Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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The Gurung community celebrates Tamu Lhosar, marking the New Year and bidding farewell to the past year. The festival is observed in Nepal’s hilly and mountainous districts, including Lamjung, Gorkha, Tanahun, and others. A special celebration is held at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, where Gurung women wear traditional attire, including Makhamali blouses, Ghalek shawls, Patuki, and sarees. Men dress in cultural outfits like Bhoto, Bhangra, and Kachhad, performing a vibrant dance. Tamu Lhosar is celebrated on the 15th of the Nepali month Push (December-January), with a public holiday announced.

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Karnataka government announced a ₹100 crore plan to develop Yadgir Fort under the “One District, One Spot” initiative to boost tourism. ₹33 crore comes from the MLA grant, and ₹67 crore from the state government. Yadgir Fort is located in Yadgir district, one of the largest forts in Karnataka. The fort is built on a monolith, measuring 850m in length, 500m in width, and 100m in height. It has inscriptions from various dynasties like Kalyana Chalukyas, Yadavas, Bahmani Sultans, and others.

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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.

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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.

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The Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated by the Zeliarong community in Manipur after the harvest season. It marks gratitude for a good harvest, prayers for prosperity, and the beginning of the new year. The festival includes music, dance, and spiritual rituals, promoting unity and joy. The Zeliarong community, comprising the Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes, is one of Manipur’s prominent tribal groups. Gaan Ngai lasts for five days and is typically celebrated in December or January, with the date varying each year.

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The world’s first 52-foot Mahamrityunjaya Yantra has been installed at Tapovan Ashram, Jhunsi Havelis, Prayagraj, a sacred Maha Kumbh site. The Yantra is a spiritual marvel believed to connect devotees with the higher consciousness of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes “Victory over Death,” helping individuals overcome fears of death, disease, and danger. The Yantra enhances courage, positivity, and spiritual energy among devotees. This monumental installation holds immense significance for spiritual seekers and devotees of Lord Shiva.

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The Union Ministry of Culture and the Gujarat Government inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum and archaeological interpretation center in Vadnagar. Vadnagar, a 2,500-year-old town, was a hub on ancient trade routes, boasting rich heritage sites like Kirti Toran, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Sharmistha Lake. The museum complex spans 12,500 sq. m., features nine galleries, a 4,000 sq. m. excavation site, and highlights 5,000 artifacts. The ₹298 crore project integrates sustainability and includes five years of operations and maintenance.

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Araku Utsav titled “Chali” is organized in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. The valley is part of the Eastern Ghats and sits between 600 m and 900 m above sea level. It houses the biodiverse Anantagiri and Sunkarimetta Reserved Forests, known for bauxite mining. Often called the “Ooty of Andhra,” it is home to various tribes, mainly the Araku Tribes. Araku Arabica Coffee, famous in the valley, earned a GI Tag in 2019. The valley is surrounded by mountains such as Galikonda, Raktakonda, Sunkarimetta, and Chitamogondi.

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The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair 2025 held from February 7 to 23 in Surajkund, Faridabad, Haryana. It is organized by the Union Ministries of Tourism, Culture, External Affairs, Textiles, and the Haryana government. The fair showcases India’s and other countries’ crafts, textiles, culture, and cuisine. The 37th edition in 2024 saw participation from 45+ countries, 592 foreign artists, and 1.3 million visitors. For 2025, BIMSTEC is proposed as the partner organization, enhancing international collaboration.

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Tribal families in Neelabandha celebrated their first electricity supply since Independence with the ‘Dhimsa’ dance. Dhimsa is a popular tribal dance in Andhra Pradesh performed by Bagata, Valmiki, Poraja, Khond, Gadaba, Kondadora, Mukadora, and Kotia tribes. It symbolizes unity and cultural heritage, with themes based on mythology, folktales, economic activities, kinship, and marital life.