1. PM Modi Inaugurates 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav
Tags: Festivals
On April 21, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi, coinciding with Mahavir Jayanti.
An Overview of the News
Alongside the inauguration, PM Modi unveiled a commemorative stamp and coin to mark the occasion.
Union Minister of State (MoS) Arjun Ram Meghwal from the Ministry of Culture, along with other dignitaries and saints from the Jain community, graced the event with their presence.
Significance of the Mahotsav:
April 21, 2024, marks the Janma Kalyanak (birth anniversary) of Bhagwan Mahavir Swami.
The Government of India collaborated with the Jain community to celebrate this occasion by organizing a cultural program at Bharat Mandapam.
The 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav is observed as a year-long "Ahimsa Mahotsav", emphasizing the teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer, particularly focusing on non-violence and kindness.
Mahotsav Committee:
To ensure effective coordination and promotion of the festival, the Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav Committee was established.
Its primary objective is to spread the teachings of Bhagwan Mahaveer, with a special emphasis on non-violence and compassion.
Commemorative Coin Details:
Minting and Type:
The coin is the 8th commemorative issue of 2024 and belongs to the Non-Circulating type.
It is minted at the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, located in Telangana.
Denomination and Weight:
The coin holds a denomination of Rs 100 and weighs 35 grams.
Features:
The reverse side showcases the Nalanda Pawapuri Jal Mandir, accompanied by the inscription "Bhagwan Mahaveer 2550th Nirvan Kalyanak" in both Devanagari script and English. Additionally, the year 2023 is inscribed at the bottom.
2. Union Minister Narayan Rane inaugurates 'Khadi Mahotsav' in Mumbai
Tags: Festivals
Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department Minister Narayan Rane inaugurated 'Khadi Mahotsav' in Mumbai.
An Overview of the News
'Khadi Mahotsav' was organized on 2nd October, showcasing the government's support for Khadi and Village Industries (KVIC).
'Khadi Mahotsav' is a month-long event, which is scheduled to run till 31 October 2023 in Mumbai.
It serves as a platform not only to showcase Khadi products but also to promote indigenous goods through 'Vocal for Local' exhibitions.
Customers can avail 20 to 25 percent discount on Khadi products during the festival.
3. ICCR's 4th Indo-Latin America Cultural Festival begins in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) launched the fourth edition of the Indo-Latin America Cultural Festival in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The festival brings together artists from Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile to showcase their talents and cultural heritage.
Participation of three Latin American countries:
A total of 34 artists from Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile are actively participating in this two-day cultural event.
Each country contributes its own unique cultural elements to the festival, promoting intercultural understanding and appreciation.
Promoting cultural and educational cooperation:
ICCR President Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe emphasized the festival's goal of showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Latin America.
The event serves as a platform to bring together key stakeholders to discuss prospects and opportunities, promoting cultural and educational cooperation between India and Latin American countries.
4. Elephant Festival begins in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Festivals National State News
Elephant Mahotsav began in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and will continue for seven days.
An Overview of the News
Elephants play an important role in protecting the tigers in the reserve and keeping out wild elephants.
The Elephant Festival gives villagers and nearby families a chance to interact with elephants.
The primary goal of the festival in 2023 is to educate villagers about elephants and remove misconceptions about the wild animals.
The festivities will end on September 26, after which the elephants will return to their patrolling camps.
Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Eastern Satpura hill range of Umaria and Katni districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Boasts a healthy population of tigers and a diverse range of herbivorous animals.
It has diverse topography, including hills, valleys, rivers, swamps and grasslands supporting diverse vegetation.
Other tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh:
1. Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh.
Established in 1975
Known for saving the world-famous white tiger "Mohan".
Forms a wildlife corridor connecting Bandhavgarh and Palamu Tiger Reserve.
Sometimes wild elephants keep coming from the neighboring Chhattisgarh region.
2. Panna Tiger Reserve:
Located in the Vindhya hill region of northern Madhya Pradesh.
Characterized by dry deciduous forests, plateaus, and valleys.
The Ken River flows through the reserve.
It is surrounded by teak forests in the north and teak-Kardhai mixed forests in the east.
The Vindhya hill ranges connect wildlife populations in the east and west.
3. Pench Tiger Reserve:
Inspiration for Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book".
Known for natural beauty and historical importance.
Awarded the "Best Maintained Tourist Friendly National Park" award in 2006-07.
4. Kanha Tiger Reserve:
Home to the hard ground Barasingha, the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.
Conservation efforts have led to an increase in the population of this emblematic deer.
The forests are mainly composed of Sal (Shorea robusta) and mixed forest trees.
5. Satpura Tiger Reserve:
Home to arboreal mammals such as flying squirrels, Indian giant squirrels, and leaf-nosed bats.
The Eurasian otter and smooth-coated otter are also found here.
Allows pollution-free activities like cycling, canoeing, and trekking.
5. Nuakhai Festival 2023
Tags: Festivals
The Nuakhai festival was celebrated on September 20, 2023.
An Overview of the News
Nuakhai festival is traditionally celebrated on the next day of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Nuakhai is celebrated throughout the state of Odisha.
