar. It was an active burial ground for more than 3500 years and is Egypt’s largest archaeological site. It is where the transition from the use of the mastaba (ancient Egyptian tombs, in the form of a massive brick or stone mound with battered walls on a rectangular base) as a burial site to the pyramid design that is more popularly known today took place. Sakkara is best known for…
19 January, 2024
Historical sites
Recently, Prime Minister of India took part in cleaning the Kalaram temple premises under the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ campaign. Built in – 1792, with the efforts of one Sardar Rangarao Odhekar. Name – It derives its name from a black statue of the Lord Kala Ram translates literally to “Black Ram.” Location – On the banks of the River Godavari in the Panchavati area of the Nashik in Maharashtra. Panchavati, whose comes from the existence of 5 banyan trees in the area. It was a part of Dandakaranya (dense forest in central India). According to Ramayanam, Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman set up a hut here as the presence…
18 January, 2024
Art and Culture
Classical Language Criteria evolved by Government of India to determine declaration of a language as a Classical language is as under:- High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years; A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers; The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community; The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots. Currently, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical’ status: Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014). The…
17 January, 2024
Literature
PM presents sacred Chadar to be placed during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at Ajmer Sharif Dargah Khwaja Chishti is also known by different names as, Khawaja Gharib Nawaz, ‘Sultan-Ul-Hind’ (Benefactor of the Poor). Birth – Sijistan (modern-day Sistan) in Iran in 1141-42 CE. Visit to India – He started living and preaching in Ajmer after 2nd Battle of Tarain (1192), where Mohammed of Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan. His Mission – To establish the kingdom of God on Earth. Popularity – He was popular among the locals, kings, nobles, and peasants for his instructive discourses full of spiritual insights. He established the Chishti order of 'fakirs' in India. Doctrines – It…
17 January, 2024
Religion
Munagapaka is a village in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Munagapaka, known for sugarcane cultivation, is gearing up to organise the 15th edition of the traditional sports like Horse, bullock cart races during Sankranti. The races were quite different from Jallikattu organised in Tamil Nadu or similar competitions held in Krishna and Guntur.
31 January, 2024
Art and Culture
Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Centre, received registration under ‘religious, cultural, economic, educational and social purpose’ category recently. Fo Guang Shan (FGS) is one of the largest Buddhist organization and monastic order based in Taiwan. The name translates to "Buddha's Light Mountain". FGS practices Humanistic Buddhism, which has roots in the Linji school of Chan Buddhism.
31 January, 2024
Religion
The International Purple Fest 2024 is a global celebration of inclusivity and empowerment that is being held in Goa. The festival aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities and create a platform for them to showcase their talents and abilities.
26 January, 2024
Festivals
The Chandubi Festival takes place near the Chandubi Lake in Kamrup district, Assam. The festival celebrates Assamese culture and traditions, and aims to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the area's tribal communities. The Chandubi Festival is organized by the people of Rajapara village in the Kamrup district, under the Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC). The festival has been providing an opportunity to generate livelihood to different tribes like Rabhas, Garos, Gorkhas and tea tribes.
25 January, 2024
Festivals
New Zealand’s youngest MP, Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, performed the ‘Maori haka’ to honour her indigenous people in Parliament recently. Haka is a ceremonial dance in Maori culture. It's a type of ancient war dance that's traditionally performed by both men and women for a variety of social functions. It is a fierce display of a tribe's pride, strength, and unity. Haka is also known as a "war challenge" or "war cry" in Maori culture.
23 January, 2024
Art Forms
Moradabad brass is a small-scale, low-technology industry that has been growing since the early 19th century. Moradabad city is known as the "City of Brass" or Pital Nagri for its large-scale brass works. It was established in 1600 by Murad, the son of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, as a result the city came to known as Moradabad. The British took the art to foreign markets in the early 19th century.
22 January, 2024
Handicraft
The Bobbili veena is a large plucked string instrument used in Carnatic classical music, also known as the Saraswati veena and is named after the town of Bobbili, where it was invented. In 2011, the Government of India gave the instrument a Geographical Indication tag. The Bobbili veena is known for its distinctive notes and fine tune which is made from a single piece of jackfruit tree wood. The making of the veena began in the 17th century during the reign of Pedda Rayudu, the king of Bobbili Samsthanam in Andhra Pradesh.
19 January, 2024
Art Forms
Bomb threat e-mail to Gol Gumbaz museum turns out to be hoax. It is the located in the state of Karnataka, built in Indo-Islamic style of architecture.It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah (ruled 1627–1657). It is the second largest dome ever built, next in size only to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.A particular attraction in this monument is the central chamber, where every sound is echoed seven times. Another attraction at the Gol Gumbaz is the Whispering Gallery, where even minute sounds can be hear clearly 37 metres away. Gol Gumbaz complex includes a mosque, a Naqqar Khana…
12 January, 2024
Historical sites
Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has selected Bisathi Bharat of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh for the National Youth Award (NYA) recently. It is an award conferred annually to individuals and voluntary organisations serving in the arena of youth development.
08 January, 2024
Awards & Honours
Gujarat set a Guinness World Record recently after more than 50,000 people performed 'Surya Namaskar' simultaneously at 108 venues. Surya Namaskar or sun salutation is an ancient Yogic practice of paying respect to the rising sun and comprises different postures or Asanas.
01 January, 2024
Awards & Honours
Over 5,000 tourists visited Sula Vineyard facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik on December 24th 2023, the most on a single day sale of ?85 lakh. Wine – An alcoholic beverage with alcohol content from 12% or more so of distilled spirits (all by volume). Production - India’s shares less than 1% in global production, while France, Italy, Spain and the US tops globally. Maharashtra holds 90% of India’s total wine production. Over the last few years wine as a category has grown faster than Indian Made Foreign Liquor segment but its share in total alcohol sales in the country is still less than a 1%. Wine tourism – The growth…
05 January, 2024
Art and Culture
A geographical indication (GI) is a designation applied to products originating from a specific geographical area, indicating that the qualities or reputation of the products are inherently linked to that particular origin. In India, the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, of 1999 governs the registration and protection of GIs. These tags play a crucial role in promoting and safeguarding the unique products and traditional knowledge of various regions, contributing to rural development, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing the marketability of Indian products in the global market. Article 22 (1) of Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) defines GIs as “indications which identify a…
04 January, 2024
Art and Culture
Makers of the famed bobble-head and roly-poly dolls are facing stiff competition from electronic toys and e-commerce platforms, besides a severe labour crunch and shortage of clay. Introduced by - The craft was brought to Thanjavur by Maratha ruler Raja Serfoji in the early 19th Century. Types - Thanjavur dolls are primarily of two kinds, one is the bobble-head version, and the other is the tilting doll (roly-poly) version. The dancing girl, one variation of a bobble-head doll, once tapped on the head, bobs its head in response, which is due to the metal string that links the head of the doll…
03 January, 2024
Craft
The Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF) is a global initiative that promotes the protection, investigation, and use of the world's archaeological resources and heritage. It was established in 2013 and is a biennial forum that provides a platform for academic exchanges between archaeologists worldwide. Shanghai Archaeology Forum Discovery Award is a biennial award that recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to human history.
30 December, 2023
Art and Culture
Poleramma Temple is a re-established 200 years-old temple located in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The temple was first constructed by British village officer in India in the 1800s, before which villagers worship Poleramma in form of a mud deity. Poleramma is a pre-Vedic deity, who is predominantly worshipped in Andhra Pradesh, and a local form of Sakti. She is worshipped as Grama devata (goddess who protects the village).
30 December, 2023
Temples
The art of manually cutting words or symbols into jewellery and household objects was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list recently. It has been practised across North Africa and West Asia for centuries.
30 December, 2023
Art Forms
The temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, was built in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The Puri Jagannath Temple is a circular temple that is believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament building. The temple is also known as the "White Pagoda" and is one of the 4 great "Char Dham" pilgrimage sites. It is famous for its Annual Rath yatra, or chariot festival.
30 December, 2023
Temples
Basadi and Nishidis were a Jain shrine or temple in Karnataka. ‘Bhattarakas’ are the chiefs of Jain monasteries.
29 December, 2023
Places in NEWS
Tansen Samaroh is a musical extravaganza celebrated near his tomb at Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. The festival is organized to pay tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro Tansen. Tansen popularised and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin). He was among the Navaratnas (9 jewels) at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar who gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man.
29 December, 2023
Festivals
Agadagidi is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Nigeria made from fermented overripe bananas or plantains. The traditional process for preparing agadagidi involves microorganisms like yeasts and bacteria at various stages of fermentation.
29 December, 2023
Art and Culture
The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, located in Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi, is a part of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. The digital museum was a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence, and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on April 14, 2022.
27 December, 2023
Art and Culture
Andriamamelo Cave is located in Western Madagascar and contains ancient rock art, hints at ancient connections between Africa and Asia. The art is the 1st pictorial art found on the island and includes images of nature with human-like and animal-like figures. The art includes unique black rock drawings and motifs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Afro-Arab and Borneo.
26 December, 2023
Historical sites
Tamilisai Moovars (Tamil Trinity) - Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and Arunachala Kavirayar, all 3 lived in TamilNadu and contributed to Carnatic music. Kavirayar was the 1st to compose musical drama in Tamil, his contributions were Rama Natakam, Asomuki Natakam, Sirkazhi Sthala Puranam, and Sirkazhi Kovai. Marimutha Pillai was a pioneer in composing Ninda Stuti Kritis, his contributions were Puliyur Venba and numerous Padhigams and Kuravanji. Muthuthandavar composed the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja called Tandava Kritis.
26 December, 2023
Art Forms
A stone deity worshipped by the Bhils in Madhya Pradesh’s Bagh was recently proved to be a fossilized dinosaur egg. Just like their ancestors worshipped ancient stones as deities, generations of Bhils had worshipped this sunbaked, reddish-brown Kakad Bhairav or Bhilat Baba. Sacrifices of chickens and sheep marked their whispered pleas to the roughly oval-shaped deity. The deity, whose weathered face is adorned with a black tilak and a handlebar moustache, for bountiful harvests and healthy livestock. India has the largest-of-its-kind dinosaur hatchery on Earth that stretches 10,000 sq. km across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Tribes that…
31 December, 2023
Art and Culture
ASI assures to send note to UNESCO over inclusion of Srimukhalingam temple in Andhra Pradesh in world heritage structures’ list. Avatar - Sri Mukha Lingam Shiva temple is very old temple where Shiva lingam is appeared as Mukha (Face) Avatar. Generally, Shiva lingams do not have the facial carving and hence the temple at Sri Mukhalingam is different from the other Shiva temples. Construction - This temple is said to have been constructed during the 8th century by Kamarnava-II when the region was under the control of the East Ganga Dynasty. Trinity - Srimukhalingam temple houses three ancient temples at one location. The…
31 December, 2023
World heritage site
A separate ministry for culture was established in 2006. Primary mandate- Preservation and conservation of ancient cultural heritage and promotion of tangible and intangible art and culture. Union Minister- Shri G. Kishan Reddy WORLD HERITAGE SITES New Inclusion- Santiniketan and Hoysala temples (Sacred Ensembles of Hoysalas) from India were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Santiniketan-It is a university in West Bengal set up by the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. It is based on ancient Indian traditions, reflecting his vision and philosophy of recognizing unity of humanity or ‘Visva Bharati’. It is the first tangible cultural heritage site from West Bengal.…
30 December, 2023
Art and Culture
The Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2023 were announced and will be presented at the award presentation function in 2024. Established in – 1954 by Sahitya Akademi Awarded to – The most outstanding books of literary merit published in the languages recognised by the Sahitya Akademi. The Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters was founded in 1954, an autonomous body under the Union Culture Ministry and registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is dedicated to the promotion of literature in Indian languages. The award – It is in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl, and Rs.1,00,000 (since 2009). Languages…
26 December, 2023
Awards & Honours
National Culture Fund (NCF) Received Rs. 3.70 Crore from Non-Government Sources during Last Five Years (2018-19 to 2022-23). Set up in – 1996, a trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. Aim – To mobilize extra resources through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards promoting, protecting & preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (Tangible & Intangible).It is managed by a Council and an Executive Committee. Council – It has the power to decide on relevant polices which has a maximum strength of 24 including the Chairman. It is chaired by the Hon'ble Minister of Culture and has 19 members from various fields. Executive Committee – It will actualize the policies and it is chaired by…
26 December, 2023
Art and Culture
Andriamamelo Cave is located in Western Madagascar and contains ancient rock art, hints at ancient connections between Africa and Asia. The art is the 1st pictorial art found on the island and includes images of nature with human-like and animal-like figures. The art includes unique black rock drawings and motifs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Afro-Arab and Borneo.
25 December, 2023
Art Forms
Tamilisai Moovars (Tamil Trinity) - Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and Arunachala Kavirayar, all 3 lived in TamilNadu and contributed to Carnatic music. Kavirayar was the 1st to compose musical drama in Tamil, his contributions were Rama Natakam, Asomuki Natakam, Sirkazhi Sthala Puranam, and Sirkazhi Kovai. Marimutha Pillai was a pioneer in composing Ninda Stuti Kritis, his contributions were Puliyur Venba and numerous Padhigams and Kuravanji. Muthuthandavar composed the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja called Tandava Kritis.
24 December, 2023
Art Forms
Makers of Joynagar moa arm themselves with barcodes, QR code recently. Jaynagarer Moa is a seasonal Bengali sweetmeat delicacy made from date palm jaggery and Kanakchur khoi. Jaynagarer Moa is only available during winter (November to January) season in Bengal. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015.
21 December, 2023
Art and Culture
The 2nd edition of the Kasi Tamil Sangam will be happened at Kasi, delegates from Tamil Nadu were set to participate. The programme aims to revive the bonds between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu through cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. The Union Ministry of Education, IIT Madras, and Banaras Hindu University will be involved in the programme. Participants have been divided into 7 groups, each named after a ‘sacred’ Rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Sindhu, Narmada, Godavari and Cauvery.
20 December, 2023
Festivals
The annual ‘Kanduri Urs’ festival starts with the flag-hoisting ceremony in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu recently. The 14-day festival commemorates the death anniversary of saint Abdul Qadir and attracts followers from different faiths across the world.
19 December, 2023
Festivals
Kamban is a title of the Occhans, to which caste Tamil epic poet Kamban is reputed to have belonged. Uvachar or Occhan is a community in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, a class of temple priests who usually officiate as pujaris at Pidari, Kali and other Amman (Grama Devata) temples. The name Kambar in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala identifies them with nagaswaram and thavil. They wear also known by names such as Parisaivar, Vallavarayar and Sallirayar.
16 December, 2023
Art and Culture
National Culture Fund (NCF) Received Rs. 3.70 Crore from Non-Government Sources during Last Five Years (2018-19 to 2022-23). Set up in – 1996, a trust under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890. Aim – To mobilize extra resources through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) towards promoting, protecting & preserving India’s Cultural Heritage (Tangible & Intangible). It is managed by a Council and an Executive Committee. Council – It has the power to decide on relevant polices which has a maximum strength of 24 including the Chairman. It is chaired by the Hon'ble Minister of Culture and has 19 members from various fields. Executive Committee – It will actualize the policies and it is chaired…
25 December, 2023
Art and Culture
Dalai Lama arrives at Siliguri's Sed-Gyued Monastery to deliver teachings on bodhicitta to his devotees. Mahayana One of the two major traditions of Buddhism, now practiced in a variety of forms especially in China, Tibet, Japan, and Korea. It emerged around the 1st century CE. It is typically concerned with other-oriented spiritual practice as embodied in the ideal of the bodhisattva. In Mahayana practice, compassion is both a practice and a result. Compassion is used to transform emotional reactivity into attention, and that attention in turn is used to awaken to the nature of mind, emptiness. However, then that same…
21 December, 2023
Buddhism
Global Ayurveda Festival is a platform to celebrate India’s healing wisdom organized at Greenfield International Stadium, Kariavattom Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Focal theme: Emerging Challenges in Healthcare & a Resurgent Ayurveda
02 December, 2023
Festivals
Recently, the 1st edition of IAADB was held at the Red Fort. It is a celebration of our country’s diverse heritage and vibrant culture and it will serve as an introduction to the Cultural Space at Delhi. Aim – To institutionalise a flagship Global Cultural Initiative in India like the International Biennales at Venice, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Sharjah, among others. Cultural spaces are being built in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi to enrich these cities culturally. 7 Exhibition themes – Doors of India, Gardens of India, Baolis (step-wells) of India, Temples of India, Architectural Wonders of Independent India, Indigenous Design and Women…
10 December, 2023
Art and Culture
The Koyas have moved on from using traditional Indian Bison horns to palm leaves to craft their ‘Permakore’. A traditional flute of Koya tribes that are made of Bison horn. In Koya language, Permam –Indian Bison or Guar Kore – Horn The koya women are nowhere associated with the Permakore in any phase of its use. ‘Bhumi Panduga’, a festival to mark the commencement of the agricultural season will not be held without the Permakore. Koya tribes The Koya are a tribe of hunter-gatherers. They inhabit the Papikonda hill range in the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh and in the states of Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Papikondalu hill range is also called as…
09 December, 2023
Art and Culture
Recently, India’s Garba dance was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. It is a ritualistic and devotional dance performed throughout the State of Gujarat and across India. Garba – It is celebrated for 9 days during Navaratri festival and is dedicated to the worship of the feminine energy or Shakti. Garba dance – The cultural, performative, and visual expressions of this feminine energy are expressed through this dance. Participatory community event – It takes place within homes, temple courtyards, and public spaces in villages, urban squares, streets, and large open grounds. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) includes…
06 December, 2023
Art and Culture
The Tamil Nadu government has installed a statue of Dalit rights and anti-caste activist Iyothee Thass Pandithar in Chennai. It will unveiled at Gandhi Mandapam on December 1, 2023. He was a prominent Tamil anti-caste activist and practitioner of Siddha medicine. Birth – On May 20, 1845 in the former Madras Presidency. Languages known – Tamil, English, Pali and Sanskrit. Tribal activist – He organised the tribal people in the Nilgiris in 1870’s and then started Advaidananda Sabha in 1876. Against Untouchability – He founded Panchamar Mahajana Sabha in 1891 along with Rettaimalai Srinivasan.He stressed that untouchables are not Hindus and shall be considered as Adi-Tamilars. Renaissance of…
02 December, 2023
Art and Culture
A former Somali refugee intent on bringing books and education to his compatriots in Kenya was recently received UN refugee agency’s prestigious Nansen Award. The Nansen Refugee Award is a medal given annually by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the cause of refugees, displaced, or stateless people. The award was established in 1954 to honor Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian scientist, polar explorer, diplomat, and the first High Commissioner for Refugees for the League of Nations.
29 November, 2023
Awards & Honours
India’s 1st woman Supreme Court Justice Fathima Beevi passes away recently. She was born in Pathanamthitta, Kerala in 1927. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1989. She had also served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001.
28 November, 2023
Persons in News
The Peralassery Subrahmanya Temple pond in Kannur, Kerala has found place in the list of 75 water heritage sites of India. It is locally known as Aynivyal pond. It is situated on the banks of the Anjarakandy River. There is no provision under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 to declare a site as a “Water Heritage Site” under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, the Ministry of Jal Shakti had constituted a Committee to identify 75 Water Heritage Structure (WHS) in reference to 75 years of India's Independence.
28 November, 2023
World heritage site
Irish writer Paul Lynch wins Booker Prize with dystopian novel 'Prophet Song' recently. Prophet Song - It is about a woman’s struggle to protect her family as Ireland collapses into totalitarianism and war. Booker Prize – It is founded in 1969, is open to English-language novels from any country published in the U.K. and Ireland, and has a reputation for transforming writers’ careers.
27 November, 2023
Awards & Honours
Udaasis It is a religious, ascetic sect, sampradaya (tradition) which considers itself as denomination of Sikhism, and focuses on the teachings of its founder, Sri Chand (1494-1643), son of Guru Nanak Dev. Nagar Kirtan Sikhs celebrate Guru nanak jayanti with a procession called Nagar Kirtan. Janamsakhis Biographies of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. Kaba It is a cube-shaped structure in Mecca that is considered holy. Langar It is a place where people contribute their labour and help the needy through acts such as cooking food for them at the gurudwaras. Angad Meaning - My own limb , Guru Nanak Dev…
27 November, 2023
Religion
Guru Nanak Dev (1469–1539) was the founder of Sikhism. He was born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, near Lahore). Nanak was a Bhakti saint who preached that the most important form of worship is Bhakti, or devotion to Waheguru. Guru Nanak Jayanti, also known as Gurpurab, is the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
25 November, 2023
Religion
Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is observed every year on 24 November. He is the 9th of ten gurus. He was born in Amristar, Punjab in 1621. He is also called Hind ki Chadar, or Shield of India. He composed 115 songs that are included in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the central book of Sikhism.
23 November, 2023
Art and Culture
Samuel Vedanayagam Pillai (1826–1889), also known as Mayavaram Vedanayagam Pillai, was an Indian civil servant, Tamil poet, novelist and social worker. He is remembered for the authorship of Prathapa Mudaliar Charithram, recognized as the "1st modern Tamil novel". He is also a great connoisseur of Carnatic music. His religious works are Kochakappa, Mata Patikankal, Tayabarakanni, Deva Thothiramalai, Tiruvarul Malai, Deva Mata Antati, and Tiruvarul Antati. His musical works include Sarva Samaya Samarasa Kirtanai, Satya Veta Kirtanai, Periyanayaki Amma Patikam, and Pen Mati Malai.
23 November, 2023
Art and Culture
The Watch and earn initiative is a project to protect the Sinhagad fort, an ancient hill fortress located at Pune in Maharashtra. The fort is previously known as Kondhana and it is known for the Battle of Sinhagad. Battle of Sinhagad was held in 1670 between Tanaji Malusare, a Maratha commander and Udaybhan Rathore, a fort keeper under Jai Singh I.
16 November, 2023
Historical sites
It is located in the Neelam Valley of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir along the Line of Control (LoC). It's situated on the banks of the Kishanganga River. It is regarded as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas and a major centre of learning.
09 November, 2023
Historical sites
Also known as korai paai in Tamil, these mats are crafted from the dry grass cultivated along the banks of the Cauvery in Tamil Nadu. During summer, straw mats are cool to sleep on, and they turn warm to sleep on in cold weather. It is an inseparable element in traditional gifts in Tamil weddings.
09 November, 2023
Craft
Recently, the National Ayurveda Day was observed on 10th November. It is celebrated in India every year on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras) since 2016. Focal theme for 2023 is 'Ayurveda for One Health', with the tagline, 'Ayurveda for everyone, every day' focusing on human-animal-plant-environment interface. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Science (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush is the coordinating agency for Ayurveda Day programs.
09 November, 2023
Art and Culture
Alvin Anto of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has won the Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award for Ecological Studies for the year 2023 in the research category. He has been recognised for his extensive research on the resilience of coral reefs in the Lakshadweep islands, highlighting the increasing threats these critical ecosystems face from climate change and other human-induced factors. Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award, instituted by the Gujarat Ecology Society and funded by the Kachnar Trust.
08 November, 2023
Awards & Honours
India-born author Nandini Das won the 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, a leading international non-fiction prize. The prize was awarded her book ‘Courting India: England, Mughal India and the Origins of Empire’. The prize was established in 2013, formerly known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize. The prize is open to authors of any nationality based anywhere in the world and working in any language provided the nominated work is available in English and published in the UK.
06 November, 2023
Awards & Honours
2 women navy officers trained to undertake the first women solo-circumnavigation as part of the Navy’s ‘Sagar Parikrama’. The Golden Globe Race (GGR) is a solo sailing race around the globe in a yacht. It started off on 2018, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race when Sir Robin Knox-Johnston became the first person to make a non-stop solo circumnavigation trip. The GGR is modeled on the race that took place in 1968. This means that no kind of modern technology like GPS, electronic watches, electronic compass and the like can be used during the trip.
05 November, 2023
Art and Culture
India is close to signing an agreement with the United States under which the process for the return of stolen antiquities will be hugely simplified. What is an antiquity? Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972- It defines “antiquity” as Any coin, sculpture, painting, epigraph or other work of art or craftsmanship Any article, object or thing detached from a building or cave illustrative of science, art, crafts, literature, religion, customs, morals or politics in bygone ages Antiquity criteria Duration Any article, object or thing of historical interest Not less than 100 years Manuscript, record or other document which is of…
30 November, 2023
Art and Culture
Ahilya Fort is to present the 20th Sacred River Festival in February 2024, after a three year gap due to the Covid pandemic. It is a 4 day festival celebrated annually since 2010, a confluence of art and history. It was conceived by Richard Holkar of Holkar dynasty to represent the family’s refined cultural sensibilities. Venue – Ahilyabai Fort in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh. Presented by – The Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Charitable Memorial Trust and Ms. Mary McFadden. Aim - To create a more inclusive art space that celebrates different identities and communities. Activities - Music, dance, theatre performances, and craft walks, discussions, food displays and also…
28 November, 2023
Festivals
More recently, the Kambala Samithi hosts weekly events from the end of November till the 1st half of April across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Karnataka. A folk sport practised in coastal Karnataka districts, especially in regions where Tulu speakers form a majority. Harvest festival – It will be organised in the slushy paddy fields, in the days after the harvest from November to March. Pairs of buffaloes are groomed by Bunt community in the coastal regions around the year. 4 categories Negilu (plough) – Lighter ploughs are used to tie buffaloes which is for entry-level buffalo pairs. Hagga (rope) – Buffaloes are raced by jockeys with just a rope tied…
27 November, 2023
Festivals
Onattukara Vikasana Agency in Kerala, plans to increase the area under sesame cultivation to 2,000 hectares from current 600 hectares. Grown in – 3 districts of Alappuzha, Kollam and Pathanamthitta in Kerala The Kerala Agriculture University (KAU) acquired the geographical indication (GI) tag in 2023 for its medicinal value and quality. Onattukara Vikasana Agency – It is the registered owner of the GI-tagged sesame seeds with Agriculture Minister of Kerala as its Chairman. Geographical uniqueness – The specific climate and nutrients of the soil of the region is generating medicinal value for the oilseeds It contains high levels of Vitamin E and antioxidants and also contains oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid. Medicinal…
26 November, 2023
Art and Culture
The 24th Hornbill Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, music and dance will be held in Nagaland’s misty mountains in 2023. It is an annual event which is called as the festival of festivals. Origin – It began in 2000 and is named after hornbill, a bird that symbolises beauty and grace in Naga folklore and ritual. Held at – The heritage village of Kisama, Nagaland. December 1 is Nagaland Statehood Day, thus the hornbill festival begins on that day and goes on for 10 days. Aim – To revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. It unites 16 Naga tribes of Nagaland to celebrate in colourful…
26 November, 2023
Festivals
Udayarpalayam Palace was once an impregnable seat of power in Tamil Nadu but now is a refuge for pigeons and bats. It is a 5 acre palace that resembles the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal of Madurai. Location - Udayarpalayam in Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. Built in – 18th century by the then Zamindars. Architecture - South Indian secular architecture. The foundation is made of granite boulders and pillars. The palace includes Lakshmi Vilasam (A court hall) Krishna Vilasam (Hall for dance and music concerts) Marriage hall Stucco images - The skeleton of every image (dancers and others) was made of wood, covered with cloth over which plastering was done and final touches were given…
25 November, 2023
Art and Culture
Recently, Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a state-wide ban on products being sold with halal certificates. An Arabic word meaning ‘permissible’ in English. In India, it mostly refers to the slaughtering technique of Muslims. As per Islamic dietary laws, it refers to food that is procured, processed, and traded in compliance with Islamic belief. Kashrut dietary rules are followed by orthodox Jews. Coverage – Consumables (meat, fish, shellfish and vegetarian food) including medicines, personal care products, packaging materials, animal feed, etc In the Quran, ‘halal’ refers to lawful (and allowed) and the term ‘haram refers to unlawful (and forbidden). Anything that are associated…
19 November, 2023
Art and Culture
An Italian Jesuit, Tamil scholar, and Chanda Sahib’s Dewan. Visit to India – He arrived in Goa in 1700 and reached Tamil Nadu in 1715 to do missionary work Language skills – He studied Sanskrit, Telugu, Urdu and Tamil and became a master of these languages, especially Tamil. Constantine Joseph Beschi was known as Thairiyanathaswamy and its translation reads as Veeramamunivar in Tamil. Friendship with Chanda Sahib – Veeramamunivar considered Chanda Sahib as the ruler of the banks of the Cauvery. Chanda Sahib gifted him 4 villages to the north of the River Kollidam (distributary of River Cauvery) in Tamil Nadu. He conferred the surname, Ismattee Sannyasi, indicating veeramamunivar’s excellence as a religious devotee.…
