Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The Supreme Court refused to hear a petition against ‘VIP darshan’ at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, saying courts should not act as gatekeepers for temple entry. Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred Shiva shrines) in India. The temple is mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures, Puranas, and works of poet Kalidas.

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The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was held at Faridabad, Haryana, with great enthusiasm and public participation. The theme for this year is “Vocal to Global”, promoting Indian crafts and culture on the global stage. Uttar Pradesh and Meghalaya are the theme states, showcasing their unique cultural heritage. Egypt is participating as the partner nation, adding an international dimension to the Mela. The Mela focuses on Atma Nirbharta (self-reliance) by empowering artists and craftsmen, according to Parth Gupta, Managing Director of Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited.

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President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Bastar Pandum festival at Jagdalpur in Bastar division of Chhattisgarh. This festival takes place in the Bastar district to showcase traditional tribal arts, handicrafts, folk costumes, cuisine, and culture, featuring tribes like the Gond, Maria, and Muria. The festival hosts divisional-level competitions till 9 February, with more than 700 artists from 84 teams performing tribal dances, handicrafts, traditional cuisine, and indigenous music.

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The Prime Minister’s new office complex Seva Teerth is inspired by the architecture of the Chennakeshava Temple. The temple, also called Keshava or Vijayanarayana Temple, is a 12th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Karnataka. It was commissioned in 1117 CE by King Vishnuvardhana after his victory over the Cholas at Talakkad. The temple is located on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, also known as Velapura. It was built over three generations and took 103 years to complete. It is an important example of Hoysala architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Delhi Development Authority organised annual Palaash Flower Festival 2026 in New Delhi. The three day festival is being held simultaneously at Bansera Park, Ashok Vihar, Jasola and Narela for the first time. It features vibrant floral displays and themed gardens focused on biodiversity and environmental conservation. Organised since 2023, Palash Mahotsav promotes Delhi green heritage and community involvement. The festival strengthens public connection with nature and environmental awareness.

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Tamla Du Festival of Tawran also called Digaru Mishmi and Kaman also called Miju Mishmi community is celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jabmalo and worship of nature for good health, good harvest and protection from natural disasters. It reflects deep respect for faith, environment and traditional values of the Mishmi community.

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The lost city of Charax Spasinou has been discovered in the deserts of Iraq. It was an ancient port city located at the meeting point of the Tigris and Choaspes rivers near the Iraq–Iran border. It was founded in 324 Before Common Era during the Hellenistic period, initially by Alexander the Great. Later, Hyspaosines rebuilt it and founded the Kingdom of Characene with Charax as its capital. Its strategic location made it a major trade hub between Mesopotamia and India through the Persian Gulf. Its importance declined around 224–228 After Death with the rise of the Sassanian Empire.

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The Rajkiya Itkhori Mahotsav (Itkhori State Festival) is celebrated annually in Chatra, Jharkhand. During the inauguration, the ministers launched the official website of Bhadrakali Temple and released a coffee table book. The first day of the festival featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional folk dances. This three-day festival showcases cultural, musical, and religious harmony.

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The North East Spring Festival 2026, also known as the Festival of the North East, is inaugurated at the NEZCC Complex in Dimapur, Nagaland. The festival is organised by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in collaboration with the South-Central Zone Cultural Centre under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It is celebrated alongside Madhya Dakshini Festival 2026, creating cultural exchange between Northeastern and South-Central regions. The event promotes and preserves folk and tribal heritage and strengthens national integration. Around 130 folk artistes from eight Northeastern states present traditional art forms.

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organising Tribes Art Fest 2026 in New Delhi under the vision of Narendra Modi. It is organised with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and National Gallery of Modern Art. More than 75 artists and 1,000 artworks from 30+ tribal traditions are showcased. Key initiatives highlighted include PM JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, DAJGUA, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. Festival promotes fair markets, direct sales and sustainable livelihoods.