1. 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.
2. First science documentary made in Sanskrit ‘Yanam’ screened at the 53rd IFFI
Tags: Festivals place in news
The first science-Sanskrit documentary in the history of world cinema, 'Yanam' that revolves around India's successful Mangalyaan mission, was screened under the Indian Panorama section at 53rd edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Panjim, Goa.
The 53rd IFFI being held in Panaji from 20-28 November 2022 was organised by National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa.
India's historic Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) alias 'Mangalyaan', was successfully launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in 2013.
It is based on the autobiographical book “My Odyssey: Memoirs of the Man behind the Mangalyaan Mission” by former ISRO chairman Padma Bhushan Dr K. Radhakrishnan.
The 45-minute documentary is a complete Sanskrit film by all means as the entire script and dialogues are in the ancient language. The film has been produced by AV Anoop under the banner AVA Productions with the complete support of ISRO. The film premiered on 21 August 2022 in Chennai.
3. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attend Manipur's Sangai Festival as a chief guest
Tags: Festivals Person in news State News
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended Manipur's Sangai festival as a chief guest on 27 November 2022 under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative of the Government of India. Manipur’s biggest festival Sangai is being held from 21 -30 November 2022.Under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' Manipur and Madhya Pradesh are partner states.
Artist of Madhya Pradesh will perform traditional dance form of Manipur’s like Mao tribe’s Naurata dance, Thai dance troupes etc. Before this, Imphal had participated in the Lokrang Mahotsav of Bhopal and now Bhopal is participating in Sangai Mahotsav of Imphal.
The theme of this festival is the 'Festival of Oneness.' Sangai is the state animal of Manipur, which is found only in Manipur.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme was launched by the Prime Minister Modi on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- The Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme is a unique initiative by the Government to promote the spirit of national integration and to strengthen the fabric of emotional bonds between the people of our country.
- Every State and UT in the country would be paired with another State/UT for a time period, during which they would carry out a structured engagement with one another in the spheres of language, literature, cuisine, festivals, cultural events, tourism etc.
4. Lieutenant Governor inaugurates Annual Youth Festival ‘Sonzal-2022’at University of Kashmir in Srinagar
Tags: Festivals State News
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on 23 November inaugurated the Annual Youth Festival ‘Sonzal-2022’ at the University of Kashmir.
Important facts
The 'Sonzal' annual festival is a great opportunity for young artistes to showcase their talent and provide them the necessary platform to realise the dream of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
Sonzal means rainbow, which is a symbol of hope, inspiration and good fortune.
He said that a rainbow comes for the students when they have the opportunity to discover their own hidden treasure for personal growth, independent thinking and contribution to nation building.
He said that educational institutions must discharge their responsibility to ensure freedom, creativity and engagement to the students to become "multi-achievers".
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that educational institutions should ensure that the new teaching framework and key concepts recommended by the National Education Policy are included in the curriculum.
The University of Kashmir has transformed into a center of excellence and has been promoting scientific research, new ideas and knowledge, and adapting to rapid changes in fundamental aspects of the educational landscape across the globe.
5. Pre-launch celebration of International Year of Millets held in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals National News
A pre-launch celebration of the International Year of Millets held on 24 November in New Delhi.
Important facts
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are hosting this special event.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar attended the event.
During the event, both the ministers shared the government's vision for the successful conduct of the International Year of Millets 2023.
High Commissioners and Ambassadors of over 60 countries attended the pre-launch ceremony.
Its main objective is to spread awareness about Indian Millets and associate with other countries for the successful global celebration of the International Year of Millets in 2023.
Recently at the G20 summit in Bali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the benefits of millet saying that millet can solve the problem of global malnutrition and hunger.
He also highlighted that India is promoting natural farming and re-popularizing nutritious and traditional food grains like millets for sustainable food security.
6. Karnataka's groundnut festival 'Kadalekai Parishe' begins after a gap of two years
Tags: Festivals State News
Karnataka's famous groundnut festival 'Kadalekai Parishe' begins on November 21, 2022, after a two-year Covid-19 hiatus.
