Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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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.

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An Ajmer court has admitted a petition to survey the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, leading to calls for a similar probe into the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. It is located in Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is one of India’s oldest mosques and the second oldest in North India, after Delhi’s Quwwat ul Islam mosque. The Deputy Mayor claims it was initially a Sanskrit college and Jain temple before being converted into a mosque in the 12th century. Commissioned by Qutubuddin Aibak in 1199 CE, it was later enhanced by Iltutmish in 1213 CE. The structure showcases early Indo-Islamic architecture.

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The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is excavating the 80-pillar assembly hall at Kumhrar, Patna. The Kumhrar site is linked to Emperor Ashoka’s third Buddhist Council. The site highlights Pataliputra’s role as the Mauryan capital and a cultural-political hub. The hall had 80 sandstone pillars with a wooden roof and floor, showcasing Mauryan architectural skill. Materials were transported via the Sone-Ganga river route, reflecting advanced planning and resource management. The project renews global interest in Mauryan art and architecture.

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The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 during the 10th Five Year Plan by the Ministry of Culture to document, conserve, and promote access to Indian manuscripts. An expert committee recommended its continuation with broader reach and direct ministry oversight. NMM operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), receiving government funding. It uses technology from IGNCA for preservation and digitization, with digitized manuscripts available on Pandulipi Patala. Preservation methods include lamination, restoration, and deacidification, alongside training in preventive conservation. Manuscript Resource Centres (MRCs) and Manuscript Conservation Centres (MCCs) address collection and conservation gaps.

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The “halwa ceremony” is a traditional event that signifies the commencement of the printing process for Union Budget. This ritual involves serving ‘halwa’ to finance ministry officials and signifies the initiation of budget document printing. Following this ceremony, officials are confined to ministry premises to prevent any leaks before the Budget is officially presented in Parliament, typically on February 1 each year.

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After 48 years, the Kalyan civil court dismissed a Muslim trust’s suit claiming ownership of an idgah inside Durgadi Fort, ruling in favor of the state government. Durgadi Fort is located in Kalyan, near Mumbai, Maharashtra, on the banks of the Ulhas River, offering scenic views of Kalyan. Kalyan was a vital international harbor during the Satvahan era and remains a key historical location. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after capturing Kalyan and Bhiwandi from Adilshah on October 24, 1654. It marked the beginning of the Maratha Navy and served as a dock for shipbuilding.

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The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years at the Gadhimai Temple in Bariyarpur, Nepal, is known for the world’s largest animal sacrifice. More than two crore people attended the festival this year, despite decades of criticism from animal activists. The festival features the largest animal sacrifice, with devotees sacrificing buffaloes, goats, cocks, and ducks during Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. Devotees also release doves in the temple when their wishes are believed to be fulfilled. The festival takes place at the Gadhimai Temple in Bara district, near the Indo-Nepal border.

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The Bhasma Shankar temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh was reopened after being locked since 1978 due to communal riots. Its historical significance dates back to the 18th century, serving as a religious center for the Rastogi community until the riots of 1978 forced many families to flee. The temple’s revival has reignited local cultural and religious sentiments, with ongoing excavations revealing ancient idols and further historical artifacts.

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The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with France Museums Développement, will establish the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. Announced by the Prime Minister in May 2023, it aims to celebrate India’s continuous civilizational history and promote inclusivity. It will be the largest museum globally, located across New Delhi’s North and South Blocks. The museum will highlight themes like democracy, diversity, and heritage, with a focus on community narratives. France’s expertise will guide its design and management, drawing inspiration from the Louvre.

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The Kerala High Court issued safety directives for elephants and artists at the Thrissur Pooram festival. Thrissur Pooram is a grand annual temple festival celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam (April-May) at Thekkinkadu Maidanam, Thrissur, Kerala. Known as the “mother of all Poorams,” it is one of Kerala’s largest and most significant cultural and spiritual events. The festival was initiated by Raja Rama Varma, also called Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin from 1790 to 1805.