Current Affairs search results for tag: festivals

1. Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav inaugurates the Yoga Mahotsav-2025.

Tags: Festivals

Why in the news?

• Yoga Mahotsav 2025, a curtain raiser to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, was inaugurated by Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush and Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Delhi today.

Important points:

• To mark the 11th edition of IDY, Shri Pratap Rao Jadhav also released 10 Unique Signature events, reinforcing India’s global leadership in Yoga.
• The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, as the nodal ministry for IDY, has taken the lead in organising 10 successful editions of IDY, which have found great enthusiasm and worldwide support. 
• Following the footprints, this year, Yoga Mahotsav-2025 is being organised to promote various dimensions of Yoga and to kindle a mass movement to promote health, well-being, and peace across the globe. 
• It is worth mentioning that the 100-day countdown is an important event in the observation of IDY every year. The event formally marks the beginning of the journey towards 11th IDY -2025.
•  The Ayush Minister also released ‘The International Day of Yoga Handbook, 2025, Version 1.0’ in response to early public interest and demand from IDY event organisers for guidance to facilitate preparatory activities for the International Day of Yoga 2025.
• The one-day Yoga Mahotsav 2025 covered a range of activities, including three theme-based technical sessions on Science behind Common Yoga Protocol, Anti-Obesity Campaign: Role of Yoga and the Decadal Year of IDY Celebrations.
• Yoga Mahotsav 2025 sets the stage for a revolution in health and well-being, with India leading the charge in making Yoga a way of life worldwide. Over the past decade, IDY has showcased India’s dedication to making Yoga a global phenomenon. 

2. IBC to Organise “The Bodhipath Film Festival”.

Tags: Festivals

Why in the news?

• The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is organising ‘The Bodhipath Film Festival’, scheduled to be held on 10-11 March 2025 at the India International Centre, New Delhi.

Important points:

• This event is dedicated to Buddhists globally and offers a platform for myriad representations, ranging from historical teachings of the Buddha to unravelling the tribulations of the mind, to be shared and appreciated by the global audience.
• Over two days, the festival will feature screenings of ten highly recommended global films that have been meticulously curated to reflect the beauty of Buddhist practices, experiences, and the appreciation of values such as compassion, mindfulness, and impermanence, which are prerequisites in diurnal life.
•  In addition to the film screenings, the festival will host four panel discussions, each designed to seek the crux of the themes and insights presented in the films. 

The broad topics for the panel discussions are as follows:

• Relevance of Buddhist Films in India – Past, Present and Future.
• Opportunity and Challenges in Spiritual Film Making.
• Concept of Art in Buddha Dhamma.
• Mindful Communication.

Objectives:

• The Bodhipath Film Festivalaims to celebrate and showcase the rich spiritual, cultural, and philosophical traditions of Buddha Dhamma through the motion picture medium.
• The festival aims to illuminate and nurture the core values of Buddha Dhamma through the powerful cinematic expression.
• The panel discussions will serve as a bridge between filmmakers, scholars, and audiences, encouraging meaningful dialogue and exchange of ideas. 
• The festival aspires to preserve and celebrate Buddhist heritage in a rapidly modernizing world, ensuring that the teachings and philosophies of the Buddha continue to awaken and motivate the future generations.
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3. 'Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav'

Tags: Festivals

'Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav'

Why in the news?

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the ‘Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav' of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha in Ahmedabad on 07 December 2024..

About The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav:

• The Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav is a celebration of the compassionate teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and a tribute to decades of selfless service that have transformed the lives of crores.

Important points:

• It celebrates both the 103rd birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the ‘Karyakar Suvarna Mahotsav' of BAPS. 
• The BAPS organization, which started from Lord Swaminarayan, has not only focused on devotion but has also integrated social service into society.
•  Today, over 1,200 Swaminarayan temples across the globe are lighting the lamp of spirituality in people's lives.
• The greatest contribution of the Swaminarayan institution has been its emphasis on values and character-building
•  The organization has freed many individuals from addictions, thereby relieving them and their families from stress and worry.

4. 25 years of Hornbill Festival.

Tags: Festivals

25 years of Hornbill Festival.

Why in the news?

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the people of Nagaland on completion of 25 years of Hornbill Festival. 

