Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali

The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali is one of the oldest traditional boat races of Kerala. It is held annually on the Uthrattathi asterism in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September) on the Pamba River in Pathanamthitta district. Religious Significance The event is closely associated with the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is considered a

National War Memorial

Introduction The National War Memorial (Rashtriya Samar Smarak) was inaugurated in January 2019 to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces who laid down their lives in the service of the nation since Independence. It is located in New Delhi, near India Gate, and serves as the country's foremost monument dedicated to its fallen heroes. Architectura

Thewa Art

Latest News Recently, the Prime Minister of India presented Thewa motif cufflinks to the President of Slovakia during his official visit, showcasing India's rich traditional handicraft heritage and promoting cultural diplomacy. About Thewa Art Thewa Art is a unique and highly intricate form of handcrafted jewellery-making that originated in Pratapgarh district of Rajasthan. It

Ambubachi Mela

Latest News The annual Ambubachi Mela, one of the largest and most significant religious gatherings in Eastern India, has commenced at the revered Kamakhya Temple. About Ambubachi Mela Introduction The Ambubachi Mela is an important Hindu religious festival celebrated every year during the monsoon season (generally in June) at the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. The festival

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Bankey Bihari Temple

The Supreme Court of India recently clarified that it would not make “any structural changes” to the existing arrangement related to religious practices at the famous Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The observation came during proceedings concerning the management and functioning of the temple, which witnesses a very large number of devotees throughout the year. About Bankey

Rongali Bihu

Recently, the festive spirit of Rongali Bihu spread across different parts of Assam as people celebrated the Assamese New Year with great enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy. Rongali Bihu is one of the most important and widely celebrated festivals of Assam and reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Assamese society. About Rongali Bihu Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, m

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2026

Recently, the central government has opened nominations for the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2026, which is regarded as a prestigious national award in the field of science, technology, and innovation. The award aims to recognize and honour individuals and teams whose contributions have significantly advanced India’s scientific landscape and supported national development. About Ra

Kalinjar Fort

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recently declared the hill region surrounding the Kalinjar Fort in Banda as a National Geo-Heritage Site. This recognition highlights not only the fort’s historical and cultural significance but also its unique geological features, which make it a site of scientific and educational importance. About Kalinjar Fort Kalinjar Fort is located in

Prambanan Temple

India and Indonesia have recently partnered for the restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex located in the Special Region of Yogyakarta in southern Java, Indonesia. This collaboration reflects growing cultural diplomacy between the two countries and focuses on preserving shared civilisational heritage. About Prambanan Temple The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in

Parbati Giri

Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Parbati Giri on the occasion of her birth centenary, recognising her significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle and her lifelong service to society. About Parbati Giri Parbati Giri was a prominent freedom fighter and social worker from Odisha. She is popularly known as the “Mother Teresa of Western Odisha” and was a

Kathputli

In Jaipur, nearly 250 families continue to preserve and practice Kathputli, one of Rajasthan’s oldest and most vibrant folk art traditions. About Kathputli Kathputli is a traditional string puppet theatre originating from Rajasthan. It is regarded as one of the oldest folk art forms of the state. The term Kathputli is derived from two Hindi words: Kath meaning wood, an

Param Vir Chakra

The Rashtrapati Bhavan has recently unveiled portraits of all 21 Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees. This exhibition replaces the previous display of 96 British Aide-de-Camps (ADCs). The move reflects a renewed focus on honoring the exceptional bravery and sacrifice of India's war heroes. About the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration awarded in

Natyashastra

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) recently organised an academic programme titled “Natyashastra – Synthesis of Theory and Praxis” at the Red Fort, Delhi, during the 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The programme highlighted the timeless relevance of the Natyashastra in India&r

National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM)

In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting informed that 1,469 film titles, amounting to approximately 4.3 lakh minutes of films, have been digitized under the National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) so far. About the National Film Heritage Mission The National Film Heritage Mission was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Information

Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

India  host the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) from 8 to 13 December 2025 in New Delhi. This highlights India’s growing role in global cultural governance and heritage preservation. Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH): UNESCO Definition According to UNESCO, Intangible Cultural Heritage includes