12 November, 2023
Art and Culture
The National Archives' "Abhilekh Patal" webpage, which features over 1 crore pages of historical records, has received praise from the Prime Minister of India. Regarding Abhilekh Patal Patal, which means a board, platform, or surface, is a Sanskrit word that has been used in Indian documents since ancient times. The abbreviation for Portal for Access to Archives and Learning has been created using both of these phrases. It is a fully functional web gateway that enables users to access digitized collections and reference materials from the National Archives of India through the Internet. It includes the reference materials for the…
27 April, 2023
Literature
Global Buddhist Summit In order to improve diplomatic and cultural ties with other nations, the Ministry of Culture recently organised the First Global Buddhist Summit 2023 in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). About the summit "Responses to Contemporary Challenges: Philosophy to Praxis" is the theme. The Summit aims to bring together the leaders and scholars of the Buddhist Dhamma from across the world to discuss issues that are important to both Buddhism and humanity as a whole and to develop solutions for policy. Highlights: Eminent academics, Sangha leaders, and Dharma practitioners from all over the world participated in…
26 April, 2023
Buddhism
Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam is anticipated to draw close to 3,000 attendees. The festival attempts to highlight "age-old ties" and cultural connections between two coastal States, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Similar to the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is the Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. About The Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam Background: Invasions between 600 and 1000 years ago led a large number of people to leave Saurashtra in Gujarat and form new communities in the regions of Tamil Nadu near Madurai, which are today known as Tamil Saurashtrian. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu now share a common cultural heritage due to the…
24 April, 2023
Festivals
World Heritage Day World Heritage Day is celebrated annually on April 18. The International Day for Monuments and Sites, commonly known as World Heritage Day, was established on April 18 by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982. This year's theme is "Heritage Changes," which emphasises the significance of cultural heritage in addressing climate change and safeguarding vulnerable communities. Regarding World Heritage Day World Heritage Day was first established in 1982 by The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). It falls on April 18. Later, during the 22nd General Conference in 1983, UNSECO endorsed the date. …
20 April, 2023
Historical sites
Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2023 A distinguished economist with both national and international praise, Utsa Patnaik, has been chosen to receive the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award in 2023. Regarding the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award One of the India's most esteemed national prizes, it acknowledges and recognises the exceptional contributions made by the social scientists to the field of development studies. The Malcolm and Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust established it in the year 2000. An excellent social scientist is chosen every year from a nominations by a specially assembled national jury to receive the prize. An award and Rs. 2 lakh in prize money are…
19 April, 2023
Awards & Honours
Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023 The "Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023" was recently held by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to recognise the female leaders in the rural water and sanitation industry. Jal Shakti Abhiyan - Catch the Rain 2023 was also introduced at the ceremony. What are the Main Points To recognise and highlight the leadership and participation of women at the grassroots level in the effort to create a "Swachh Sujal Bharat" this event was held in the days leading up to International Women's Day (8 March). The "Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023" was awarded to 36 women…
13 March, 2023
Awards & Honours
Porter Prize 2023 Recently, the Porter Prize 2023 was awarded to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry. Major Points The government's approach to managing COVID-19, as well as the approach and involvement of many stakeholders, including the involvement of ASHA workers in the industry to create PPE Kits, were recognised with the award. Its involvement in the creation and production of vaccinations The award was presented during The India Dialog at Stanford University. The Indian Economy 2023: Innovation, Competitiveness, and Social Development was the focus and the theme of the two-day conference. Porter Award It bears Michael E. Porter's…
10 March, 2023
Awards & Honours
1300-year-old Buddhist Stupa found in Odisha A 1,300-year-old stupa was recently found by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the Jajpur district of Odisha at a Khondalite mining site. That is where the Khondalite stones for the Puri, India, beautification project surrounding the Shree Jagannath Temple from the 12th century came from. What conclusions has the ASI reached? Initial evaluation revealed the stupa may be 4.5 metres tall and date to the 7th or 8th centuries. It was discovered in Parabhadi, which is close to Lalitagiri, a significant Buddhist complex with a lot of stupas and monasteries. Among the…
06 March, 2023
Historical sites
Mukaab The Mukaab, or "cube" in Arabic, is the name of Saudi Arabia's most recent, ambitious plan to reshape the country's capital city, Riyadh. About: As part of its Vision 2030, which aims to revolutionise the nation's economy and way of life, Saudi Arabia has planned and begun construction on a number of large-scale architectural projects, including The Mukaab. It will be 400 metres tall, 400 metres broad, and 400 metres long—enough space for 20 Empire State Buildings. The Mukaab's cubic design will guarantee optimal space utilisation. Building Design: The modern Najdi architectural style, a modern interpretation of the historic…
28 February, 2023
Buddhism
Keeladi Findings A report on the discoveries at the Keeladi site from the Sangam era was just released by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). A thorough report on the discoveries made during the first two phases of the excavation at the Sangam-era site and their relevance has been provided by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also, the Keeladi Site Museum will soon be built in Sivaganga and will contain many of the more than 18,000 artefacts that have been discovered thus far. More on the news: Near the temple city of Madurai, in the southern Tamil Nadu region,…
28 February, 2023
Historical sites
Lavani Dance Lavani dance has recently been the subject of controversy in the State of Maharashtra, as younger female dancers have been charged with vilifying the traditional folk art form. About Lavani: Lavani, which means "beauty" in Sanskrit, is a traditional folk art form in which female dancers perform on a stage in front of an audience while donning make-up, nine-yard-long sarees in vibrant colours, and ghunghroos (ankle bells). It became well-known during the Peshwa era in the 18th century, when performances were given in front of rulers and for the amusement of weary troops during pauses from battle. There…
16 February, 2023
Art Forms
Jagannath Temple Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal recently entered a topic that has raged for decades and occasionally sparked controversy by supporting the admission of foreign nationals into the renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri. Only Hindus are currently permitted inside the temple to make prayers to the gods inside the sanctum sanctorum. Why are non-Hindus prohibited from entering the Jagannath Temple? Despite the lack of an obvious justification, it has been a tradition for generations. According to some historians, Muslim monarchs' repeated assaults on the Temple may have prompted the servitors to set limits on non-Hindus' access. Some claim that this…
27 January, 2023
Temples
Buddhist Monastery Found in Bharatpur The Structural Complex of the Buddhist Monastery was uncovered in the recent digs in continuity with the massive stupa, black and red ware pottery, and sculptures recovered from excavation done at the same site in West Bengal fifty years ago. More on the news: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered a large Monastery complex during an excavation in the Paschim Bardhaman region of West Bengal. A small circular construction and nine layers of brick that make up the monastery's exterior wall have been discovered. Buddhism in West Bengal: During the heyday of the Mahayana…
25 January, 2023
Architecture
Ahom Burial Mounds in Assam The Charaideo Maidams in Assam has just been selected as a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage Center by the Union Government. More on the news: From among the 52 locations across the nation seeking for the World Heritage Site tag, The Prime Minister chose Maidams mound burial site of Assam. A team of the UNESCO National Heritage Committee would visit Assam in September to inspect the Maidams and take a decision in March next year. There are two categories of nomination – cultural sites and natural sites. The Maidams will be nominated in the…
24 January, 2023
World heritage site
Thiruvalluvar Day On Thiruvalluvar Day, Union Minister for Home and Cooperation extends warm greetings to the people. The way to a devout life has been illuminated for ages by the divine wisdom and life teachings imparted by Thiruvalluvar. The first Thiruvalluvar Day celebration took place on 17th-18th May 1935. It is currently celebrated as part of Pongal celebrations and is often observed in Tamil Nadu on either January 15 or January 16. Regarding Thiruvalluvar: A Tamil poet-saint by the name of Thiruvalluvar, also known as Valluvar. He is revered by Tamils of all castes and religions as a cultural and moral figure.…
18 January, 2023
Literature
Harvest Festivals in India In recent years, the harvest holidays like Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal have been celebrated nationwide. Various harvest festivals celebrated all over India: Lohri: Sikhs and Hindus tend to celebrate Lohri the most. It signals the end of winter and is seen as the arrival of the sun in the northern hemisphere. This occasion is celebrated with a Puja Parikrama (revolve) around the bonfire and prasad the night before Makar Sankranti. It is referred to be the celebration of the farmers and harvest, during which the farmers express their gratitude to the Supreme Being. Pongal: Pongal…
16 January, 2023
Festivals
Mural Art In Kerala, The Wall of Peace, a magnificent piece of contemporary mural art, was unveiled on the 700-foot-long compound wall of the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Cherpulassery. On the wall, the word "peace" has been imprinted in 250 different languages. Regarding Mural Painting: Indian mural paintings are created on the cave and palace walls. Any piece of art that is painted or put directly on a wall is referred to as a mural. In a broader sense, mural art can be found on walls, ceilings, or any other substantial permanent surface. The distinctive feature of mural…
05 January, 2023
Paintings
Lord Nataraja The Tamil Nadu police recently successfully prevented France from auctioning off a bronze Nataraja idol. The rare bronze idol was allegedly stolen from Kayathar in Thoothukudi district half a century ago. What are the Most Important Facts About Lord Nataraja? Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), the Hindu god Shiva as the cosmic dancer, is depicted in metal or stone in many Shaivite temples, especially in South India. It is a significant work of Chola sculpture. The damru (drum) in the upper right hand represents the sound of creation. The damru's great sound is the source of all creation.…
21 December, 2022
Art and Culture
Baguette in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage Baguette, the staple French bread, was recently inscribed on the UN's list of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). France nominated the baguette as a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO ICH list in March 2021. It drew attention to the country's steady decline in the number of bakeries, with approximately 20,000 closing since 1970. What is a baguette? The baguette is a long and thin loaf of bread made of flour, water, salt, and yeast that is a staple in France. Some believe that August Zang, a baker and entrepreneur from Vienna, invented…
07 December, 2022
Art and Culture
Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University On November 29, 2022, the foundation stone for the Dhamma Dipa International Buddhist University (DDIBU) at Manu Bankul in Sabroom, South Tripura, will be laid. DDIBU is expected to be India's first Buddhist-run university, offering Buddhist education alongside courses in other modern education disciplines. About Buddhism: Buddhism originated in India over 2,600 years ago. The religion is founded on Siddhartha Gautam's teachings and life experiences. The fundamental teachings of Buddhism are encapsulated in the four noble truths or ariya-sachchani and the eight-fold path or ashtangika marg. Four lofty truths: The essence of the world is…
06 December, 2022
Buddhism
Sufism A book titled 'In Search of the Divine: Living Histories of Sufism in India' was recently published. What is Sufism? Sufism is a mystical form of Islam, a school of thought that emphasizes the spiritual search for God while rejecting materialism. It is a type of Islamic mysticism that emphasizes asceticism. There is a great deal of emphasis on devotion to God. Self-discipline is regarded as a necessary condition in Sufism for gaining knowledge of God through sense perception. Due to the increasing materialism of the Caliphate, some religious people in Persia turned to asceticism at the beginning of…
26 November, 2022
Religion
Megalithic Burial Sites Recent research indicates that Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district is home to the largest number of anthropomorphic burial sites. An anthropomorphic site is one that has an image of a human body over its megalithic graves. A megalith is a massive stone that has been utilised, either alone or in conjunction with other stones, to build a prehistoric construction or monument. Megaliths were built as memorials (non-sepulchral) or as places of remembrance. The former are locations that have genuine burial relics such as capstones, cairn circles, and dolmenoid cists (box-shaped stone burial chambers) (distinctive mushroom-shaped burial chambers found…
18 November, 2022
Historical sites
National Geoscience Awards -2022 The Ministry of Mines is seeking nominations for the National Geoscience Awards (NGA)-2022 for contributions to fundamental/applied geosciences, mining, and related fields. The Earth Sciences are collectively referred to as geoscience. Atmospheric sciences, geology, hydrology, mineralogy, petrology, pedology, and oceanography are all examples of geoscientists. What are the Awards' main points? It was established in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines and is given annually. It is a program designed to encourage geoscientists to strive for excellence. These awards are open to any Indian citizen who has made a significant contribution in any of the fields…
12 November, 2022
Awards & Honours
Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti The 553rd anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev's birth was recently commemorated. Guru Nanak Dev: Who was he? Birth: In 1459, in the Talwandi Rai Bhoe village, now known as Nankana Sahib, close to Lahore. He was the first Sikh guru and the first of the ten Sikh gurus. Contributions: Began interfaith communication back in the 16th century and had discussions with the majority of the then-current religious movements. Penned works that were included in the Adi Granth, which Guru Arjan (1563–1606), the fifth Sikh guru, put together. As a result of the modifications made by the…
10 November, 2022
Festivals
Tokhu Emong Festival Nagaland is conducting the four-day Tokhu Emong Bird Count (TEBC), the first avian documentation exercise to include species other than Amur falcons. The exercise has been timed to coincide with the Lothas' post-harvest Tokhu Emong festival, a Naga community that dominates Nagaland's Wokha district. What exactly is the Tokhu Emong Festival? 'Tokhu Emong,' a perfect blend of religion, culture, and entertainment, is widely celebrated in Wokha district. This colourful festival is held every year on November 7th and lasts for 9 days. Tokhu means to travel from house to house, gathering tokens and gifts in the form…
