Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The Tanot Mata Temple, situated in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, is not only a religious site but also a cultural symbol. Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced plans to modernize the temple, aiming to enhance its appeal as a world-class tourist destination. The initiative includes improving facilities for pilgrims and creating economic opportunities for the local community. The temple is expected to attract tourists while instilling a sense of pride and patriotism among visitors.

Notes:
The countdown for the 813th Urs begins. It is an annual festival held at Ajmer, Rajasthan. It commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, also called Garib Nawaz. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti arrived in India with Sultan Illtuttmish and promoted the Chishtiyya Order of Sufism. The festival celebrates his life and teachings, drawing thousands of devotees to Ajmer each year.

Notes:
Sevdalinka, a traditional Bosnian love song, has been included in UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originating in the 16th century, it blends South Slavic poetry with Ottoman music, reflecting a melancholic essence. Traditionally passed down through generations during family gatherings, it is often performed a cappella or with instruments like the lute. Younger musicians are revitalizing Sevdalinka, keeping its essence alive while reaching global audiences. UNESCO recognition highlights Sevdalinka’s cultural and historical significance.

Notes:
The National Saras Mela will be held at Chengannur, Kerala, from January 20 to 31, at the Chengannur municipal stadium. Organized by the Kudumbashree Mission, it will promote rural products on a unified platform. The mela features 300 stalls from 28 States, including 200 from Kerala, showcasing handcrafted items, jewellery, textiles, and home decor. It provides self-help groups, neighborhood groups, and artisans a platform to reach urban markets.

Notes:
A three-foot statue of 13th-century saint Narahari Tirtha was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Narahari Tirtha was a Dvaita Vedanta philosopher and disciple of Madhvacharya, spreading the doctrine in eastern India, especially Kalinga (modern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh). He hailed from Chikakolu (now Srikakulam) and assisted Eastern Ganga dynasty kings for three decades, ensuring adherence to Sanatana Dharma and proper temple administration. His contributions are documented in inscriptions at Simhachalam and Srikurmam temples. He introduced Devaranamas in Kannada, Yakshagana Bayalata in Karnataka, and influenced Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh.

Notes:
Preparations for the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple are nearing completion for January 15. ‘Makaravilakku’ is an annual festival held on Makar Sankranti at the Sabarimala shrine in Kerala. The festival begins with the Thiruvabharanam procession and ends with the Guruthi ritual. The Guruthi ritual is performed to please the deities of the forest.

Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 million prize for deciphering the ancient Indus Valley script. The announcement was made during the centenary celebration of the Indus Valley Civilization at an international conference in Chennai. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of decoding the script to understand ancient history. Tamil Nadu is supporting archaeological research through initiatives like a dedicated research chair named after Iravatham Mahadevan. This move reflects the state’s commitment to promoting historical and archaeological studies.

Notes:
A bamboo weave box with Kalamkari paintings by Nimmalakunta artisans will be showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kalamkari is a popular hand-painted or block-printed cotton textile art form from Andhra Pradesh. The art originated during the reign of Qutb Shahis in the 16-17th century in the Tilang region, now part of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. “Kalam” means pen and “Kari” means craftsmanship, highlighting the skillful artistry involved.

Notes:
The Union Culture Ministry has created a Kalagram, a 10.24-acre cultural village near Prayagraj station, as part of Mahakumbh 2025. Kalagram, located 2 km from the station, offers free entry and showcases Indian art, heritage, food, and performances. The entrance features a 635-foot-wide façade depicting the 12 Jyotirlingas.

Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on January 15, 2025. The temple is now the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia. The design of the temple blends spirituality and knowledge, with various facilities reflecting ISKCON’s mission to serve society.