Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The government recently celebrated Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture at the Jagar Lok Sanskriti Utsav. A book titled Uttarakhand ka Lok Putra Pritam Bharatwan by Sachidanand Semwal was released, honoring Pritam Bharatwan as the brand ambassador of the state’s folk culture. Jagar Lok Sanskriti Utsav highlights Uttarakhand’s folk traditions. Jagar, a Hindu form of Shamanism practiced in Uttarakhand, involves rituals where gods and deities are awakened for favors or remedies. Pritam Bharatwan is recognized for promoting Uttarakhand’s traditional culture and folk arts.

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A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Malvan, built less than a year ago, recently collapsed. In contrast, the Sindhudurg Fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj 357 years ago, remains intact. Sindhudurg Fort is located on Kurte Island in the Arabian Sea, near Malvan, Maharashtra. The fort, completed in 1667, was designed to protect against foreign colonizers and the Siddis of Janjira. It symbolizes the strength of the Maratha Navy and the advanced construction techniques of its time.

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Uttarakhand Chief Minister recently inaugurated the Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav, 2024, in Nainital through a virtual event, emphasizing the festival’s role in connecting people with their cultural roots. The Maa Nanda-Sunanda Mahotsav honors the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda during the Nandashtami festival in the Kumaon region, celebrated every September in places like Almora, Nainital, Kot Along, Bhowali, and Johar. Additionally, the CM declared September 2nd as Bugyal Conservation Day to protect alpine meadows, calling them the Himalayas’ ‘precious heritage.’

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Tribal communities in several Indian states recently celebrated the harvest festival of Karma or Karam Parv. Karma Puja honors the Karam tree, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and auspiciousness. The festival began with the start of agriculture by tribal communities. A week before, young women plant seven types of grains in clean sand. On the festival day, a Karam tree branch is planted in a courtyard, and the priest worships the Karam Raja. The celebration includes traditional dancing, singing, and offerings. The Karam branch is later immersed in water, and Jawa flowers are distributed. It is mainly celebrated by Munda, Ho, Oraon, and other tribes in states like Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.

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Manipur celebrated the annual Mera-Hou-Chongba festival, a cultural event symbolizing the state’s commitment to unity between its hill and valley communities. It is observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar. The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by titular king and MP Leishemba Sanajaoba at Sana Konung. Traditional rituals, Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba, were performed at Kangla Uttra. Participants from remote hill areas joined in, exchanging gifts and showcasing cultural dances.

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The Sangeet Natak Akademi hosted its first International Festival on Indian Dance, featuring global artists. The six-day event was held at NASC Complex, New Delhi, celebrating India’s rich dance traditions. The festival promotes cultural exchange and showcases Indian dance forms to artists, scholars, and students. It highlights dance’s importance in India’s cultural heritage and its role in engaging the youth. The event fosters global understanding through music and dance, which transcend borders. The festival aims to inspire future generations by connecting them to India’s ancient arts and cultural values.

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Copper plate inscriptions from the 16th century were found at Sri Singeeswarar temple in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Mappedu Village. It was originally built by Aditya Karikalan II in 976 AD, father of Chola emperor Rajaraja Cholan. Krishnadevaraya’s viceroy, Dalavai Ariyanadha Mudaliar, added the Rajagopuram, compound wall, and 16-pillar Mandap in 1501. The temple features Dravidian architecture with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. The main deity, Singeeswarar, is worshipped in the form of a large Shiva Lingam.

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The Union Ministry of Culture plans to revive the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and may create an autonomous National Manuscripts Authority. Currently, NMM operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. NMM was launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture with the motto “Conserving the past for the future.” Its goals include documenting, conserving, and sharing India’s vast manuscript heritage, estimated at ten million manuscripts.
NMM maintains a National Electronic Database of four million manuscripts. The mission involves national surveys, conservation training, digitization, public engagement, and has set up over 100 Manuscript Resource and Conservation Centers nationwide.

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Nepal’s five-day Tihar festival, also called the festival of lights, began with Yamapanchak Tihar. Tihar is a spiritual and cultural Hindu festival celebrating lights and lasting five days. On the second day, Kukur-Tihar, people honored dogs for their loyalty and companionship. Laxmi Puja, worshipping the goddess of wealth, is traditionally held on Tihar’s third day. Many Nepalis are observing Laxmi Puja this evening, while others will celebrate tomorrow on the New Moon day.

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Ningol Chakkouba, a key festival in Manipur, was celebrated with enthusiasm. Traditionally held on the second lunar day of Hiyangei month, its origins trace back to King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s rule. “Ningol” means “married woman,” and “Chakouba” means “feast invitation,” where married daughters are invited by their parents for a family feast. The festival strengthens bonds among brothers, sisters, and parents. Initially celebrated by the Meitei community, it is now observed by many other communities as well.