08 November, 2022
Festivals
Wangala Dance: Meghalaya The Rising Sun Water Fest-2022 kicked off in the pristine surroundings of Umiam Lake (a man-made reservoir) in Meghalaya. On the occasion of 'The Rising Sun Water Fest-2022,' members of the Garo tribal community perform the Wangala dance. About Wangala Dance: Wangala, also known as the Festival of Hundred Drums, is celebrated with various forms of dances performed to the tunes of folk songs played on drums and primitive flutes made of buffalo horns. The festival commemorates the Sun God and marks the end of the long harvest season. The celebration also marks the end of a…
08 November, 2022
Festivals
Kushanas & their coins Recently discovered coinage depicting gods and goddesses dates back to the Kushans. More information on Kushana Coins Coin introduction: Vima Kadaphises, the Kushan emperor, was the one who introduced India's first gold coins. The Double Dinar is considered the Indian subcontinent's first gold coin. He issued gold and copper coins, many of which have survived to the present day. Kanishka minted coins in two metals: gold and copper. Dinar (or stater) and quarter Dinar gold coins were minted in two denominations. Kushana coins were undoubtedly influenced by their predecessors, the Indo-Greeks, who were defeated by the…
28 October, 2022
Architecture
Lothal: The National Heritage Complex The Prime Minister recently inspected the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) site in Gujarat's Lothal. About National Maritime Heritage Complex The project began in March 2022 and would cost Rs 3,500 crore to complete. It will have various novel features, such as the Lothal mini-recreation, which will use immersive technology to reproduce Harappan buildings and lifestyles. It contains four theme parks: Memorial Park, Maritime and Navy Park, Climate Park, and Adventure and Amusement Park. It will serve as a learning and understanding center for India's maritime history. The NMHC is being built…
22 October, 2022
Pre-historic period
2022 Booker Prize The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, Shehan Karunatilaka's second novel, has received the Booker Prize 2022. About The Seven Moons of Saturn Maali Almeida's narrative is about a war photojournalist who wakes up dead in what appears to be a celestial immigration office. He has 'seven moons' to uncover the mystery of his death and to assist in the discovery of a stash of images that would rock war-torn Sri Lanka. The Booker Prize The Booker Prize is the world's most prestigious literary prize for a single piece of fiction. It was founded in the United Kingdom…
21 October, 2022
Persons in News
Nobel Prize in Economic Science 2022 Ben S. Bernanke, Douglas W. Diamond, and Philip H. Dybvig will receive the 2022 Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel "for research on banks and financial crises," according to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. David Card, a Canadian-American, received half of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (labour economics), and Joshua D. Angrist and Guido W. Imbens, Israeli-Americans, shared the other half (analysis of causal relationships). Other 2022 Nobel Prizes have already been announced in literature, chemistry, physics, medicine, and peace. Note The Economics Prize was established…
10 October, 2022
Awards & Honours
Chola Dynasty A recently released movie centered on a made-up history of the Chola kingdom in the tenth century. The Cholas are renowned for their progressiveness, the architectural wonders and temples they built, the historical period's social structure, and the naming of cities after women. ??????? The Cholas' reign: Sphere of influence Currently existing Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and portions of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka made up the Chola kingdom. It is one of the dynasties with the longest reigns in recorded history. Geographic range: The lush Kaveri River Valley served as the Cholas' home base. South of the Tungabhadra, they…
05 October, 2022
Architecture
Buddhist Caves found at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Following an exploration exercise this year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) reported 26 Buddhist caves in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. About The caves date from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century BC and are associated with the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. For the first time since 1938, the exploration was held in the region. These discoveries would be roughly contemporaneous with the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other discoveries: In addition to the caves, other Mahayana sect remains, such as chaitya-shaped doors and…
29 September, 2022
Historical sites
Qutb Shahi Tombs Tourists will be able to visit Hyderabad's rebuilt Qutb Shahi tombs complex, which would support Hyderabad's bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage City. Image Source - Telangana Today Concerning Qutb Shahi Tombs These tombs, which were constructed by the Qutub Shahis, are regarded as some of Hyderabad's oldest historical sites. Located next to the renowned Golconda Fort in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct). They can be found near Banjara Darwaza, which is a kilometre north of Golconda Fort. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the successive monarchs of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. They…
17 September, 2022
Architecture
Mohenjo-Daro Image Source - Harappa Mohenjo Daro's World Heritage designation was in danger due to severe rainfall in the Sindh region, according to a warning from Pakistan's Department of Archaeology. The Mohenjo Daro archaeological sites had a record-breaking rainfall of 779.5 mm between August 16 and August 26, 2022, which caused "severe damage to the site and partial falling of numerous walls, including the protecting wall of the stupa dome." The natural calamity has had a severe impact on the Muneer Area, Stupa, Great Bath, and other significant locations of these ruins. The officials of Sindh have requested urgent attention…
08 September, 2022
World heritage site
Anang Tal Lake Image Source - Journals of India The Anang Tal Lake in South Delhi has just been recognized as a monument of National significance by the Ministry of Culture through a gazette notification. Important National Monuments The Archaeological Survey of India designates the Monuments of National Importance (ASI). The preservation, promotion, and protection of the Monuments of National Importance fall under the purview of the Indian union government. According to the Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, an ancient monument is one that: Any construction, erection, or monument that has been in existence for at least 100…
26 August, 2022
Historical sites
Mandala Art Artists from all around the world have altered mandala patterns, adding their own interpretations and painting them as their own. About Mandala Sanskrit term that means "circle" or "centre" literally. It is described by a geometric arrangement that typically includes the circular form in some way. A mandala pattern is essentially continuous and can also be made in the shape of a square. Origin It is thought to have its roots in Buddhism and initially appeared in India in the first century BC. Buddhist missionaries who travelled the silk road during the following two centuries spread it to…
23 August, 2022
Art Forms
Parsi New Year The Parsi Community celebrates Paris New Year (also known as Navroz) on August 16 each year. About Parsi New Year: The Persian and Iranian New Year are known as Navroz or Nowruz, which means "new," while ruz means "day," respectively. As a result, the term literally means "a fresh day." Countries with a sizable Persian cultural impact, such as Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, and areas of Central Asia, celebrate it. History: The Persian king Jamshed is credited with developing the Persian or Shahenshahi calendar, and the holiday of Nowruz bears his name. Jamshed averted a global disaster…
17 August, 2022
Festivals
Shrimad Rajchandra Mission The Prime Minister of India inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various projects of the Shrimad Rajchandra Mission worth more than 300 crore rupees at Dharampur in Gujarat. About Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur is a spiritual movement for inner transformation through wisdom, meditation, and selfless service. Founded by Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, the organization works through 196 centers on five continents. About Shrimad Rajchandraji He was a self-realized saint, a reformer of Jainism, and a remarkable poet-philosopher of the late 19th century. He gave the world a rich heritage that guides generations of seekers.…
06 August, 2022
Persons in News
About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) The “regular monitoring” is done by the Archaeological Survey of India to assess the damage to its monuments by any atmospheric agents and the natural causes. About archaeological survey of India It is the premier institution in India for archaeological research. ASI is an attached agency of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India. The ASI is headed by a Director-General and is headquartered in New Delhi. ASI has more than 3693 protected monuments and archaeological sites of National Importance that it protects and preserves. It is a statutory body after independence,…
04 August, 2022
Historical sites
Karikiyoor Rock Paintings The Researchers have discovered 5000-year-old rock paintings at Karikiyoor in Nilgiris. About Korikiyoor painting: It is located in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. It is a series of over 300 images etched on the side of the cliff-face in Kothagiri. A variety of subjects are depicted in great detail that includes: communities that lived in the area at that period. the wildlife they witnessed and their relationships with them the battles with other communities It is believed to be more than 5,000 years old as no scientific dating has been done on the site. Feature…
01 August, 2022
Paintings
Modhera Sun Temple The Ahmedabad Railway Station at Kalupur in Ahmedabad City will be developed on the theme of Modhera Sun Temple in the next five years. About Modhera Sun Temple Modhera Sun Temple is located in Mehsana, neighbouring Ahmedabad district. Built-in the 11th century during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in honour of the Sun God, it is one of the major tourist destinations in North Gujarat. Situated on the banks of Pushpavati River. It is surrounded by a terra-formed garden of flowering trees and songs of birds. Modhera Sun Temple is an excellent example of…
27 July, 2022
Temples
Maharaja Serfoji II The exquisite 19th-century stolen painting of Maharaja Serfoji II has been traced to a United State Museum. About Maharaja Serfoji II Serfoji was born on 24th September 1777. He was adopted on 22-1-1787 by King Tulaja II. Serfoji II became the Rajah of Thanjavur on 30th June 1798. Serfoji was the last of the Bhonsle Rajas of Thanjavur. He patronized music, dance, and the fine arts. He started a school and gave free boarding and lodging facilities. He also gave importance to Tamil education and to legible handwriting. He opened up education for girls. He revolutionized education…
25 July, 2022
Paintings
NATIONAL EMBLEM A first glimpse of the national emblem at the top of new parliament housing coming under up as part of the Central Vista project has been unveiled by the Prime Minister. About national emblem The State emblem of India is the National Emblem of the Republic of India and is used by the Union Government, State Government, and other various government agencies. The state emblem is an adaptation from the Sarnath lion capital of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka. Four Asiatic lions are part of the national emblem with three lions being visible to the naked eye and the…
20 July, 2022
Architecture
BHIL TRIBES Bhil tribes in Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh set an example through ‘Jeevan Shala’ which is established and has been running several schools in central India’s tribal areas for 30 years, despite the government opposition. About Bhil Tribe The word Bhil is derived from “Veel”, which means “bow” in the Dravidian language. The Bhil tribe is called “Dhanush Purush of India” because they are highly adept at learning Dhanush. Bhils are a group of tribal Indians who are scattered throughout India from Gujarat in the west to Tripura in the Far East. As of 2013, they were the largest tribal group in…
20 July, 2022
Art and Culture
BONALU FESTIVAL It is an annual festival celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, and also in a few parts of Telangana. About the Festival The festival is mainly dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, as per belief, a ferocious avatar of Goddess Durga. The word “Bonam” which signifies a meal or a feast in Telugu. During this, the devotees offer rice cooked with milk and jaggery in an earthen pot, which is decorated with neem leaves, turmeric, and vermilion. Women carry these pots on their heads to the temples. Apart from Yellamma, during the Bonalu festival, the different forms…
20 July, 2022
Festivals
FIELD MEDEL 2022 Recently, Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska along with the other three mathematicians received the prestigious Fields Medals. Fields medal is often described as the Nobel Prize in Mathematics. What are the Key Highlights of the Field Medal? The Fields Medal is awarded every four years to one or more mathematicians under the age of forty year Fields medal is awarded to recognize the outstanding mathematical achievement for existing work and the promise of future achievement. Fields Medal is given at the International Congress of the International Mathematical Union (IMU). The Fields Medal Committee is selected by the…
09 July, 2022
Awards & Honours
MANIPURI DANCE It is an ancient classical dance that originated in the Northeast state of Manipur. The earliest form of dance in Manipur is Lai Haraoba which forms the basis of all dances. Lai haraoba is a festival that means the merry-making of God. It has roots in Manipur’s pre-Vaishnava era. The central theme of the dance is the love story of Krishna and Radha. The Manipuri culture is a combination of both Indian and South-Eastern cultures. The chief instrument used in this are drum and flute for this dance. The theme in Manipuri dances The majority of the themes are…
05 July, 2022
Art and Culture
JAGANNATH RATH YATRA The Greatest festival of the Supreme Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra is celebrated every year but for the last 2 years, the devotee's participation was barred due to the pandemic. The annual Lord Jagannath rath yatra begins from the Jagannath temple, Puri. The festival is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh which is the third month, according to the traditional Oriya calendar. The Rath Yatra is 9 day-long event during which the three holy chariots carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram and sister Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees from India and…
02 July, 2022
Temples
SATINDER LAMBAH PASSES AWAY AT 81 Satinder k. Lambha who passed away in New Delhi at the age of 81 was a great Indian diplomat. He carried a legacy of special relationships with each country he served in but the most important was his engagement with Pakistan which lasted the longest and saw the biggest breakthrough when he was Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's special envoy (2005-2014). Mr.Lambha was born in Peshawar in 1941and he served in the Indian Foreign Service as India Deputy High Commissioner and Commissioner to Pakistan as well as the Joint Secretary in (Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran).…
03 July, 2022
Persons in News
Neeraj Chopra Sets New Javelin Throw National Record Of 89.94m With a throw of 89.94m at the Diamond League, Neeraj Chopra (24 years) broke his own national record of 89.30m that he set at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Turku earlier this month. He finishes second just behind the World champion and season leader Anderson Peters of Grenada who won the competition with a best throw of 90.31m which he came up with in this third attempt. Niraj Chopra became the second Indian to finish in the top three in a Diamond League competition after discus thrower Vikas Gowda.
10 July, 2022
Awards & Honours
OACHIRA KALI RITUAL Oachira kali is a festival celebrated in the month of June in Kerala. It is to commemorate the Battle of Kayamkulam, fought between the Maharaja of Travancore Marthanda Varma and the Raja of Kayamkulam on the plains of Oachira Temple. The battlefield was a paddy field adjacent to the famous Oachira Parabrahma temple and the festivities are part of a ritual associated with the shrine. The festival also includes local men mocking the battle fought between Kayamkulam and Ambalapuzha kingdoms in the medieval period.
