Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Ministry of Tribal Affairs is organising Tribes Art Fest 2026 in New Delhi under the vision of Narendra Modi. It is organised with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and National Gallery of Modern Art. More than 75 artists and 1,000 artworks from 30+ tribal traditions are showcased. Key initiatives highlighted include PM JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, DAJGUA, Eklavya Model Residential Schools and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India. Festival promotes fair markets, direct sales and sustainable livelihoods.

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Attukal Pongala is celebrated on 3 March at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. Attukal Pongala is celebrated in Kerala. It is one of the largest gatherings of women in the world and entered Guinness World Records in 2009 with over 2.5 million participants. The festival honours Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy, incarnation of Kannaki, symbolising women power and devotion. The 10 day festival begins with Kappukettu ritual and ends with priests blessing the offering and sprinkling holy water.

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The Aadi Parab Festival began in Raipur as a two-day cultural event celebrating tribal heritage. Tribal folk artists from Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand are participating. The 2026 theme of the festival is “From Tradition to Identity.” Youth participants showcased tribal culture through traditional attire and ramp walks. The festival aims to provide a national platform for the tribal culture, art, and traditions of Chhattisgarh.

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Chapchar Kut is Mizoram’s spring festival, celebrated in March to honour Mizo culture with traditional dances, music, art, cuisine, and community festivities. It marks the completion of the Jhum operation (clearing forest and remnants of burning) and reflects the Mizo community’s connection with nature and agriculture. The theme of 2026 festival is “Zo nun ze mawi – Inremna” (Mizo Ethics – Reconciliation).

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The Purvanchal Mahotsav ‘Maati-9’ is a major cultural festival of the Purvanchal region, centred on the theme of “Maati” (soil), symbolising the deep connection between people and their roots. It showcases the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage through art, cuisine, tourism, and traditional practices. The festival is organised with participation from cultural groups, artisans, and local communities, reflecting the diversity of Purvanchal. Its key objectives are to preserve and promote regional heritage and to strengthen the connection of youth with their traditions and identity.

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The festive spirit of Rongali Bihu has spread across different parts of Assam. It is one of the most important festivals of Assam, also known as Bohag Bihu, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. The term “Rongali” is derived from the word “Rong,” meaning joy, happiness, and celebration. The festival reflects the rich cultural traditions and social life of Assamese society. During celebrations, women wear traditional mekhela chador made of pat, muga silk, or cotton.

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Piprahwa Relics will arrive in Leh on Buddha Purnima; repatriated from Hong Kong in July 2025. It was discovered in 1898 by William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh. It was excavated from Piprahwa Stupa, linked to ancient Kapilavastu, associated with Lord Buddha. Relics include bone fragments, caskets, sandstone coffer, gold ornaments, and gemstones. Brahmi inscription confirms association with Buddha by Sakya clan. Ladakh served as a gateway for Buddhist cultural diffusion across Asia.

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The Bankey Bihari Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in Vrindavan, Mathura district, Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court recently stated it will not make structural changes to existing religious practices at the temple. The deity is in tribhanga posture (three-bend posture), giving the name “Banke” (gracefully bent). It was established by Swami Haridas, guru of Tansen. It is one of the seven temples of “Thakur of Vrindavan” (important Krishna shrines in the region).

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The Rajasthan High Court issued notices regarding alleged illegal elephant rides near Amber Fort. Amber Fort (Amer Fort) is located about 11 km from Jaipur in Rajasthan. It was built in the late 16th century by Raja Man Singh I, a general of Akbar. The fort is situated on the Aravalli hills, providing strategic and scenic advantage. Amer served as the capital of the Kachwaha Rajputs before Jaipur was established. The fort showcases a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

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Garia Puja is celebrated across Tripura with participation from both tribal and non-tribal communities, promoting harmony and welfare. The festival is dedicated to Baba Garia, a deity associated with prosperity, livestock, and well-being in tribal traditions. Devotees offer bamboo poles decorated with leaves, threads, cloth, along with flowers and fruits as part of rituals. Major celebrations are held in Agartala and at Garjantoli in Teliamura under the initiative of the Jamatia Hoda.