Important facts
A special puja was performed at the Doddabasavanna temple, and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai officially inaugurated the event.
Different varieties of groundnut supplied by farmers from all over Karnataka and neighboring states are the main attraction of the fair.
Bull Temple Road was lined with hundreds of vendors offering everything from flowers to jewellery, food and fruits, tattoos and artefacts, which drew crowds.
Kadalekai Parishe Festival
In the street opposite Basavanagudi is the famous Bull Temple, where the Kadalekai Parishe is held every year.
Groundnut farmers from Karnataka as well as neighbouring areas of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh bring bags of groundnuts to sell at the fair.
Many Bengaluru residents enter Kadalekai Palli to buy groundnuts and participate in cultural exchange.
The festival originated when a bull attacked the crops of groundnut farmers in Sankenahalli, Mavalli, Dasarahalli and Hosakerehalli (Karnataka villages), destroying the entire crop and causing them huge losses a few centuries ago.
Thereafter, King Kempegowda of Bangalore built a large temple at Basavanagudi to ward off the bull, and groundnut farmers made it a custom to pray at the temple with their first crop.
Every year, on the final Monday of the holy month of Karthika Masa, the Kadlekai Parishe is held.
7. Assam government to organise a 3 day Lachit divas in New Delhi
Tags: Festivals Person in news State News
The Assam government will organize Lachit Divas in New Delhi from 23-25th of November 2022. Lachit Divas is observed in Assam on 24th of November every year as a tribute to the Ahom General Lachit Borphukan who defeated a large Mughal Army on the banks of Brahmaputra in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 to defend Guwahati. He was born on 24 November.
The 400th Birth Anniversary of great warrior of Ahom Dynasty Lachit Borphukan will be held with a grand programme with an exhibition on 600-year-old history of Ahom dynasty at Vigyan Bhawan.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will inaugurate the exhibition on November 23 with Union Home Minister Amit Shah gracing the occasion as chief guest on November 24.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the function of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan in the national capital on November 25.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will inaugurate a cultural program at Sunder Park on November 23.
In order to popularize Assamese culture the government of Assam has decided to organise Lachit divas in various parts of the country starting this year in New Delhi.
8. Biggest Manipur festival Sangai commences in the state
Tags: Festivals State News
Union Minister for Tourism G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the biggest tourism festival of Manipur -Sangai festival on 21 November 2022 at Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district of Manipur.
The 11th Sangai festival will be held from 21 -30 November 2022. The festival which started in 2010 is being held after a 2 year gap due to covid. It is being held in 13 venues across six districts.
The festival is called Sangai festival to highlight the uniqueness of the shy and gentle deer popularly known as the Sangai in the region. It is a rare species of deer which is also the state animal of Manipur.
The theme of the Sangai festival 2022 is :‘ Festival of Oneness’.
The indigenous sagol kangjei, a sport that has now evolved into the modern game of polo, will also be featured during the festival in its very own birthplace. The Men’s International Polo Tournament will be held in Imphal and the CM’s Sagol Kangjei Tournament in Kangla as part of the festival.
Other major festivals of Manipur
Gang-Ngai
Celebrated for five days in the month of December/January, Gang-Ngai is an important festival of the Kabui Nagas.
Lui-Ngai-Ni
It is a collective festival of the Nagas observed on the 15th day of February every year. This is a seed sowing festival after which tribes belonging to the Naga group begin their cultivation.
Yaoshang
Celebrated for five days commencing from the full moon day of Phalguna (February/March), Yaoshang is the premier festival of Manipur. The Thabal Chongba – a kind of Manipuri fold dance, where boys and girls hold hands together and sing and dance in a circle, is particularly associated with this festival. Yaoshang to Manipur is what Durga Puja is to Bengal, Diwali in north India and Bihu to Assam.
Cheiraoba: The Manipuri New Year
It is celebrated during the month of April. Villagers climb the nearest hilltops in belief that it will enable them to rise to greater heights in their worldly life.
Kang: The Ratha Yatra of Manipur
One of the greatest festivals of the Hindus of Manipur, this festival is celebrated for ten days in the month of July. Lord Jagannath leaves his temple in a car known as “Kang” in Manipur pulled by devotees who vie with one another for this honour.