16 June, 2022
Festivals
Porunai or Thamirabarani civilisation: New Discovery A carbon dating analysis of rice with soil, found in a burial urn at Sivakalai in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, by the Miami-based Beta Analytic Testing Laboratory has yielded the date of 1155 BC, indicating that the Thamirabarani or Porunai civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. Encouraged by this finding, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced in the Assembly the establishment of Porunai Museum in Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs. 15 crore. The finding has established that the Porunai river [Thamirabarani] civilisation dates back to 3,200 years. It is the government’s task to…
11 September, 2021
Pre-historic period
Indian Institute of Heritage at Noida The government has decided to set up the ‘Indian Institute of Heritage’ at Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar. Indian Institute of Heritage will be a world-class university. IIH would offer master's and PhD courses in History of Arts, Conservation, Museology, Archival Studies, and Archaeology. This will impact higher education and research in the fields related to rich Indian heritage and its conservation. Indian Institute of Heritage would offer Masters and Ph.D courses in History of Arts, Conservation, Museology, Archival Studies, Archaeology, Preventives Conservation, Epigraphy and Numismatics, Manuscriptology etc. as well as conservation training facilities to…
10 August, 2021
Art and Culture
UNESCO strips Liverpool of its world heritage status The English city of Liverpool has been removed from UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites after the United Nations’ cultural agency found new buildings, including a football stadium, undermined the attractiveness of its Victorian docks. Liverpool was named a World Heritage Site in 2004, joining cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal. After a vote in China by members of its World Heritage Committee, UNESCO said on Twitter that Liverpool should be removed from the international cultural organisation’s list. Joanne Anderson, the Liverpool Mayor, said the…
22 July, 2021
World heritage site
Tika Utsav to begin on Jyotirao Phule’s Birth Anniversary The 'Tika Utsav (vaccination festival)', started on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (11th April) will continue till the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar on 14th April 2021. The aim of the four day festival is to vaccinate as many people as possible for the priority groups and zero wastage of Covid-19 vaccine. Jyotirao Phule was an Indian social activist, thinker, anti-caste social reformer and writer from Maharashtra. He is also known as Jyotiba Phule. Profile Phule was born on 11th April 1827 in present-day Maharashtra and belonged to the Mali caste of gardeners and vegetable farmers. In 1841, Phule was enrolled at the Scottish Missionary High…
11 April, 2021
Persons in News
‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) is a Central Sector Scheme fully financed by the Government of India launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations. The scheme aimed at infrastructure development such as entry points (Road, Rail and Water Transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like Information/ Interpretation Centers, ATM/ Money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area Lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking…
16 July, 2021
Art and Culture
PM releases Hindi Version of Odisha Itihaas by Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab Odisha Itihaas Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently released the Hindi translation of the book, ‘Odisha Itihaas’, written by former chief minister Harekrushna Mahatab. Releasing the book, which is already available in Oriya and English, the Prime Minister said, “It is important that the diverse and comprehensive history of Odisha should reach the people of the country.” Harekrushna Mahtab Dr. Mahatab was born in 1899 to a poor family at Agarpada village in Balasore. He was inspired by the ideals of Bagha Jatin and was influenced by Ramakrishna Mission. At…
09 April, 2021
Literature
Sri Sri Harichand Thakur The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Sri Harichand Thakur on his Jayanti. About Shri Shri Harichand Thakur Harichand Thakur, sometimes known as Shri Shri Harichand Thakur worked among the untouchable people of Bengal Presidency. He formed the Matua sect of Hindus. According to historian Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, Thakur “experienced Atma darshan or self-revelation, through which he realized that he was the incarnation of God himself, born in this world to bring salvation to the downtrodden”. Thakur, whose family were Vaishnavite Hindus, founded a sect of Vaishnavite Hinduism called Matua. This was adopted by…
09 April, 2021
Persons in News
Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur's 400th Birth Anniversary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will chair a meeting of the High-Level Committee to approve policies, plans and programs related to the commemoration of the 400th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621–1675) Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of ten Gurus of the Sikh religion. He was born at Amritsar in 1621 and was the youngest son of Guru Hargobind. His term as Guru ran from 1665 to 1675. One hundred and fifteen of his hymns are in Guru Granth Sahib. There are several accounts explaining the…
07 April, 2021
Persons in News
6 new World Heritage Sites on the Tentative list Six of the nine sites submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India had been accepted by UNESCO for inclusion in the tentative list, which is a requirement before the final nomination of any site. The recently-included proposals are Ganga ghats in Varanasi Temples of Kancheepuram Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh The Maratha military architecture in Maharashtra The Hire Bengal megalithic site in Karnataka and Bhedaghat-Lametaghat of Narmada Valley in Madhya Pradesh. India has 48 sites in the Tentative list as of now. As per Operational Guidelines, 2019 of UNESCO, it…
20 May, 2021
World heritage site
Sikhism Guru Nanak Devji (contemporary of Babur) created a separate sect Birthplace: Nankana Sahib (Pakistan). Gurudwara Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur, Pakistan: Guru Nanak Dev spent the last 18 years of his life. Hence Kartarpur corridor connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Punjab with Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Narowal district. He advocated the 'Nirguna' form of bhakti. He rejected sacrifices, ritual baths, image worship, austerities and the scriptures of both Hindus and Muslims. Sikhs believe in one God. They believe they should remember God in everything they do. This is called simran. The Sikhs call their faith Gurmat. They turned to Farming. Sikhism was egalitarian in character and liberal and progressive for its age.…
01 May, 2021
Religion
Thotlakonda Buddhist destination Historians and biologists campaign to protect the ancient Buddhist site of Thotlakonda - Home to around 90 species of birds. The site is found at a hill of Mangamaripeta Village, Bheemunipatnam Taluka of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Significance of the site - In 1976, during a helicopter survey by the Indian Navy to set up a naval facility, ruins of the Buddhist site were spotted. Subsequently, the entire hill was declared as an area comprising a protected monument under the Andhra Pradesh Ancient and Historical Monument and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1960. The State Archaeology Department’s…
29 April, 2021
Religion
Dekho Apna Desh Webinar on Khajuraho Temples The Ministry of Tourism recently organized a webinar on “Khajuraho Temples of Architectural Splendour” under Dekho Apna Desh. About Dekho Apna Desh webinar Ministry of Tourism launched the Dekho Apna Desh webinar series in April 2020. Its objective is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations in India. It is also an effort to showcase India’s rich diversity under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. About Khajuraho Temples: Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh. It was built by the Chandella rulers between AD 900…
22 April, 2021
Temples
Buddhist Remains found in Jharkhand Earlier this year, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) discovered Buddhist Remains from Hazaribagh on the eastern side of Jharkhand’s Sitagarha hills. What did the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) discover? ASI discovered the remains of a Buddhist monastery along with some Shaivite remains which include: Four Statues of Taras, the “saviouresses” of the Thunderbolt Vehicle, displaying the Varada mudra(gesture of hand showing dispensing of boons). Six statues of the Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra (gesture of hand showing five fingers of right hand towards the earth symbolising the Buddha’s enlightenment). Remnants of a statue of the…
18 April, 2021
Buddhism
Regional New Year's Days Context Puthandu Pirappu, Rongali Bihu, Naba Barsha and Vaisakhadi, Ugadi, and Gudi Padwa will be celebrated in different parts of the country on 14th and 15th April 2021. In the month of Chaitra (March-April) of the Hindu calendar, most of the regional New Year Days are celebrated. Ugadi is the Telugu New Year that usually comes in March. In Punjab the year starts with the first of Vaisakh, coinciding with the ripening of the rabi harvest Baisakhi (April 13). At the same time, the Nava Varsha of Bengalis begins. Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarudam or Tamil New…
14 April, 2021
Festivals
Shigmotsav Festival of Goa Amid a rise in Covid-19 cases, Goa government permitted the celebrations of the Shigmotsav Festival. Questions are being raised over the scale of celebrations of the festival in Goa. About Shigmotsav Festival: Shigmotsav festival also known as Shigmo is a spring festival celebrated in the state of Goa. The festival is the celebration of a rich, golden harvest of paddy by the tribal communities of Goa. Agricultural communities including the Kunbis, Gawdas and Velips celebrate the festival. Key Features of the Shigmotsav Festival: The festival begins with ‘Naman’. It means the invocation of the local folk…
26 March, 2021
Festivals
Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 & 2019 Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the former Sultan of Oman, the late Qaboos bin Said Al Said, will be awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 and 2019, respectively. They were selected by the jury, chaired by the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, the leader of the single largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Lok Sabha Speaker and founder of Sulabh International. About the Gandhi Peace Prize: The annual award was instituted by the Government of India in 1995 during the commemoration of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Usually awarded to those…
24 March, 2021
Awards & Honours
Traditional Textiles of Assam in News due to Upcoming Elections Decorative jaapi (field hats), hand-woven games, and bell-metal xorais are making frequent appearances in Assam as the election is coming closer. About Jaapi: Jaapi is a conical hat. It is made of bamboo and covered with dried tokou leaves Tokou is a palm tree found in the rainforests of Upper Assam. Jaapi is most often used in official functions in Assam to felicitate guests. Farmers also use jaapi to protect themselves from the harsh weather, both sun and rain while working in the fields. About Xorai: Xorai is essentially a…
24 March, 2021
Textile
Conservation of Ancient Folk Cultures To protect, preserve & promote various forms of folk art and ancient folk cultures throughout the country including Jharkhand, Bihar and Kerala, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. Ancient folk cultures being preserved in Jharkhand are Faguwa Nritya, Turi Nritya, Paika Nritya, Homoeopathy, Tribal dance (Karam Nritya). Ancient folk cultures being preserved in Bihar are Lok Gathas namely : "Reshma Chuharmal" , "Bihula Bishari", "Naradi" , Bidesia Lok Natya , Godana Painting (Madhubani), Lok Natya "Hirni-Birni" (Magadh region), Panwaria, Domkach &…
19 March, 2021
Festivals
WORLD SOIL DAY AWARD 2020 - 5TH DECEMBER Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has won the prestigious International King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award for 2020 on World Soil Day. ICAR has been conferred for its commitment to raising awareness about healthy soil and addressing soil erosion under the motto ‘Stop soil erosion, save our future’, taken in 2019. Award is presented by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
16 December, 2020
Awards & Honours
LEGION OF MERIT- TO INDIAN PRIME MINISTER The President of the United States conferred the Legion of Merit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The award was received by the Ambassador of India to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu on behalf of the Prime Minister. About Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States. It is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements, and loyalty. It is issued to the eight uniformed services of the United States and also to the Heads of foreign Governments. It is one…
09 December, 2020
Awards & Honours
UNESCO PRIZE FOR CREATIVE ECONOMY UNESCO is to launch an international prize in the creative economy field in the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 2021 has been declared as ‘International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development by UNESCO. About UNESCO Prize for Creative Economy The prize will create knowledge-sharing mechanism by communicating the best practice in developing creative entrepreneurship. The prize will be 50,000 USD and is to be given once every two years. The award will recognise exceptional initiatives taken by cultural workers and organizations in the development of the creative economy. What is a Creative Economy? A…
23 December, 2020
Awards & Honours
Committee for Studying Saraswati River The Central Government reconstituted an advisory committee for studying the mythical Saraswati river for the next 2 years. Advisory Committee on Saraswati River: The Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) set up the Advisory Committee for the Study of the River Saraswati in 2017 for 2 years. Aim was to study the mythical Saraswati river and draw up a plan to identify its basin and define its path. The committee, now reconstituted, is chaired by the Culture Minister. About Saraswati River: Sarasvati River is a mystical river mentioned in the Rig Veda and later Vedic and post-Vedic texts. About…
15 March, 2021
Historical sites
Lingaraja Temple Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is a classic example of the Kalinga style of architecture. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely, vimana (structure containing the sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), natamandira (festival hall) and bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings), each increasing in height compared to its predecessor. The harmony between the two sects of Hinduism, Shaivism, and Vaishnavism, is seen where the deity is worshipped as…
15 March, 2021
Temples
Lingaraja Temple Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The temple represents the quintessence of Kalinga architecture. The temple is believed to be built by the kings of the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. Lingaraj is referred to as ‘Swayambhu” – self-originated Shivling. Another important aspect of the temple is that it signifies the synchronisation of Shaivism and Vaishnavism sects in Odisha. Perhaps the rising cult of Lord Jagannath (considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) which coincided…
12 March, 2021
Architecture
Sattras in Assam Political parties often go to different Sattras to seek the blessings of Sankardeva. About Sattras: Sattras are monastic institutions in Assam. They were created as part of the 16th century Neo-Vaishnavite reformist movement. Movements started by the Vaishnavite saint-reformer Srimanta Sankaradeva(1449-1596). Why were they established? They were established to spread Sankardeva’s unique “worship through art” approach. They are doing it presently with music (borgeet), dance (sattriya), and theatre (bhauna). Features: Each Satra has a Naam Ghar (worship hall) as its nucleus and is headed by an influential “Satradhikar”. Monks known as bhaktas are inducted into Sattras at a young…
11 March, 2021
Philosophy
India's Satellite Man- Udupi Ramachandra Rao To commemorate the 89th birth anniversary of the former Chairman of (ISRO) Udupi Ramachandra Rao, Google Doodle featured his sketch with a background of Earth and stars. Rao was an Indian space scientist and chairman of ISRO who supervised the 1975 launch of India’s first satellite — “Aryabhata.” In 1991, he initiated the development of the geostationary launch vehicle GSLV and the development of cryogenic technology.
10 March, 2021
Persons in News
Flight Lieutanant Bhawana Kanth Bhawana Kanth is to become the first woman fighter pilot to take part in the Republic Day parade. She was one of the first women fighter Pilots inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016. The other fighter pilots inducted into the Indian Air Force were Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. Bhawana Kanth In 2019, Bhawana Kanth became the first female fighter pilot of India to qualify to undertake combat missions. She received the Nari Shakti Puraskar from President of India Ramnath Kovind in March 2020.
16 January, 2021
Persons in News
Golden Peacock Environment Management Award Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been awarded the Golden Peacock Environment Management award for the year 2020 in the steel sector. The award was given for its efforts in adopting various environmental measures like upgrading pollution control facilities, treatment and recirculation of wastewater from individual units and outfalls, enhancement in green cover and efficient solid waste management. SAIL has received the award for two consecutive years. About the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award The golden Peacock Environment Management Award is a prestigious award that was instituted by the World Environment Foundation in 1998.…
24 December, 2020
Awards & Honours
UN Investment Promotion award to Invest India The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recently declared “Invest India” as the winner of the United Nations Investment Promotion Award, 2020. The award recognizes outstanding achievements of investment promotion agencies spread all over the world. Background This award helps India’s innovation helped to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNCTAD deals with trade, investment and development issues. It was established in 1964. It releases reports such as Trade and Development Report and World Investment Report. World Investment Report, 2020 The report…
24 December, 2020
Awards & Honours
Hyderabad- 2020 Tree City of the World The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation have recently recognized Hyderabad as a 2020 Tree City of the World. Hyderabad was selected for recognition following its commitment to grow and maintain the urban forests. Highlights This recognition was a testament to the city’s sustained and institutional efforts of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. It also marks the development of the urban and peri-urban forestry actions and projects besides the strategic planning & commitment to building a healthy city. Other cities which were recognised by the organisation include 120…
13 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Theodore Baskaran won Sanctuary Lifetime Service Award 2020 S. Theodore Baskaran who is a writer, a historian, a naturalist and an activist has won the Sanctuary Lifetime Service Award, 2020. The award was instituted by the Sanctuary Nature Foundation. Why did he win the award? Theodore Baskaran was chosen for the award in the light of his dedication to wildlife conservation. He won the award for his writing prowess in English and Tamil. About S. Theodore Baskaran He was born in 1940 in Tamil Nadu. He is an Indian film historian and a wildlife conservationist. He is prolific in Tamil. His…
13 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Preeti Sinha- To lead United Nations Capital Development, Fund The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has appointed Preeti Sinha as its Executive Secretary. She is an Indian-origin investment and development banker. Highlights The executive secretary will work with her focus on providing micro-finance assistance to women, youth, and small and medium-sized enterprises belonging to the underserved communities. The Executive Secretary is the highest leadership rank in the UNCDF. Ms Preeti will oversee the efforts made by the organisation in delivering the scalable impact so as to make the international financial environment work for the frontier and pre-frontier markets of the…
06 January, 2021
Persons in News
Channapatna Toys The Prime Minister has called upon to explore the possibility of e-marketing of Channapatna toys across the country and the world, during the India Toy Fair 2021. About Channapatna Toys: Channapatna toys are a particular form of wooden toys. Artisans of the town Channapatna in Karnataka manufactures them. In Kannada, Channapatna is also called “Gombegala Ooru”, which means toy town in English. Origin: The origin of these toys can be traced to the reign of Tipu Sultan. He invited artisans from Persia to train the local artisans in the making of wooden toys. He is known for his…
28 February, 2021
Craft
Harvest Festivals in India Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path. The day marks the onset of summer and the six months auspicious period for Hindus known as Uttarayan, the northward movement of the sun. As a part of the official celebration of 'Uttarayan', the Gujarat government has been hosting the International Kite Festival since 1989. The festivities associated with the day are known by different names in different parts of the country - Lohri by north Indian Hindus and Sikhs, Sukarat in…
28 February, 2021
Festivals
AI ‘Ramanujan Machine’- Can find Hidden Patterns in Numbers A new artificially intelligent “mathematician” which is called the “Ramanujan Machine” has the potential to reveal the hidden relationships between numbers. Key Facts Ramanujan machine comprises of the algorithms that seek out the mathematical conclusions. These mathematical conclusions are likely to be true but have not been proved. The set of algorithms has been named after the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. The new AI mathematician has been designed to pull out promising mathematical patterns from large sets of potential equations.
