Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Abhay Prabhavana Museum in Pune, India’s largest museum dedicated to Jain philosophy and heritage. Set on 50 acres along the Indrayani river, it features 30 galleries showcasing the essence of Jain philosophy through interactive exhibits, artworks, and advanced technology. The museum aims to attract over 2,000 visitors daily and will include a separate children’s section to simplify complex concepts, making it a global cultural landmark.

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An Iron Age menhir, known locally as ‘Niluvu Rayi,’ was found in Kamasanpalli village, Nagarkurnool district, Telangana. Menhirs are large, upright stones, sometimes seen alone or in groups. They are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, with Western Europe having the most. Shapes vary but generally taper at the top, often arranged in circles or rows, like the Carnac alignments in France with 2,935 menhirs. Menhirs sometimes feature engravings, such as spirals or axes. Their purpose is uncertain, but they may have been used for fertility rites or seasonal cycles.

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Igas Bagwal, also known as Budhi Diwali or Harbodhni Ekadashi, is a traditional festival celebrated in Uttarakhand. It takes place 11 days after Diwali, highlighting the region’s rich folk heritage and uniting communities. The festival is marked by local customs, reverence, and joy, reflecting the cultural essence of Uttarakhand. Celebrations include shared festivities and traditional practices, strengthening community bonds. This year, Igas Bagwal begins on November 12, bringing a special focus to Uttarakhand’s cultural pride.

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar was the chief guest at the 66th Akhil Bharatiya Kalidas Ceremony in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Akhil Bhartiya Kalidas Samaroh is a seven-day annual festival in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. It celebrates Sanskrit literary giants like Kalidas, Vatsyayana, and Bhartrihari. The festival also honors renowned Hindi writers, including Shivmangal Singh Suman, Prabhakar Machve, Gajanan Madhav Muktibodh, and Pandit Surya Narayan. This event serves as a tribute to India’s rich literary heritage and brings together scholars and enthusiasts of classical literature.

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The 10-day Jhiri Mela started in Jammu, celebrating the sacrifice of Baba Jitto, a 16th-century Dogra hero. Baba Jitto, a Brahmin farmer, died fighting injustice, promoting values like unity, honesty, and courage. his cultural event promotes values like unity and honesty and attracts around 20 lakh visitors. It serves as a platform for local craftsmen and showcases Jammu’s rich heritage while providing information on government schemes for farmers.

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Bali Jatra is the largest open-air trade fair in Asia, held annually on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack. It commemorates the maritime heritage of Odisha, where ancient traders ventured to Southeast Asia. This year, it features around 2,500 stalls and cultural performances from various countries. The fair, which begins on Kartika Purnima, has been recognized as a state festival, highlighting Odisha’s rich history and culture.

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Japan will be the official ‘Partner Country’ for the 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. The festival is held annually from December 1–10, showcasing Nagaland’s culture through music, dance, art, and indigenous games. Started in 2000, its goal is to promote the state’s culture, encourage inter-tribal interaction, and preserve Naga heritage. Organized by the state’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, with support from the Union Government. It is named after the Indian Hornbill, a colorful bird central to the folklore of many Naga tribes.

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The Reang community, also known as Bru, demands a holiday in Tripura on Hojagiri Day, celebrating their traditional dance. Reangs are the second-largest tribal community in Tripura and the state’s only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). They are found in Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, with a population of around 188,080. The Reangs trace their origins to Shan State in Myanmar and migrated to Tripura in different waves.

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Lebanon’s UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites—Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar—are facing threats from repeated assaults. Baalbek is a prime example of Imperial Roman architecture, showcasing massive structures. Tyre, a historic Phoenician city, once dominated the seas and founded colonies like Cadiz and Carthage, and is linked to the invention of purple dye. Anjar, founded by Caliph Walid I in the 8th century, has ruins that display remarkable city planning from the Umayyad era, resembling ancient palace cities.

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Ningol Chakouba, a festival of the Meitei community in Manipur, was celebrated near Moodbidri. The event was organized by Alva’s Education Foundation with participation from Northeast students. It highlights and preserves the Meitei community’s rich cultural heritage. The festival symbolizes the bond between mothers, daughters, brothers, and sisters, emphasizing women’s importance in Manipuri society and strengthening family ties.