Chaolung Sukapha

Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways led the celebrations of Assam Day and paid rich tributes to Chaolung Sukapha, acknowledging his lasting contribution to the history and cultural identity of Assam. About Chaolung Sukapha Chaolung Sukapha was a visionary 13th-century ruler who founded the Ahom Kingdom in Assam. The Ahom dynasty ruled the region for nearly six c

Vande Mataram 150 Years Celebration

The Prime Minister of India will inaugurate the year-long commemoration of 150 years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” in New Delhi. About Vande Mataram Authorship: “Vande Mataram” was written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in a blend of Sanskrit and Bengali. Publication: It was first featured in his novel Anandamath in 1882, with the tune composed

Kashmir's Craft Industry

Kashmir's Craft Industry Recently, artisans from Kashmir and Central Asia reunited after nearly 500 years in Srinagar for a three-day craft exchange initiative. This event celebrated Srinagar’s recognition as a “World Craft City” by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and highlighted the shared heritage and cultural connections between the two regions. Historical Influence

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Sufism

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Sufism A recent petition filed by the Hindu Sena in an Ajmer court has sparked controversy, claiming that a Shiva temple lies beneath the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the mausoleum of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The petition calls for an archaeological survey to investigate this claim. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is widely known for his profound impact on Sufism in the subcontin

Gallantry Awards Overview

Independence Day 2024: The President of India approved 103 Gallantry awards for personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces. About Gallantry Awards 1. Order of Precedence: Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s highest wartime gallantry award, awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery or self-sacrifice in the presence of the enemy. Ashoka Chakra (AC): India'

Namdhari Sect Overview

Recent News Incident: A violent clash erupted between two rival groups of the Namdhari sect in Rania, Sirsa district, Haryana. The conflict highlights ongoing tensions within the sect. Historical Background Founder: The Namdhari sect was founded by Satguru Ram Singh on Baisakhi in 1857. Key Ideals: Ram Singh challenged existing social norms and resisted British colonial rule. Hi

Guru Granth Sahib

Recent Development: Return of Saroops: Two saroops (copies) of the Guru Granth Sahib were recently returned to the Indian embassy in Doha, Qatar. The saroops were confiscated by Qatari authorities from individuals accused of running an unauthorized religious establishment. About Guru Granth Sahib: Saroop (Bir): Definition: A physical copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, also known as

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Recent Tributes Birth Anniversary: The Prime Minister recently paid tribute to Bal Gangadhar Tilak on his birth anniversary, honoring his significant contributions to India’s struggle for independence. Significance Architect of Modern India: Tilak was a key figure in India's independence movement and a staunch advocate of Swaraj (self-rule). Famous Declaration: His dec

Project PARI

Initiation: Project PARI (Public Art of India) was launched by the Ministry of Culture in conjunction with the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee Meeting in New Delhi. Executing Bodies: The project is being executed by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Objective: The project aims to highlight public art that combines millennia of artistic heritage (lok

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar: Celebrating a Legacy

 The 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated on May 31, 2024, honoring the remarkable queen of Malwa for her contributions to Indian history and culture. About Devi Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 – 1795) Birth and Early Life: Born in Chondi village, Ahmednagar, in 1725, Devi Ahilyabai was the daughter of Mankoji Rao Shinde. Marriage: She married Khanderao Holk

Kozhikode - UNESCO City of Literature

Recent Recognition UNESCO City of Literature: In October 2023, Kozhikode, located in north Kerala, was officially declared India’s first UNESCO City of Literature. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN): Kozhikode earned a place in the 'Literature' category of the UCCN, which highlights cities that value creativity and cultural industries as central to their development.

Maratha Military Landscapes

Why in News? Maratha Military Landscapes have been selected as India’s nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024-25. The landscapes were included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2021. About Maratha Military Landscapes Significance: Represent exceptional fortification systems envisioned by the Maratha rulers. Reflect the military i

Naiyandi Melam

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’.

Practice of Veli

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 p

Munagapaka

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.

Soligas & Yeravas – Indigenous people

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

Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti

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 Ajm

Classical Languages in INDIA

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

Wine tourism

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

Geographical Indication (GI)

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 crucia

Guinness World Record in Gujarat

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.