Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Devaragattu Banni Utsavam in Holagunda Mandal, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh witnessed violence, leaving two devotees dead and over 100 injured. The crowd surged over 2 lakh, attracting devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. Devaragattu Banni Utsavam is an ancient festival celebrated in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. This ancient festival culminates on the night of Vijaya Dasami (Dussehra) and features a ritualistic stick fight where thousands of devotees, divided into groups, carry sticks and clash with them in a symbolic battle to claim the idol of the deity.

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The Bathou religion of the Bodo community in Assam has been officially given a separate code in the upcoming national census. Bathouism is the indigenous faith of the Bodos, mainly in Assam and parts of North Bengal, forming a key part of their cultural identity. The term “Bathou” means “Five Principles”, representing Ha (Earth), Dwi (Water), Or (Fire), Bar (Air), and Okhrang (Sky). The religion focuses on nature worship, maintaining balance between humans and the environment through household and community rituals. Sacred Sijou plants and elemental symbols are central to Bathou practices.

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Tihar, a five-day Hindu festival, is mainly celebrated in Nepal. The second day of the festival is called Kukur Tihar, which means “day of the dogs.” On this day, dogs are worshipped and honoured with flower garlands, tika on their foreheads, and special food offerings. In Nepalese belief, dogs are considered messengers of Yamraj, the god of death. The ritual is performed to appease Yamraj and seek protection and blessings. The festival symbolises respect for animals and the bond between humans and dogs.

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The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. It will be the world’s largest museum, with the first gallery opening in one year and full completion in 36 months. The museum will be developed through Adaptive Reuse, in collaboration with France, known for projects like the Louvre, Grand Palais, and Hôtel de la Marine. It involves transforming the North and South Blocks into museum spaces. The museum will showcase India’s civilizational and cultural heritage, celebrating the nation’s timeless history, present, and future vision.

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The President of India extended greetings to the people of Odisha on the occasion of the historic ‘Baliyatra’ festival. Baliyatra is an annual maritime festival celebrated in coastal Odisha on the day of Kartika Purnima. It commemorates the ancient maritime trade and cultural links between Odisha (ancient Kalinga) and Southeast Asian regions such as Bali, Java, and Sumatra. The festival is linked to the legend of ‘Taapoi’ and associated with rituals like ‘Bhalukuni Osha’ (also called ‘Khudurukuni Osha’) and ‘Bada Osha’. During the celebration, people float miniature boats with lamps on the Mahanadi River, symbolizing the sea voyages of Kalinga’s sailors and traders in ancient times

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The 9th Ganga Utsav was celebrated by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, focusing on partnership and people’s participation for river rejuvenation. Two key publications—“Status of Waterbirds in the Ganga River Basin” and “Status of Island Nesting Report”—were released to assess ecological health. At Amity University, Noida, the theme “Voices and Rhythms of River: Technical and Cultural Expressions” highlighted data-driven and LiDAR-based river management. Resources like “Preventing Solid Waste Flow into Water”, “The Colors of Ganga”, and LiDAR Data Release for Riverathon 1.0 were launched.

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Shad Nongkrem, also known as Nongkrem Dance, is a major indigenous religious and cultural festival of the Khasi tribe in Meghalaya. It is celebrated annually during autumn at Smit, the headquarters of Hima Khyrim, about 20 km from Shillong. The five-day festival, called Ka Pomblang Nongkrem, is dedicated to Ka Blei Synshar, seeking blessings for a good harvest and people’s prosperity. The Syiem (king) of Khyrim and high priests perform rituals and offer oblations to Lei Shyllong, the presiding deity of Shillong Peak.

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The recent kumbabishekam (consecration) of the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu highlighted its unique stone nagaswaram, a rare ancient wind instrument. The temple is located in Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Adi Kumbeswarar in lingam form. It is a major example of Dravidian architecture. It was originally built during the Chola period (9th century CE) and later renovated by the Nayak rulers. It is one of the 12 Shiva temples linked to the Mahamaham festival, held every 12 years.

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The Chhattisgarh government is preparing the 5th-century Sirpur Archaeological Site for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Digital exhibits and battery-operated vehicles are being added for eco-friendly tourism. Sirpur is a multi-religious city dating from the 5th to 12th century. It is located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Mahasamund district near Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It was the capital of Dakshina Kosala under Panduvanshi and Somavamshi rulers.

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The famous Karthigai Deepam festival began at Sri Arunachaleshwar Temple in Tiruvannamalai. The ten-day festival is held during the Tamil month of Karthigai and attracts huge public participation. Karthigai Deepam festival is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu.