1. Agriculture Ministry organises Millet Food Festival in Parliament
Tags: Festivals National News
To raise awareness about the importance of millets, the Ministry of Agriculture organised the Millet Food Festival in Parliament on 20 December.
Important facts
During the Millet food festival, branding of Millet and recipes displayed and millet-based food items served to the Members of Parliament in the Parliament House premises.
Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations organised the opening ceremony of the International Year of Millets – 2023 (IYOM 2023) in Rome, Italy.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) accepted the proposal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
As the global agrifood systems face challenges to feed an ever-growing global population, resilient cereals like millet provide an affordable and nutritious option.
2. PM participated in inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav in Ahmedabad
Tags: Festivals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the inaugural function of Pramukh Swami Maharaj Shatabdi Mahotsav on 14 December in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Important facts
In the birth centenary year of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, people from across the world are celebrating his life and work.
The year-long worldwide celebrations will culminate in the 'Pramukh Swami Maharaj Centenary Festival', which will be hosted by the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Shahibagh, the worldwide headquarters of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.
It will be a month-long festival that will take place in Ahmedabad from 15 December 2022 to 15 January 2023, with daily events, thematic exhibitions and thought-provoking pavilions.
About Pramukh Swami Maharaj
Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a guide and guru widely respected and admired in India and around the world as a great spiritual leader.
His life was devoted to spirituality and service to humanity. As the leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, he inspired countless cultural, social and spiritual initiatives while caring for millions of people.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
It was established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.
Based on the teachings of the Vedas and founded on the pillars of practical spirituality, BAPS reaches far and wide to address today's spiritual, ethical and social challenges.
It aims to preserve values of faith, unity, and selfless service, and provides for the spiritual, cultural, physical, and emotional needs of people from all walks of life.
3. 20th Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival
Tags: Festivals
The 20th Edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival kicked off on 8 December 2022 in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Important facts
The festival was organised from December 8 to 12, 2022.
Hindi film Ayena, directed and produced by Siddhant Sirin, showcased at the 20th edition of Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival.
55 films in Nepali, Korean, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, French, Dioula, Italian and lLbanese language have been presented.
It resumed physical screening after two years due to the pandemic and screened many films from around the world.
This year, the audience got a chance to watch more than 60 films from 30 different countries at the National Sabga Griha and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) Exhibition Road.
This year the theme of the film fest is 'Sustainable Summits' and it showcased documentaries, fiction, shorts as well as experimental and animated films.
Some of the Major Film Festivals celebrated in Asia
International Film Festival of India, India - It is organized annually by the Directorate of Film Festivals and the State Government of Goa. This year the festival was conducted from November 20 to 28 in the coastal state of Goa.
Busan International Film Festival, South Korea - The first-ever International film festival organized in South Korea. The first edition of the festival started in 1996 in which a total of 169 films from 31 countries participated.
Hong Kong International Film Festival, Hong Kong - The festival is organized annually by the Hong Kong International Film Society with the aim of making world cinema accessible and affordable to the public.
Shanghai International Film Festival, China - Celebrating Shanghai's film culture and film industry, the festival was first held in 1994. In its 24th edition, which was to be held in 2021, the film festival saw participation of 4,443 films from 113 countries.
4. Jharokha: A Compendium of Indian handicraft, handloom, art and culture” held in Delhi
Tags: Festivals place in news
The Union ministry of Textile in partnership with the Union Ministry of Culture is organizing “Jharokha-Compendium of Indian handicraft/ handloom, art and culture” at Delhi from 2nd December 2022 to 15th December 2022. Jharokha is a celebration of the traditional Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and art & culture.
The “Jharokha-Compendium of Indian handicraft/ handloom, art and culture” is being organised across 13 states and Union Territories at 161 locations as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav by the Union ministry of Textile in partnership with the Union Ministry of Culture.
The first event was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh from 8th March 2022 on the occasion of the International Women’s day. The first event focussed on womanhood and the contribution of women in the field of art, craft and culture.
The celebrations at Jharokha will include showcasing of handicraft and handloom products from across the country. Artisans, weavers, and artists who have given their significant contribution in promoting and reviving Indian handloom, handicrafts, art and culture will also be felicitated in the event.
Union Minister for Culture: G.Kishan Reddy
Union Minister for Textile: Piyush Goel
5. First 'Divya Kala Mela' for divyang artist starts in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals place in news National
The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path (earlier known as Raj Path) at India Gate, New Delhi on 2 December 2022. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhowmik was also present on the occasion.
The mela is being organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2 -7 December 2022.
Dr. Virendra Kumar said that Divya Kala Mela will be organized across the country.
The Mela s aims to provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country.
Around 200 Divyang artisans, artists and entrepreneurs from 22 states and union territories will showcase their products and skills in the fair.
6. ‘Swar Dharohar Festival’ to showcase Indian culture starts at the India Gate in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals place in news
The “Swar Dharohar Festival” a music, arts and literature festival to showcase the iconic art and culture of India started at the Central Vista, India Gate, New Delhi on 2 December 2022.
The “Swar Dharohar Festival” is being organized by the Union Ministry of Culture with the ‘Swar Dharohar Foundation’ from 2 -4 December 2022.
Swar Dharohar festival was inaugurated today by Chief Guest Mehtab Ali (Sitar Player) and Pt. Lalit Prasad (Classical Vocal). On the first day Classical Performance, Ghazal, Kavi Sammelan, Mushaira, Sufi Performance were organised.
Swar Dharohar foundation was founded by a group of young artists in 2006, with an aim of creating a safe space and a global platform for young and talented artist while at the same time popularising Indian Art, Music and its Heritage.
7. First Sylhet-Silchar Festival
Tags: Festivals State News
The first Sylhet-Silchar Festival to celebrate the close cultural ties between the neighbouring regions of India and Bangladesh began on December 2, 2022 in Assam's Barak Valley.
Important facts
Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen led a delegation of around 75 members to participate in the two-day event.
The festival is being organised by the 'India Foundation' in association with the 'Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies' under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture.
The objective of the festival is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.
The event is being organised to commemorate 75 years of India's independence and 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan.
Sylhet is located in north-east Bangladesh.
About Sylhet-Silchar Festival
2022 is the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
Among the many similarities between India and Bangladesh, there are significant links between the cities of Silchar and Sylhet.
To celebrate the age-old people-to-people connect of the region, the India Foundation proposes to organise the first Silchar-Sylhet Festival on December 2-4, 2022, in Silchar city of Assam.
The festival aims to revive the common values and shared heritage of both the cities and their people separated by international boundaries.
The festival will showcase tribal culture, cuisine, literature, arts and crafts.
About Barak Valley
The Barak Valley is located in the southern region of Assam. The main city of the valley is Silchar.
The region is named after the Barak river. The Barak valley mainly consists of three administrative districts of Assam - Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.
8. PM addresses Manipur Sangai Festival via video message
Tags: Festivals State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Manipur Sangai Festival via video message on 30 November.
Important facts
Every year the State of Manipur celebrates the “Manipur Sangai Festival” from 21st to 30th November.
It started in the year 2010 and over the years has grown into a great platform to showcase the rich tradition and culture of Manipur to the world.
The theme of the festival is “Festival of Oneness”. It promotes a sense of belonging and creates pride in ownership of land among people.
The festival showcases the glorious cultural heritage of the state and the love for art that is inherent in the various tribes living in the state of Manipur.
Manipur’s famous martial arts- Thang Ta (a combination Spear and Sword skills), Yubi-Lakpi (a game played with greased coconut like rugby), Mukna Kangjei (a game that combines hockey and wrestling), and Sagol Kangjei- Modern Polo (believed to have evolved in Manipur) were all form part of the festival.
Celebrated as the grandest festival in the state, the Manipur Sangai Festival helps in promoting Manipur as a world-class tourist destination.
The festival is named after the state animal, the Sangai, a deer found only in Manipur.
About Sangai Deer
It is an endemic and endangered subspecies of brow-antlered deer found only in Manipur, India.
It is found in its natural habitat only in Keibul Lamjao National Park, locally in the south eastern part of Loktak Lake.
It is the state animal of Manipur.
IUCN status : Endangered
9. Hornbill Festival begins at Naga Heritage village Kisama in Nagaland
Tags: Festivals State News
23rd edition of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland started on December 1, 2022 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Important facts
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the chief guest of the Hornbill festival, was present at the opening ceremony.
Nagaland Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi was the chief host of the festival while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio was its host.
The opening ceremony was followed by a cultural performance titled "This is Nagaland".
It may be noted that India is assuming the G20 chairmanship from 1 December, which coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day and the start of the Hornbill festival.
Organized by the Government of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival showcases Nagaland’s deep-rooted traditions and its rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity, and grandeur.
This festival will continue till 10 December. Jio is the official media partner of the festival.
About Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year in the first week of December. It is also called “Festivals of Festivals”.
It is one of the biggest indigenous festivals of the country.
It is organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, supported by the Union Government.
This Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima.
The objective of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and to showcase its extraordinary traditions.
The festival is named after the bird 'Hornbill' which is the most revered and admired bird for the Nagas.
The festival is a tribute to this bird, known for its qualities of grandeur and alertness.
10. External Affairs Ministry to organize the International Lusophone Festival in Goa from 03-06 December 2022
Tags: Festivals place in news State News
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in partnership with Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Government of Goa is organizing the International Lusophone Festival in Goa from 03-06 December 2022.
The International Lusophone Festival will be inaugurated on 03 December 2022 by Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa and Smt Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture would be the Guest of Honour.
What is Lusophone World?
The Lusophone world are countries that speak Portuguese as their official language and were colonized by Portugal. With 300 million speakers, Portuguese is the sixth most spoken language on the planet.
The Portuguese speaking countries set up the ‘Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)’, in 1996.
The member countries of the CPLP are Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, Timor Leste and Equatorial Guinea.
India joined CPLP as an associate observer in July 2021. As part of India’s engagement with CPLP, the Ministry of External Affairs celebrated the World Portuguese Language Day in Delhi on 05 May 2022, soon after joining CPLP.
Goa was also a colony of Portugal and it was liberated by the Indian government in 1961 through an action of the armed forces code named Operation Vijay.