06 January, 2021
Persons in News
Nari Shakti Puraskar Nari Shakti Puraskar is conferred every year on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The award is conferred by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Nari Shakti Puruskar is awarded to individuals or groups or NGOs or institutions. The award encourages women to participate in decision-making roles, and skill development in traditional and non-traditional sectors among the women. Who are eligible for the award? As per the Guidelines, any individual of at least 25 years of age and institutions that have worked in the relevant field for at least 5 years are eligible to apply.…
10 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Padma Awards 2021 On the evening of 72nd Republic Day, India honoured 119 people from the diverse fields with the Padma Awards. Highlights These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions at Rashtrapati Bhawan.. It also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners or NRI or PIO or OCI,16 Posthumous awardees and 1 transgender awardee. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan has conferred the award (Posthumous) in Public Affairs Bihar category. Padma Awards It is one of the highest civilian Awards of the country. This award is given in three categories namely, the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma…
25 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar The award is formerly known as the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement. This is the Highest Civilian Honour in India that is given to exceptional achievers under the age of 18. A child must be an Indian Citizen and reside in India in order to get the award. The Ministry of Women and Child Development instituted the purashkar in 1996. This Pushkar recognizes the children with exceptional abilities and outstanding status in fields including the arts, culture, academics, research, social service, design, innovation and sports. The President of India confreres the award in the week preceding…
26 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Republic Day Parade, 2021 The Republic Day parade of 2021 will feature the newly acquired Rafale fighter jets. The Rafael Jets will be a part of the Ekalavya formation. The vertical Charlie formation is when an aircraft flies at a lower altitude and conducts rolls before stabilizing at a higher altitude. About the Parade The Republic Day parade marches from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate along the Rajpath. The first Republic Day parade was held in 1950. The chief guest of the first Republic Day parade was the then President of Indonesia Sukarno. Prior to the parade, the Prime Minister…
26 January, 2021
Persons in News
Minister Harsh Vardhan nominated to GAVI Board The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan was recently nominated by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, GAVI as a member of GAVI board. The term of the minister as a member in the GAVI board will be between 2021 and 2023. Dr Harsh Vardhan was elected as the chair of the World Health Organization. GAVI Board The GAVI Board is responsible for policy making, providing strategic directions, overseeing the operation of the alliance and monitoring programme implementation. GAVI GAVI is Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation It…
28 January, 2021
Persons in News
Vishakhapatnam: Best Performing Civic Body in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Awards The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has selected Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation as the best-performing civic body. Vishakhapatnam was placed under the Annual Awards for Excellence which recognises the outstanding contribution of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban in 2019. Andhra Pradesh bagged a special category award in innovative construction technology and project monitoring tools. Other Awards Mirzapur won the best performing Municipal body.
29 January, 2021
Awards & Honours
Inscription on Krishnadevraya’s death (of Vijayanagar) discovered The first-ever epigraphical reference to the date of death of Vijayanagar king Krishnadevaraya has been discovered at Honnenahalli in the Tumakuru district. As per the inscription, Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest emperors of India who ruled from the South, died on October 17, 1529, Sunday, and incidentally, this day was marked by a lunar eclipse. The inscription (written in Kannada) is engraved on a slab kept on the north side of the Gopalakrishna temple at Honnenahalli in the Tumakuru district. The inscription also registers gift of village Honnenahalli in Tumakuru for conducting worship…
26 February, 2021
World heritage site
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav Nodal Ministry: It is a festival started by the Ministry of Culture in the year 2015. Objective: It enhances mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures. Thereby it secures stronger unity and integrity of India. Participation of Zonal Centres: The festival witnesses the active participation of Seven Zonal Culture Centres. Significance: The festival is instrumental in showcasing folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines & culture of one state in other states. It is reinforcing the cherished goal of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and at the same time supports their livelihood. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme: It was launched…
14 February, 2021
Art and Culture
Maharaja Suheldev Suheldev was a legendary medieval-era warrior-king. He is mentioned in Mirat-i-Masudi. According to the legend, Suhaldev was the eldest son of King Mordhwaj of Shravasti, during the 11th century. Though his historical existence is shrouded in mystery, he is today popular as a caste icon among the Rajbhars (OBC) and the Pasis (second largest Dalit caste in U.P.), both of whom have been competing for his legacy. According to critiques, BJP over the years aggressively tried to portray Suheldev as a Hindutva warrior who stopped the march of Muslim invader Ghazi Mian, a nephew of Mahmud Ghaznavi, in Bahraich and halted…
17 February, 2021
Art and Culture
Kalaripayattu Kalaripayattu is a martial art based on the ancient knowledge of the human body. It originated in Kerala from 3nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. It is now practised in Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu. The place where this martial art is practised is called a 'Kalari'. It is a Malayalam word that signifies a kind of gymnasium. Kalari literally means 'threshing floor' or 'battlefield'. The word Kalari first appears in the Tamil Sangam Literature to describe both a battlefield and combat arena. It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence. It is also considered as the father of modern Kung - Fu.
13 February, 2021
Art Forms
History of Uttarakhand: From Borderland to Sacred Place The Artefacts found in the Himalayan foothills are datable to the period extending from 300 BCE and 600 CE including an Ashokan rock edict (at Kalsi), brick altars for conducting Ashvamedha yagnas, coin hoards, and sculptures. These developments fostered the growth of Haridwar and Kalsi as cosmopolitan towns and as “gateways” into the Himalayas. The earliest shrines in this tradition were built at Palethi and Lakhamandal, just upstream from Haridwar and Kalsi, by visiting sovereigns. The Palethi and Lakhamandal with royal patronage never became major tirthas. Instead, Jageshwar, situated well east of Lakhamandal and Palethi attained this stature. Between…
12 February, 2021
Temples
Puppetry of India In Sanskrit terminology, Puttalika and Puttika mean ‘little sons’. The root of Puppet is derived from the Latin word ‘Pupa’ meaning a doll. India is said to be the home of puppets, but it is yet to awaken to its unlimited possibilities. The earliest reference to the art of puppetry is found in Tamil classic ‘Silappadikaaram’ written around the 1st or 2nd century B.C. Natyashastra does not refer to the art of puppetry but the producer-cum-director of the human theatre has been termed as ‘Sutradhar’ meaning the holder of strings. Types of Puppetry in India A. String…
21 February, 2021
Art and Culture
Petition to Convert INS Viraat into a museum The warship has been proposed to be dismantled at the ship-breaking yard at Alang in Gujarat. However, Bombay HC has stayed the order on the petition of Envitech to convert the maritime museum and a multifunctional adventure centre.
11 February, 2021
Art Forms
General Thimaiyya Museum inaugrated at Madikeri by the President President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated General Thimayya Museum at Madikeri. He regarded him as one of India's greatest soldiers. He had served as the Chief of Military staff between 1957-1961 Additional Info about Madikeri: lies in the Western Ghats and is known for its coffee plantations It is also the source for River Cauvery from Baba Budan Hills nearby.
07 February, 2021
Art Forms
Ekamra Kshetra Beautification Project The Orissa government's Ekamra Kshetra beautification project is aimed at creating space around Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneshwar for the eve of Shivratri in March 2021. It is a government-led project which has recently been mired in controversy due to the destruction of ancient monuments nearby. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage: It is a non-profit charitable organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India. It has pioneered the conservation and preservation of not just our natural and built heritage but…
03 February, 2021
Temples
Saudi Arabia opens first movie theatre after 35 years The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 18, 2018, opened its first public movie theatre, after over 35 years of prohibition for religious reasons. The movie theatres were shut down in Saudi Arabia in the 1980s during a wave of ultra-conservatism in the country, as many of the clerics then viewed western movies and even Arabic ones as sinful. The development marks a major milestone for reforms spearheaded by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman under his Vision 2030.
19 April, 2018
Religion
National Khadi Festival 2018 held in Mumbai The National Khadi Festival 2018 is being organised by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to promote Khadi products. The main objective of the festival is to promote the products of the cottage industry and create awareness regarding the art of states. It is also aimed at providing employment to weavers and workers who are involved in the cottage industry. About Khadi and Village Industries Commission It is a statutory body formed by the Union Government, under the Parliamentary Act, 'Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956'. It is an apex organisation under…
03 October, 2018
Craft
Walmiki and Malhar: Two endangered languages discovered A linguist Prof Mohanty from the University of Hyderabad has discovered two languages recently called Walmiki and Malhar, which were “lying hidden from linguists”. The languages are categorised as `endangered’ as it is spoken by a very small number of people. The Malhar is spoken by just 75 including children from a particular community. These people live in a remote and isolated hamlet about 165 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha. The Walmiki is spoken in the district of Koraput and in the bordering districts of Andhra Pradesh. The Government of India…
11 April, 2018
Art and Culture
Aadi Mahotsav begins in Ladakh Aadi Mahotsav (National Tribal Festival) kicks off on August 17, 2019, at Polo Ground, Leh-Ladakh. It is a nine-day festival and the theme of the festival is - A celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture and Commerce. The product range will comprise Tribal Textiles from Madhya Pradesh and North East, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Maharashtra. Tribal Jewellery from Himachal Pradesh, Black pottery from Manipur. Tribal Paintings like Gond art from Madhya Pradesh, Metalcraft from Chhattisgarh; Warli art from Maharashtra; and Naturals and Organic products from Uttarakhand. Mahotsav will cover to the…
17 August, 2019
Festivals
Statue of Unity, Mumbai’s Soho House feature in Time’s list of 100 greatest places in the world India’s 'Statue of Unity and 'Soho House' in Mumbai has been featured in Time’s list of 100 greatest places in the world. The 597-ft tall 'Statue of Unity is located in Gujarat and the Soho House is located in Mumbai. Besides the two Indian entries, the Time’s list includes Zakouma National Park in Chad, International Dark Sky Sanctuary in the Pitcairn Islands, Geosea Geothermal Sea Baths in Iceland, Museum of Black civilizations in Senegal, Heart Castle in California, Teatro Galli in Italy, Red Sea Mountain Trail in…
11 August, 2019
Architecture
Usha Ganguly, a veteran theatre actor passes away Ganguly was an eminent theatre personality who is most known for her work in Hindi theatre in Kolkata in the period between the 1970s and 1980s. She founded the theatre group, Rangakarmee, in 1976. The theatre group produced many plans such as Rudali, Mahabhoj, Himmat Mai, Antaryatra and Court Martial. Ganguly started acting in the same year with Sangit Kala Mandir and started work on her first play Mitti Ki Gadi, where she essayed the role of Vasantsena. The play was based on Mrichchakatikam by Shudrak, 1970. Usha Ganguly was awarded the…
23 April, 2020
Art Forms
UNESCO added Mumbai and Hyderabad cities in UCCN (UNESCO Creative City Network) list The UCCN or UNESCO Create City Network has declared Mumbai as a member of the creative city of films. Hyderabad has been named a creative city for biryani and other delicious cuisines. UNESCO added both cities to UCCN (UNESCO Creative City Network) list along with 64 other cities from across the globe. Both cities will now be part of the 246-member UNESCO’s creative city network. This network brings together all those cities that have developed on their own creativity. What is UCCN? UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)…
10 November, 2019
Places in NEWS
Panipat Movie controversy: The Panipat trailer depicts Afghan king Ahmad Shah Abdali as a ruthless and brutal ruler Panipat Movie controversy: Panipat trailer has created a controversy in Afghanistan over Sanjay Dutt’s portrayal of Ahmad Shah Abdali in the movie. The Panipat trailer has stirred fears of impacting Indo-Afghan ties after its brutal depiction of Afghan king Ahmad Shah Abdali, who is considered the founder of modern Afghanistan. Third Battle of Panipat: Everything you need to know The Third Battle of Panipat, known as one of the most significant battles ever fought in Indian history, took place on January 14, 1761,…
10 November, 2019
Art Forms
President confers Dada Saheb Phalke Award to Amitabh Bachchan President Ram Nath Kovind conferred Dada Saheb Phalke Award to Amitabh Bachchan at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on December 29, 2019. Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India's highest film honour. Dadasaheb Phalke Award The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest film honour in India. It is conferred annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals, under the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The recipient of the prestigious honour is selected by a committee consisting of eminent film industry personalities. The award comprises a 'Swarna kamal' medallion, a shawl and a…
30 December, 2019
Art Forms
All 9 tribal freedom fighters' museums to be ready by end of 2022 As per the statement released by the ministry, two of the nine museums sanctioned for the tribal freedom fighters are already nearing completion and the rest of them are at the different stages of progress. The largest of these museums have been built in Rajpipla in Gujarat at a cost of Rs. 102.55 crores. The government has been planning permanent museums in the states where Tribals had lived, struggled against the British rule, and had refused to bow down so that the upcoming generations may know tribals…
11 August, 2020
Places in NEWS
51st IFFI to be postponed amid the pandemic The 51st annual International Film Festival of India (IFFI) which was earlier scheduled to start on November 20, 2020, in Goa has now been postponed to 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The 51st edition of the annual film festival will not be conducted in a virtual and physical format. About the International Film Festival in India (IFFI): IFFI was founded in 1952 and since then it has been one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The festival is held annually currently in Goa, on the western coast of the country.…
25 September, 2020
Art Forms
International Emmy Awards 2020: Delhi Crime from India wins best drama series Indian web series Delhi Crime on Netflix has won the best drama series award at the 48th International Emmy Awards 2020. The event was held virtually for the first time in the history of the International Emmy Awards due to the pandemic. The series which is directed by Richie Mehta is based on the horrific 2012 Delhi gang rape and murder. Another Indian show on prime ‘Four More Shots Please’ and actor Arjun Mathur from ‘Made in Heaven’ also made their way for nominations in the respective categories…
24 November, 2020
Art Forms
Gwalior, Orchha included in world heritage cities list of UNESCO Madhya Pradesh state government informed on December 7, 2020, that the historical fort cities of Orchha and Gwalior have been included in the world heritage cities list of UNESCO under its urban landscape city programme. The project by UNESCO will be an example for South Asia. Under the plan, UNESCO will also be providing and guiding with perfect measures and resources for the development of Orchha and Gwalior under the Historic Urban Landscape recommendations. About Gwalior & Orchha: Gwalior state in Madhya Pradesh established in the 9th century is known…
09 December, 2020
Places in NEWS
Subramanya Bharati: Greatest Tamil literary figure and Social Activist Prime Minister Modi on December 11, 2020, virtually addressed the International Bharat Festival, 2020. The event was organized by the Vanavil Culture Centre in Chennai and saw the participation of several international and national poets and artists. International Bharati Festival was held to honour the national poet, Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati on his 138th birth anniversary. PM Modi also conferred Bharati Award 2020 virtually to writer and author Seeni Vishwanathan who made a voluminous compendium on Subramanya Bharati in chronological order. About Subramania Bharati: Bharati’s remarkable works include the fiery songs filled…
11 December, 2020
Literature
India-Japan Samvad conference 2020: PM Narendra Modi proposes a library of traditional Buddhist literature Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 6th India-Japan Samvad conference on December 21, 2020, through video conferencing. PM Modi began by thanking the Japanese government for its constant support of the India-Japan Samvad. He stated that the forum has done great work to ensure promote the ideas and ideals of Lord Buddha, especially among the youth. He said that historically, the light of the Buddha's message spread out from India to many parts of the world. The Prime Minister proposed the creation of a library of…
21 December, 2020
Buddhism
Union Cabinet permits the merger of four government films media units with NFDC The Union Cabinet on December 23, 2020, approved the merger of four of its media units- Directorate of Film Festivals, Films Division, Children’s Film Society, and National Film Archives of India with the National Film Development Corporation- NFDC. The vision of the new entity will be to ensure the focused and balanced development of Indian Cinema in all genres- children’s content, feature films, films/content for the OTT platform, short films and documentaries, and animation. Upon the merger, the National Film Development Corporation will be uniquely placed with…
24 December, 2020
Art Forms
Pierre Cardin, the iconic French fashion designer passes away at 98 Pierre Cardin, a renowned fashion designer, who was celebrated for his avant-garde styles in the 1960s and 70s passed away on December 29, 2020, at the age of 98. He was born in Venice, Italy on July 7, 1922, but was raised in Central France. Pierre Cardin had established his own company and designed costumes and masks for the theatre before he launched a line of women’s clothing in a department store which was then followed by a boutique store for men.
