Current Context : Sri Lanka celebrated Poson Full Moon Poya Day, marking the arrival of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE when Arahat Mahinda preached to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale. ABOUT POSON POYA Significance: Commemorates Buddhism’s introduction to Sri Lanka; second only to Vesak in importance. Key Sites: Mihintale (first sermon) and Anuradhapura (early monastic establishments). Observances: Devotees light oil lamps, hoist religious pandols, participate in sermons and alms giving Streets and temples are adorned; special transport arranged for pilgrimsRead More

Current Context: The Ramman Festival, listed in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, was celebrated in the villages of Saloor-Dungra, Uttarakhand. About Ramman Festival: Location: Twin villages of Saloor-Dungra in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Timing: Celebrated annually in late April after the harvest. Deity Worshipped: Dedicated to Bhumiyal Devta, the village’s tutelary deity. Cultural Elements: Includes masked dances, epic recitations of Ramayana, and folk song performances. Unique Feature: Features Jagar singing, a ritual invocation of ancestral and local legends. UNESCO Listing: Inscribed in 2009 as a living expression of Himalayan religious and cultural traditions.Read More

Current Context: The Lakkundi temples in Karnataka are being proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, recognizing their historical and architectural significance. Key Facts: Location: Lakkundi, Gadag district, Karnataka. Historical Significance: Known as "Lokki-Gundi" in ancient inscriptions. Flourished under the Western Chalukyas, Kalachuris, Seunas (Yadavas), Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara rulers. Architectural Highlights: Over 50 ancient temples and 101 stepped wells (Kalyanis). Notable temples include Kasivisvesvara, Nannesvara, and Brahma Jinalaya. Exhibits a blend of North and South Indian architectural styles . Preservation Efforts: Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. State government has established the Lakkundi Heritage Area Protection....Read More

Current Context: In April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 21 traditional products from Uttar Pradesh, including the Banarasi Shehnai and Banarasi Tabla, recognizing their unique cultural heritage. About Banarasi Shehnai: Instrument Details: A traditional Indian wind instrument, the Shehnai is akin to the oboe and is integral to temple music and auspicious ceremonies, especially weddings.  Cultural Significance: The instrument gained global recognition through the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, who hailed from Varanasi and was instrumental in popularizing the Shehnai worldwide. About Banarasi Tabla: Gharana: The Banaras tabla gharana was established over 200 years ago....Read More

Current Context: Garia Puja is a seven-day festival celebrated annually in Tripura. The festival honors Garia, a deity symbolizing prosperity and well-being, and is a key cultural event for the state. About Originated in the tribal traditions of Tripura. Marks the beginning of the Tripuri calendar month of Boishakh. Rituals and Practices Bamboo pole erected as a symbol of Lord Garia. Offerings: Rice, fowl, rice beer, and eggs. Chicken sacrifice is common among the Tripuri community, with the blood offered as a blessing. Modern Celebrations The festival has expanded beyond tribal areas to urban centers like Agartala. Celebrated by diverse....Read More

Current context: The Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra have been added to UNESCO's Memory of the World Register on April 17, 2025, marking a major recognition of India’s rich cultural heritage. This brings the total number of Indian inscriptions in the list to Key Points UNESCO Memory of the World Register: A prestigious list of documentary heritage collections, showcasing significant cultural and historical documents globally. New Additions: 74 new collections, including the Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra, are added, making the total number of inscriptions 570. Global Recognition: The inclusion is a recognition of India’s timeless wisdom and culture, especially....Read More

Current Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Dokra Brass Peacock Boat with a Tribal Rider to the Prime Minister of Thailand during his visit, highlighting India’s rich tribal art traditions. About Ancient Craft: Over 4,000 years old, with roots tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilization. Example: The iconic “Dancing Girl” sculpture from Mohenjo-daro is made using the same technique. Name Origin: Derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal. Technique Used: Lost-Wax Casting (also called Cire Perdue). The mold is used only once and destroyed, making each piece unique. Materials Used: Mainly brass and other non-ferrous metals.....Read More

Current Context: Rongali Bihu (also called Bohag Bihu) is a major festival of Assam, celebrated in mid-April. It marks the Assamese New Year and the onset of the agricultural season. About Rooted in agrarian traditions, it celebrates the arrival of spring and the start of the harvest. Celebrated over 7 days, collectively called ‘Xaat Bihu’. Each day has a distinct focus: Goru Bihu (cattle worship):Cattle are bathed and honored on Goru Bihu for their role in agriculture. Manuh Bihu (human celebration):Manuh Bihu involves feasting and wearing new clothes. Gosain Bihu (deity worship):Gosain Bihu includes prayers and offerings to household deities.....Read More

Current Context: The Kodungalloor Bharani is one of Kerala’s most renowned and intense festivals, celebrated annually during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April). ​ About: Location: Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kodungalloor, Thrissur district, Kerala. Duration: The festival spans from the Bharani asterism in the month of Kumbham to seven days after the Bharani asterism in Meenam. ​ Key Features: Oracles (Komaram or Velichappadu): A multitude of oracles, clad in red attire, participate in the festivities, entering a trance-like state. ​ Kozhikkallu Moodal: The festival commences with this ritual involving the sacrifice of cocks and the shedding of their blood, an....Read More

Current Context: The Adivasi community in Jharkhand and Chhotanagpur recently celebrated Sarhul, marking the arrival of spring and honoring nature. Significance: Sal tree (Shorea robusta) is sacred, believed to house Sarna Maa, the village deity. Symbolizes Sun-Earth unity and sustains livelihoods. Celebrations: Day 1: Pahan (priest) performs rituals, collects Sal flowers, cleans Sarna Sthals. Day 2: Rooster sacrifice, Sal flower offerings, traditional dances (Jadur, Gena). Day 3: Community feast, blessings, and handia (rice beer). Historical & Cultural Relevance: Evolved from hunting to agricultural tradition. Spread to Assam, Nepal, Bhutan due to tribal displacement. Celebrated by Munda, Santal, Oraon tribes, preserving....Read More