This festival holds special significance in western Odisha and neighboring areas like Simdega of Jharkhand.
Origin of the word Nuakhai:
The word 'Nuakhai' is taken from the Oriya language.
'Nua' means new, and 'khai' means food.
This festival marks the celebration of the new rice harvest, symbolizing the possession of new rice in the granary.
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
6. Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurates 'Bangus Adventure Festival'
Tags: Festivals
On September 10, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 'Bangus Adventure Festival' in North Kashmir's Kupwara district.
An Overview of the News
The 'Bangus Adventure Festival' aims to promote tribal culture and act as a platform for local artisans to display their traditional arts and crafts.
Bangus is famous for its captivating natural beauty and has immense potential for eco-tourism.
The main valley is known as Boud-Bangus, while a smaller valley is known as Lakut-Bangus.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, when it was bifurcated as two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.
Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
7. Thiruonam on the last day unites Keralites around the world in Onam celebrations
Tags: Festivals
Keralites around the world are celebrating "Thiruonam", the 10th and most important day of the grand Onam cultural festival.
An Overview of the News
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala, symbolizing themes of prosperity, inclusiveness, and unity.
Regardless of religious affiliation, people in Kerala come together to honor the memory of Mahabali, the godly and mythical king, marking Onam as a time of unity.
The festival is marked by various rituals, which include a grand Onasadya feast, vibrant Pookkalam flower decorations, wearing a new dress called Onakodi, and engaging in cultural activities such as the Ujayalattam dance and Pulikalli procession.
Additionally, the vibrant Vallamkalli boat race and the heartwarming tradition of reuniting families contribute to the charm of the festival.
About Kerala
Capital - Thiruvananthapuram
Governor- Arif Mohammad Khan
Chief Minister - Pinarayi Vijayan
Origin of rivers in Kerala
Periyar River
Bharathapuzha River
Pamba River
Chaliyar River
Chalakudy River
8. Divya Kala Mela will be organised at Jaipur
Tags: Festivals State News
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) is organizing a special event called 'Divya Kala Mela' from June 29, 2023, to July 5, 2023, at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
An overview of the news
This event aims to showcase the products and craftsmanship of entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities from across the country.
The 'Divya Kala Mela' will offer visitors an exciting and vibrant experience with a wide range of products from different parts of the country.
These products will include handicrafts, handlooms, embroidery works, packaged food, and more.
The event provides a unique platform for marketing and showcasing the skills and products of individuals with disabilities.
This initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities is part of their efforts towards the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
The 'Divya Kala Mela' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the sixth event in a series that started in 2022, with previous editions held in Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, and Indore.
Around 100 artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs with disabilities from approximately 20 states and Union Territories will participate in the event, presenting their products and skills.
The products will fall under various categories such as home decor and lifestyle, clothing, stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, toys and gifts, and personal accessories like jewelry and clutch bags.
9. Hemis Monastery Festival
Tags: Festivals
In Ladakh, two -day long annual Hemis Monastery Festival, known as Hemis Tseschu is being celebrated with great religious fervor and gaiety.
About Hemis Monastery Festival
It is a significant annual event celebrated in Ladakh, India.
The festival spans over two days and is observed with immense religious fervor and joyous celebrations.
The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padma Sambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism.
Grand prayers, sacred mask dances and thanks for mural paintings are performed on the occasion.
It holds great cultural and spiritual significance, attracting a large number of foreign tourists to Ladakh. Visitors from around the world come to witness the mesmerizing performances, immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere, and experience the rich traditions of the region.
With its centuries-old history, the festival has become one of the major highlights of Ladakh, captivating the attention and interest of both locals and tourists alike.
10. Agriculture festival 'Raja' organised in Odisha
Tags: Festivals
Raja or Mithun Sankranti is a three-day festival of womanhood celebrated in Odisha, India.
An Overview of the News
Duration and name of festival days
Raja Utsav is celebrated for three days.
Day 1: 'The First King'
Day 2: 'Majhi Raja' or 'Raja Sankranti' or 'Mithuna Sankranti'
Third Day: 'Bhoodah' or 'Bassi Raja' or 'Shesh Raja'
Festival of Agriculture and Worship of Mother Earth
This is a unique festival of Odisha where Mother Earth is revered.
Agricultural activities like ploughing and digging are suspended during the festival.
Like a menstruating woman, Mother Earth is given rest without any disturbance.
Significance of Raja Mahotsav in relation to monsoon
'Pahili Raja' falls on the last day of the month 'Jyestha', while 'Raja Sankranti' falls on the first day of the month 'Ashadha'.
'Raja Sankranti' marks the beginning of the rainy season.
Farmers believe that the fertility of the earth doubles with the first shower of monsoon.
The ritual of 'Basumati Snan'
The fourth day of the festival is called 'Basumati Snan'.
Women, after completing three days of symbolic menstruation, take a ceremonial bath for the grinding stone.
The grinding stone represents Mother Earth or Basumati.
About Odisha
Formation - 1 April 1936
Capital - Bhubaneswar
Governor - Ganeshi Lal
Chief minister - Naveen Patnaik
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 21 seats