30 December, 2020
Handicraft
First-ever Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sports Festival begins in Ladakh Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Zanskar Winter Sports Festival on January 21, 2021, at Padum in Zanskar of Kargil district. The 13-day festival has been organised by the Ladakh UT Administration to promote Zanskar as a winter tourist destination. The Union Sports Minister said that Zanskar used to remain cut off from the rest of the world for 5-6 months due to heavy snow but no more now. The Union Sports Ministry plans to provide sports facilities in all regions of Ladakh.…
22 January, 2021
Places in NEWS
Aatmanirbharta named Oxford Hindi Word of the Year 2020 Aatmanirbharta has been named by Oxford Languages as its Hindi word of the year 2020. The Oxford Hindi word of the year is a word or expression that is chosen to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the passing year, which have lasting potential as a term of cultural significance. Aatmanirbharta, which means self-reliance, came into the limelight when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to make India an Atmanirbhar Bharat or a self-reliant India last year. Out of the total number of entries received, 'aatmanirbharta' reportedly stood out because it validated the day-to-day achievements of the countless Indians who dealt with and survived…
02 February, 2021
Art Forms
Lingaraj Temple destroyed? About Lingaraj Temple Lingaraja Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The Lingaraja temple is the largest temple in Bhubaneswar. The central tower of the temple is 180 ft (55 m) tall. The temple represents the quintessence of the Kalinga architecture and culminating the medieval stages of the architectural tradition at Bhubaneswar. The temple is believed to be built by the kings from the Somavamsi dynasty, with later additions from the Ganga rulers. The temple is built in the Deula style that has four components namely,…
03 February, 2021
Temples
Legendary Music Director Shantanu Mohapatra passes away Legendary Odia musician, Shantanu Mohapatra passed away. He was the first Odia music composer to work with legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Manna Dey and Md Rafi and also the first to work in Hindi, Bengali, Assamese and Telugu film industries. Mohapatra has composed music for hundreds of Odia film songs and Jatra (opera) shows in a career that spanned over three decades. Mohapatra, who retired as the Director of Odisha Mining Corporation, received several awards including the Odisha Film Critic Award for his contribution to Odia music.
02 January, 2021
Art Forms
All the Martial Arts of India 1. Kalaripayattu It is the oldest martial art in India and originated in the state of Kerala in 4th century A.D. Techniques of Kalaripayattu: Uzhichil or the massage with Gingli oil, Otta, Maipayattu or body exercises, Puliyankam or sword fight, Verumkai or bare-handed fight etc. Kalari is a Malayalam word which means School/gymnasium/training hall where Martial arts are practised or taught. Kalaripayattu was introduced as a martial art by a legend, sage Parasurama, who built temples. This art is used as a means of unarmed self-defence and a way to achieve physical fitness today. Also…
10 January, 2021
Art and Culture
Buddhism and Philately It’s no surprise that many stamps of M. Lokeswara Rao are related to nature. But about one-third of Mr Rao’s stamp collection is on Buddhism. In his book, Buddhism on Stamps, which was released on Thursday, he discusses the life and teachings of Buddha through 1,134 philatelic (collection of stamps) material, including stamps and postcards. “I took to painting Buddha in 2014 as a stress-relieving hobby. Two years later, when I retired, I started the stamp collection. I am not a Buddhist but I like the teachings of Buddha because they are about peace and nature,” he…
09 January, 2021
Buddhism
Author Ved Mehta passes away Celebrated Indian-American author Ved Mehta, who overcame blindness and became widely known as the 20th-century writer most responsible for introducing American readers to India, died in the U.S. on Saturday. The New Yorker magazine, where he had been a staff writer for 33 years, announced the death on Sunday. Mehta was born in pre-Partition Lahore into a well-off Punjabi family in 1934. He lost his eyesight at the age of three from meningitis. He did not let this challenge get in the way of a flourishing career or stop him from showcasing his literary prowess…
12 January, 2021
Literature
Abhilash Tomy Commander Tomy, the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe solo and unassisted in a sailing yacht, intends to give another shot at the Golden Globe Race next year. The GGR, as it is called, is a daredevil ocean race with basic, read vintage, sailing equipment which he attempted in 2018. But a vicious storm in the southern Indian Ocean dismasted him and he sustained a spinal injury. He was subsequently rescued in a multi-nation effort and had to undergo surgery. After recovering from his injuries, Commander Tomy, a naval pilot, was medically cleared for flying and sailing. He…
12 January, 2021
Places in NEWS
Harvest Festivals of India Lohri Lohri is primarily celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus. It marks the end of the winter season and is traditionally believed to welcome the sun to the northern hemisphere. It is observed a night before Makar Sankranti, this occasion involves a Puja Parikrama around the bonfire with prasad. It is essentially termed as the festival of the farmers and harvest, whereby, the farmers thank the Supreme Being. Makar Sankranti Makar Sankranti denotes the entry of the sun into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn) as it travels on its celestial path. The day marks the onset…
13 January, 2021
Festivals
Malayalam poet-lyricist Anil Panachooran passed away Poet and lyricist Anil Panachooran were 55. A lawyer by profession, Panachooran came into the limelight in 2007 with the much-appreciated songs in Arabikkadha, including ‘Chora Veena Mannil...’ and ‘Thirike Njan...’. ‘Chora Veena Mannil...’, sung with revolutionary fervour by the poet himself, is played regularly at Left cultural events. Then came the song ‘Vyathyasthanam oru barber...’ from Kadha Parayumbol, a humourous song that topped the hit charts for a long time. His song ‘Jimikki Kammal...’ from Velipadinte Pusthakam, with its catchy yet simple lyrics inspired from old folk songs, had gone viral, spawning several…
04 January, 2021
Literature
Urdu Author S R Faruqi passes away Shamsur Rahman Faruqi, one of the greatest modern Urdu writers, died Friday morning due to complications from Covid-19, at his residence in Allahabad. He was 85. Faruqi was not only a celebrated writer and poet but also a critic who formulated a modernist framework for evaluating Urdu literature. A recipient of numerous awards, he was honoured with the prestigious Saraswati Samman for ‘She's-e Shor-Angez’, a four-volume study of the 18th-century poet Mir Taqi Mir. His 1982 book ‘Tanqidi Afqar’ which reflected on modern literary and critical theories of poetry won him the Sahitya…
26 December, 2020
Literature
Kochi-Muziris Biennale 5th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale has been postponed to 1st November 2021, which was earlier set to be inaugurated on 12th December 2020. What? The Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an art exhibition and festival that is the largest of its kind in South Asia and is organised by the Kochi Biennale Foundation at Kochi, Kerala. The Foundation is a non-profit charitable trust engaged in promoting art and culture and educational activities in India.It works throughout the year to strengthen contemporary art infrastructure and to broaden public access to art across India through a diverse range of programmes. Why Imp? In mythology, Muziris was a port city, among the earliest of its kind in the world and when Kerala established itself as…
28 October, 2020
Festivals
Nuakhai Juhar Nuakhai Juhar is an agricultural festival, also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat. It is celebrated to welcome the new crop of the season. Nuakhai is a combination of two words that signifies eating of new rice as ‘nua’ means new and ‘Khai’ means eat. This is the festival of Western Odisha, southern Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas of Simdega (Jharkhand). Its coastal counterpart is Nabanna, observed in Coastal Odisha.
24 August, 2020
Festivals
Time Capsule-Kaal Patra The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied reports about placing a time capsule under the ground at the Ram Temple construction site in Ayodhya. The Time Capsule, also known as Kaal Patra, was supposed to contain the history of Ayodhya and Rama Janma Bhoomi Movement. Time Capsule is a container of any size or shape, which accommodates documents, photos and artefacts typical of the current era and is buried underground, for future generations to unearth. To ensure that the capsules do not decay they are built using special engineering techniques like steel or aluminium encasing, vacuuming, use of acid-free paper, etc. The time capsules mostly have a scheduled time for reopening and are…
05 August, 2020
Temples
Natesa idol- Pratihara style A long-pending case of idol theft finally saw an important development as Natesa, a rare sandstone idol in the 9th-century Prathihara style of Rajasthan, is returning to the country after 22 years. The Natesa icon, currently at the Indian High Commission, London, was originally from the Ghateswara Temple, Baroli, Rajasthan. The sandstone Natesa figure stands tall at almost 4 ft. in a rare and brilliant depiction of Shiva in the late 9th century Prathihara style of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan Police opened an investigation into one of Vaman Ghiya’s Operation Blackhole. Ghiya was arrested in 2003, standing accused…
30 July, 2020
Architecture
Joykali Matar Temple India inaugurated the reconstructed Joykali Matar temple at Natore in Bangladesh. It was built approximately 300 years back in the early 18th century by Shri Dayaram Roy. He was an influential Dewan of Queen Bhahani of Nature and the founder of the Dighapatia Royal Family. The MoU for the reconstruction of the temple at Lalbazar, Natore was signed between India in Bangladesh in 2016. The Government of India provided grant assistance for the reconstruction of the historic temple under its High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) scheme.
30 July, 2020
Temples
Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) It was established in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru. It is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is located in the majestic Teen Murti House, the official residence of the first Prime Minister of India. It has four major constituents namely: A Memorial Museum, A Library on Modern India, A Centre for Contemporary Studies and Nehru Planetarium.
20 July, 2020
Art and Culture
Bon Bibi Bon Bibi is a deity of the Sunder ban forest, west Bengal. The followers of Bon Bibi are fishermen, crab-collectors and honey-gatherers who live in the mangroves with wild animals such as tigers and crocodiles to earn a livelihood. They believe that only Bon Bibi protects them when they enter the forest and survive in tiger-dominated areas. People express their belief in Bon Bibi through Bon Bibir Palagaan, it is a centuries-old folk theatre and dramatic storytelling form that is enacted throughout the island. Traditionally, the performances are held near Bon Bibi temples or villages bordering the forests.
13 July, 2020
Religion
Zardoszi Zardozi work is a type of embroidery predominant in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is a type of heavy and elaborate metal embroidery on silk, satin, or velvet fabric base. It was patronized by the Mughals that involves weaving metallic threads. Designs are often created using gold and silver threads and can incorporate pearls, beads, and precious stones. However, in recent times craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire, with a golden or silver polish, and silk thread. It is used as decoration for a wide range of applications, including clothes, household textiles, and animal trappings. Historically, it was used to…
10 July, 2020
Handicraft
Donyi-Polo Donyi-Polo (also Donyi-Poloism) is the designation given to the indigenous religion, of animistic and shamanic type, of the Tani and other Tibeto-Burman peoples of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in North-eastern India. The name "Donyi-Polo" means "Sun-Moon", and was chosen for the religion in the process of its revitalisation and institutionalisation started in the 1970s in response to inroads made by Christianity and the possibility of absorption into Hinduism.
08 July, 2020
Religion
Zardozi embroidery Zardozi embroidery is beautiful metal embroidery, which was once used to embellish the attire of the Kings and the royals in India. It was also used to adorn the walls of the royal tents, scabbards, wall hangings and the paraphernalia of regal elephants and horses. Zardozi embroidery work involves making elaborate designs, using gold and silver threads. Further adding to the magnificence of the work are the studded pearls and precious stones. Zardosi embroidery has been in existence in India from the time of the Rig Veda. There are numerous instances mentioning the use of zari embroidery as…
07 July, 2020
Art and Culture
Dharma Chakra Day The Ministry of Culture, Government of India in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) will celebrate the upcoming Asadha Poornima on 4th July, 2020 as Dharma Chakra Day. The festivities would start off with the chanting of prayers at Sarnath, Varanasi (U.P.) which will be live streamed, following which the opening event will be shifted to the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The auspicious day of Asadha Poornima falls on the first full moon day of the month of Asadha as per the Indian sun calendar. It is also known as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asana Bucha in Thailand. It is the second most sacred day for Buddhists after the Buddha Poornima or Vesak. The…
05 July, 2020
Buddhism
Central Vista Project Central Vista Committee is chaired by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) additional director general (works) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Central Vista's proposal for the CPWD is to construct a triangular Parliament building on the 10.5-acre plot adjacent to the existing heritage structure built in the 1920s. The project is estimated to cost? 922 crore. It is a part of the larger revamps of the entire 3-km Central Vista from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. It includes constructing a new triangular Parliament opposite the existing heritage structure and building a central secretariat for all Ministries. The…
27 June, 2020
Architecture
Cairn Circles A megalith is a large prehistoric stone that has been used to construct a structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. Cairn-circles are the prehistoric stone row which is a linear arrangement of parallel megalithic standing stones. Recently, the State Department of Archaeology, Chennai has identified 250 cairn circles from the Kodumanal excavation site in Tamil Nadu. This is for the first time that 10 pots and bowls were discovered from the site, instead of the usual 3 or 4 pots, placed outside three-chambered burial cists and inside the cairn circle. More numbers and bigger…
26 June, 2020
Historical sites
Assam: Ambubachi Mela - Kamakhya temple The annual Ambubachi Mela at the historic Kamakhya temple in Guwahati began. This year, however, the fair is being observed without devotees as only rituals will be performed in the temple till June 25. Kamakhya temple located atop of Nilachal Hills is one of 51 Shakti Peeths in the country. The Ambubachi Mela, an annual fair held at Kamakhya temple, is the celebration of the annual menstruation course of goddess Maa Kamakhya. The meal usually started on June 22 every year at Kamakhya temple. This year, however, the temple management authorities decided not to…
25 June, 2020
Festivals
Jagannath Rath Yatra Ratha Jatra also called as Chariot Festival, is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri, Odisha. The festival is celebrated on the 2nd day of Shukla Paksha of Ashadh, the third month, according to the traditional Oriya calendar. It is a 9 day-long event and marks the return of Lord Krishna to Vrindavan with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra to Gundicha Temple via Mausi Maa Temple (maternal aunt's home) near Saradha Bali, Puri. During the festival, the three holy chariots carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balaram (Balabhadra) and sister Subhadra are pulled by thousands of devotees from India and abroad. Jagannath Temple The temple is believed to be constructed in the…
23 June, 2020
Temples
Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji Context The Prime Minister paid tribute to Acharya Shri Mahapragyaji on the occasion of the seer’s birth centenary today. About Shri Mahapragyaji Acharya Shri Mahapragya(14 June 1920 – 9 May 2010) was the tenth head of the Svetambar Terapanth order of Jainism. Mahapragya was a saint, yogi, spiritual leader, philosopher, author, orator, and poet. He began his life of religious reflection and development as a Jain monk at the age of ten. Mahapragya played a major role in the Anuvrat movement launched by his Guru Acharya Tulsi in 1949 and became the acknowledged leader of the movement in…
20 June, 2020
Philosophy
Yakshagana About: Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, dialogue, costume, make-up, and stage techniques with a unique style and form. Yakshagana literally means the song (gana) of the yaksha (nature spirits). It developed in Udupi, in the state of Karnataka. It is popular in the Karnataka districts of Dakshina Kannada, Kasaragod, Udupi, Uttara Kannada and Shimoga. This folk art is believed to have originated somewhere between the 10th and 16th centuries. Theme: Yakshagana is strongly influenced by the Vaishnava Bhakti movement. Its stories are mainly drawn from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and other Hindu epics. Key Features:…
19 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Tala Maddale, Tulu Yakshagana in Udupi Tala-Maddale is an ancient form of performance dialogue or debate performance in Southern India in the Karavali and Malnad regions of Karnataka and Kerala. The plot and content of the conversation are drawn from popular mythology but the performance mainly consists of an impromptu debate between characters involving sarcasm, puns, philosophical positions and humour. The main plot is sung from the same oral texts used for the Yakshgana form of dance- drama. Performers claim that this was a more intellectual rendition of the dance during the monsoon season. The art form is popular in…
19 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Maramon Convention Maramon Convention is Asia’s largest weeklong annual Christian meet. The convention is organized in the vast river bed of Pampa near the Kozhencherry Bridge. The ongoing 123rd convention at Maramon, Pathanamthitta, Kerala began with a call to conserve the river Pampa and the environment.