Heikru Hitongba
Celebrated in the month of September, Heikru Hitongba is a boat race. Long narrow boats are used to accommodate a large number of rowers. An idol of Lord Vishnu is installed before the commencement of the race.
Ningol Chak-kouba: A social festival of the Manipuris
It is a remarkable social festival of the Meiteis. Married daughters of the family come to their parental house along with their children and enjoy a sumptuous feast. It is celebrated on the second day of the new moon in the month of Hiyangei (November) as per Manipur Calendar system.
Kut: Festival of Kuki- Chin- Mizo
It is an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur. It is a happy occasion for the villagers whose food stock is bountiful after a year of hard labour. It is observed on the 1st November every year.
Chumpha: Festival of Tangkhul Nagas
Celebrated for seven days in the month of December, the Chumpha Festival is a great festival of the Rangkhul Nagas. The festival is held after harvest.
9. Carlos Saura and Chiranjeevi honoured at the 53rd International Film Festival of India 2022
Tags: Festivals place in news Awards Person in news
Renowned Spanish film Director Carlos Saura and Telugu film superstar Chiranjeevi were honoured at the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2022. The 53rd IFFI which is being held in Panaji, Goa and was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth affairs & Sports Anurag Thakur on 20 November 2022.
The 53rd IFFI being held in Panaji from 20-28 November 2022 is being organised by National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa.
Satyajit Ray Lifetime Award
Celebrated Spanish film Director Carlos Saura has been honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award. His daughter Anna Saura accepted the award on behalf of the eminent filmmaker . He has received the Golden Bear for Best Director at the Berlin International Film Festival for Deprisa Deprisa, along with two Silver Bears for La caza and Peppermint Frappe, a BAFTA for Carmen and three awards at Cannes, among several others.
IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022
Actor Producer Chiranjeevi Konidela has been chosen for the IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022. Chiranjeevi has starred in more than 150 feature films in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil and Kannada.
He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors of Telugu cinema.
In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Waheeda Rahman, Rajinikanth, Ilaiyaraaja, S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Amitabh Bachchan, Salim Khan, Biswajit Chatterjee, Hema Malini and Prasoon Joshi have been honoured with this award in the past.
10. International Gita Mahotsav to be organised in Kurukshetra, Haryana
Tags: Festivals State News
International Gita Mahotsav will be held from November 19 to December 6, 2022 in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Important facts
President Draupadi Murmu will formally inaugurate the main programs at the Geeta Yagya at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on November 29.
She will also inaugurate a three-day International Gita Seminar at Kurukshetra University on the same day.
In this seminar, renowned international and national scholars of Shrimadbhagwadgita and researchers from India and abroad will present their research papers on 'world peace and harmony'.
Saras and Craft Mela will also be organized from 19th November to 6th December.
Sculptors from across the country have created 21 special stone sculptures based on Mahabharata and Gita. Various artisans will display their talents in this.
A special pavilion has been set up by the Government of Madhya Pradesh at Purushottampura Bagh, Brahmasarovar, which highlights the culture, crafts and food of the state.
'Gita Sthali' Kurukshetra is a confluence of faith and tourism. Recently the grand form of Lord Krishna was unveiled at Jyotisar.
About International Gita Mahotsav
Haryana Government has been celebrating Gita Mahotsav festival since the year 1989 in Kurukshetra town in collaboration with Kurukshetra Development Board.
In the year 2016, the Haryana government decided to celebrate the festival of Gita Jayanti as International Gita Mahotsav.
Thereafter, in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, International Gita Mahotsav was organised in Kurukshetra.
In this festival of the year 2022, Nepal will be the partner country and Madhya Pradesh will be the partner state.
About Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra is a city and administrative headquarter of Kurukshetra district in the Indian state of Haryana.
It is also known as 'Dharmakshetra' and as the "Land of the Bhagavad Gita".
It is believed that the Kurukshetra war of Mahabharata took place here.
Thaneshwar whose urban area is merged with Kurukshetra is a pilgrimage center with many places said to be related to the Mahabharata.