18 June, 2020
Festivals
International Yoga day is to be celebrated through a digital platform this time In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's International Yoga Day on the 21st of June will be celebrated on digital media platforms and there would be no mass gatherings. This year's theme is 'Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family'. Ministry of Ayush has also appealed to the people to join the world for the Yoga performance on the occasion of the 6th International Day of Yoga on 21st June at 7:00 AM from their homes. It said people should prepare for the Yoga performance according to…
16 June, 2020
Yoga
Udhyagiri Caves The Udayagiri caves, in Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, contain some of the oldest Hindu temples and iconography, related to Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism. They were built during the Gupta period (350-550 CE). Though it is present north of the Tropic of Cancer, it is believed that historically, on the day of the summer solstice, the sun was directly overhead in this place, making Udhyagiri (Mount of sunrise) a place of worship. It also houses some important Gupta age inscriptions. Iconic Varaha Sculpture rescuing the earth symbolically represented by Bhudevi clinging to the boar's tusk as described in Hindu mythology is a…
11 June, 2020
Places in NEWS
Vadnagar Gujarat and the Centre are jointly developing the historical and ancient town of Vadnagar as a major tourist hub. The projects cover Vadnagar’s famous Kirti Toran, Sharmishtha lake, Hatkeshwar Temple and archaeological sites. The town full is of sites that are related to Hinduism and Buddhism. The famous Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited the place around AD 640 and referred to it as Anandpur. It is also the birthplace of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
11 June, 2020
Places in NEWS
Archaeological Survey of India Context Union Minister for Culture & Tourism (I/C) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel announced that Culture Ministry has approved the opening of 820 centrally protected monuments under the Archeological Survey of India which have places of worship from 8th June 2020. Shri Patel also said that all the protocols issued by the MHA and the Health Ministry will be followed in these monuments. About ASI The Archaeological Survey of India is an attached office of the Ministry of Culture. Under the provisions of the AMASR Act of 1958(The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (or…
08 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Shigmo Festival Shigmo is the traditional spring festival celebrated by farmers in rural Goa. It is an annual float parade held in major cities of the state. The Goan folk art such as GhodeModni, Goff, and Fugdi is performed. It was traditionally celebrated as the homecoming of the warriors who had left their homes and families at the end of Dusshera to fight invaders.
08 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Sheen Khalai (Blue Skin) It is an Afghan community in India who fled with their families from the tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan during the Partition in 1947. The women are part of a community of Pushtun Hindus that lived in the Baloch areas and belong to the Kakari tribes still living in afghan. Pashtuns are an Iranic ethnic group that mainly lives in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They speak the Pashto language and adhere to Pashtunwali, which is a traditional set of ethics guiding individual and communal conduct.
08 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Indus script Scientists at The Institute of Mathematical Sciences have figured out a way to computationally estimate whether a language is written from left to right or otherwise. As a part of the study, they found that the Indus script was written from right to left. However, in some long seals, the Boustrophedon method of writing was adopted. Boustrophedon writing is the way of writing in the reverse direction in alternate lines.
07 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Medaram Jatara Medaram Jatara is a festival of tribal origin in Telangana. It is a festival of honouring the goddesses Sarakka celebrated in the state of Telangana. The festival is held every two years in Medaram Village in the heart of the thick forests of Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. The festival honours tribal folk goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma. It has become a major pilgrimage in the recent decade and is believed to attract the largest number of devotees in the country after Kumbha Mela.
07 June, 2020
Festivals
Palaeolithic sites The study of over 7,200 stone artefacts collected from the archaeological site at Attirampakkam in the Kortallayar river basin (Tamilnadu) throws light on the transition period from the lower to middle Paleolithic period The Paleolithic/Old stone age period extends from 2.6 million years ago to 10000 BC. The period is divided into Lower, Middle and Upper phases
07 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Guru Ravidas Guru Ravidas was a North Indian mystic poet-saint of the bhakti movement believed to be born in Varanasi. He taught the removal of social divisions of caste and gender and promoted unity in the pursuit of personal spiritual freedoms. He founded the 21st-century Ravidassia religion, by a group who previously were associated with Sikhism. He is devoted as a guru in the regions of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
06 June, 2020
Religion
Meghadootam Meghadootam (meaning cloud messenger) is a lyric love poem composed by Kalidasa in the 5th century AD. The poem recounts the expression of love by Yaksha to his wife at Alaska, Mt. Kailash through the cloud as a messenger. Most of the poem consists of a description of the landmarks, cities, and sights on the cloud’s journey to Alaska. Chhattisgarh state artists performing dance based on Meghadootam on Republic day won a prize in the best tableau category. Kalidasa Kalidasa is a great Sanskrit poet who lived in the court of Chandragupta II around the 4th-5th century AD. He wrote…
06 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Nada yoga Nada yoga is an ancient Indian metaphysical system. It is equally a philosophical system, a medicine, and a form of yoga. The system's theoretical and practical aspects are based on the premise that the entire cosmos and all that exists in the cosmos, including human beings, consists of vibrations, called n? da. This concept holds that it is the energy of vibrations rather than of matter and particles which form the building blocks of the cosmos. Nada yoga is also a reverential way to approach and respond to vibrations. In this context, silent vibrations of the self (Anahata),…
02 June, 2020
Art and Culture
Lalit Kala Akademi Lalit Kala Akademi (National Academy of Fine Arts) is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture. It has headquarters in New Delhi and regional centres in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow and Shimla. Lalit Kala Akademi is the nodal agency of the Government of India to promote an understanding of Indian art, both within and outside the country. The Akademi conducts international exhibitions on contemporary art in New Delhi every three years. It also conducts the National Exhibition of Photography and Art. It publishes bi-annual art journals, Lalit Kala Contemporary (English), Lalit Kala Ancient (English) and Samkaleen…
28 May, 2020
Art and Culture
Sangeet Natak Academy The Sangeet Natak Akademi was set up in 1953 for the promotion of performing arts. The Sangeet Natak Akademi is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture. It acts at the national level for the: Promotion and growth of Indian music, dance and drama; Maintenance of standards of training in the performing arts; Revival, preservation, documentation and dissemination of materials as well as instruments relating to various forms of music, dance and drama. Recognition of outstanding artists. The Akademi is also responsible for the establishment and maintenance of institutions and projects of national importance in the…
28 May, 2020
Art and Culture
Ramkinkar Baij Context Ministry of Culture’s National Gallery of Modern Art will organise virtual tour titled “Ramkinkar Baij | Journey through silent transformation and expressions” to commemorate the 115th Birth Anniversary of Ramkinkar Baij on 26th May 2020. This virtual tour presents the works of art from the prominent artworks of Ramkinkar Baij from reserve collection of NGMA, grouped in a series of five different themes of (i) Portrait, (ii) Life Study, (iii) Abstract & Structural Composition, (iv) Nature Study & Landscape and (v) Sculptures. The virtual tour is being launched to pay tribute to the one of the greatest…
Pili Yesa Pili Yesa in Tulu "Tiger Masque" is a folk dance unique in coastal Karnataka. Huli Vesha or Pili Yesais a folk dance famous in coastal Karnataka performed during Navratri to honour the Goddess Durga whose favoured animal is the tiger. It was originated in Udupi District of Karnataka and initially performed during the Krishna Janmashtami/Mosarukudike and Ganesha Chaturthi at Mangalore, Udupi, Moodabidri, Kundapur and many other places in Tulu Nadu. There are four types of huli vesha. The various colours used in it are white, orange, yellow and black. These colours are painted all over the body of…
23 May, 2020
Festivals
Classical Language Status Maharashtra government has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Culture for granting classical language status to the Marathi language. As of now, six languages i.e. Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia and Sanskrit have been given the status of classical languages. The criteria adopted for the eligibility of a language for granting classical language status are High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years; A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers; The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech…
20 May, 2020
Art and Culture
Lord Jagannath Temple Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath was commenced recently. About Jagannath Puri Yatra Jagannath Puri Yatra is held at one of the Char Dhams called Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. This festival is the most famous Vaishnavite ritual observed in India and abroad. On the occasion, devotees pray to three deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Lordess Subhadra. For this festival, special chariots are built each year. Similar processions or rath yantras are organized at Jagannath temples across the world. During festive public procession of Jagannath, devotees visit Puri to see Lord Jagannath in a…
14 July, 2021
Religion
Thrissur Pooram For the first time since its inception, Thrissur Pooram will be observed with rituals within the temple premises with just a few participants. This was done in the wake of the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu festival held in Kerala. It is celebrated on the day when the star sign “Pooram” occurs in the Malayalam month of “medam (April-May)”. The festival was the brainchild of Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin (1790–1805). Pooram officially begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting ceremony) in which all the participating temples of the festival are present. The Pooram consists of ten temples in and around…
04 May, 2020
Festivals
National Gallery of Modern Art pays tribute to pioneering artist Jamini Roy through virtual tour Context National Gallery of Modern Art pays tribute to the pioneering artist Jamini Roy on his 133rd Birth Anniversary year through virtual tour. About Jamini Roy He was honoured with the State award of Padma Bhushan in 1955. He was one of the most famous pupils of Abanindranath Tagore. Jamini Roy was one of the earliest and most significant modernists of twentieth century Indian art. From 1920 onwards his search for the essence of form led him to experiment with dramatically different visual style. His…
Kumbh Mela Context: Government has begun planning for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, in January 2021. The gathering has a long history and draws large crowds from the world over, who come to take a ritualistic dip in the Ganga. An April 16 meeting, organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the Water Ministry body overseeing the clean up of the river, discussed funds that would be needed by the Uttarakhand government for providing community toilets and urinals for the attendees. The Maha Kumbh Mela is organised once in 12 years, and the last time the…
29 April, 2020
Religion
Denied alcohol, many take to ‘arishtams’ Ayurveda pharmacy stores across the State of Kerala have of late found a surge in demand for arishtams and saves, which have alcohol content up to 10%. ‘arishtams’ and ‘asavams’ have self-generated alcohol. Staff in some Ayurveda pharmacy stores in Kozhikode claimed that the sale of such medicines had gone up by around 30% after the enforcement of the lockdown. According to rules, individuals cannot store ‘arishtams’ and ‘asavams’ beyond a certain limit. As excessive consumption may affect the body parts.
23 April, 2020
Art and Culture
Cultural heritage list Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Draft intangible cultural heritage list released by the Union Culture Ministry. Details: 106 items have been listed as intangible cultural heritage in the draft released by the Union Culture Ministry as a part of the ministry’s Vision 2024 programme. Out of these 13 traditions of Indian intangible cultural heritage are already recognised by UNESCO. As per the 2003 UNESCO Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the list has five broad categories — oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge and practices related to nature and traditional craftsmanship. Some of the major mentions in the draft…
19 April, 2020
Art and Culture
World Heritage Day-UNESCO-World Heritage site of India Part of: GS-I- CULTURE (PT-MAINS-PERSONALITY TEST) Every year 18th April is celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites or the World Heritage Day. The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) established the day in 1982 and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved it in 1983. Since then, it has been a day to celebrate and promote cultural heritage, and an opportunity to raise awareness about its diversity, its relevance, how vulnerable it can be and what the needs and benefits of its conservation are. Theme for 2020: Shared Cultures, Shared Heritage, Shared Responsibility. It is an important expression of global unity in the face of the on-going worldwide health crisis…
19 April, 2020
World heritage site
Meru Jatra Festival/ Danda Nata -Odisha CONTEXT: Odisha’s Ganjam district administration has banned the Meru Jatra festival and congregations related to it at temples on the occasion of Mahavishub Sankranti on Monday. Meru Jatra marks the end of the 21-day-long festival of penance named ‘Danda Nata’. Mahavishnu Sankranti is also the start of the Odia New Year. On this day, thousands of devotees used to gather at the Tara Tarini hill shrine and other temples. Danda Nata: Danda Nata or Danda Jatra is one of the most important traditional dance festivals organized in different parts of South Odisha and particularly…
13 April, 2020
Festivals
Art and culture - Pattachitra Pattachitra evolved from Sanskrit. When broken down into its two parts, Patta means cloth, and Chitra means picture (Scroll Paintings). Hence, Pattachitra is a picture painted on a piece of cloth. This form of art is closely related to the cult of Shri Jagannath and the temple traditions in Puri. Believed to have originated as early as the 12th century, it is one of the most popular living art forms, and people in Odisha practice it to this day. For Pattachitra painting, the Chitrakars follow a traditional process of preparing the canvas. A gauze-like fine…
Jainism and Mahavir Jayanti Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I- Religion Mahavir Jayanti is one of the most auspicious festivals in the Jain community. This day marks the birth of Vardhamana Mahavira, who was the 24th and the last Tirthankara who succeeded the 23rd Tirthankara, Parshvanatha. According to Jain texts, Lord Mahavira was born on the 13th day of the bright half of the moon in the month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian calendar, Mahavir Jayanti is usually celebrated during the month of March or April. In 2020, Mahavir Jayanti was celebrated on 6th of April. A procession is called with the idol of Lord Mahavira called the Rath Yatra. Reciting…
08 April, 2020
Religion
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