About the Hornbill Festival:

• Hornbill Festival is an annual festival celebrated from 1 to 10 of December in the Northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. 
• The festival represents all ethnic groups of Nagaland for which it is also called the Festival of Festivals.
• The festivalis named after the hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state's ethnic groups.
• To encourage inter-ethnic interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organises the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December. 
• The first festival was held in December 2000.
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5. IIT Guwahati is going to witness India’s Largest Science Festival

Tags: Festivals

IIT Guwahati is going to witness India’s Largest Science Festival 

Why in the news?

• India International Science Festival (IISF) is going to be celebrated at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati during 30 Nov. to 3 Dec. 2024.

Important points:

• This year in 2024, IISF is being organized at IIT Guwahati, Assam from November 30th – December 4th, 2024.  
• The IISF-2024 isbeing coordinated by the CSIR, convened by CSIR-NIIST and partnered by all the major ministries and scientific departments of the Government of India in collaboration with Vijnana Bharati.
• The theme of this 10th edition of IISF is "Transforming India into an S&T driven Global Manufacturing Hub".
• To begin with, IISF 2024 has one special event “Chandrayaan - The Museum of the Moon” where an artistic model by British artist Dr. Luke Jerram will be placed among the attendees to showcase and celebrate India’s success of Chandrayaan Mission.
• The model is a replica of the moon that measures about seven meters in diameter and will showcase the real like imagery of lunar surface where Chandrayaan was landed on August 23, 2023.
•  It reflects the government’s aim to merge science and technology with industrial growth, making India a global leader in manufacturing.

About India International Science Festival (IISF):

• IISF is a unique festival of science society engagement which was initiated in theyear 2015 and the very first IISF was organised at IIT Delhi.
• Vijnana Bharati, a science movement of India conceptualized this science festival. North East India will witness this festival for the first time.
• India International Science Festival has been the largest science event in the country with a participation of thousands of people who come together annually to foster scientific collaboration, inspire young minds and propel economic growth through scientific approaches.
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6. 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda

Tags: Festivals

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

Why in news?

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi marked the commencement of 150th Birth Anniversary Year celebration of Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on november 15,2024 in Jamui, Bihar.

Key points of the event:

•  PM Modi unveils a commemorative coin and postal stamp in honour of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
• The stamp, designed by Shri Sankha Samanta, features a powerful portrayal of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, set against a backdrop depicting him addressing his followers. His resolute expression symbolizes his unwavering vision for tribal unity, empowerment, and self-governance.
• To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, Birsa Munda Tribal Gaurav Upvans will be built in tribal dominated districts of the country.
•  There was a Grih Pravesh of 11,000 Awas built for the tribals on the auspicious occasion of Dev Deepavali. 

What is Janjatiya Gaurav Divas?

•  First celebrated in 2021, november 15, was instituted to recognize the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India's independence.
•  His contributions, celebrated on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, continue to symbolize the struggle for indigenous justice and identity.

Who was Birsa Munda?

• Born on 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu, Bihar (present-day Jharkhand), Birsa Munda led the historic Ulgulan (Great Rebellion) from 1899 to 1900, rallying thousands in the fight to reclaim tribal lands and resist colonial oppression.
•  His advocacy for “Munda Raj” symbolized his dream of a just and self-governed society free from exploitation.
•  Though he tragically passed at just 25, his message of courage and resilience continues to inspire communities throughout India.
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Other events on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas:

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveils a grand statue ofBhagwan Birsa Munda in New Delhi on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary.
• On this occasion, the Modi government also decided to change the name of Sarai Kale Khan Chowk to 'Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chowk.
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7. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1st Bodoland Mohotsov

Tags: Festivals

Bodoland Mohotsov 

Why in news?

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 1st Bodoland Mohotsov, at around 6:30 PM, on 15th November at SAI Indira Gandhi Sports Complex,  New Delhi.

About 1st  Bodoland Mohotsov :

• The two day Mahotsav is being organised on 15th and 16th November.
• It is a mega event on language, literature, and culture to sustain peace and build a Vibrant Bodo Society.

Aims of the Mohotsov:

• It aims to capitalise on the richness of cultural and linguistic heritage, ecological biodiversity and touristic potential of Bodoland.
•  It aims to integrate the indigenous Bodo people residing not only in Bodoland but also in other parts of Assam, West Bengal, Nepal, and other international border areas of the North East. 

Theme of the Mohotsov:

• The theme for the Mohotsov is ‘Peace and Harmony for Prosperous Bharat’ with focus on the rich culture, language and education of the Bodo community along with other communities from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
•  Thematic Discussion on “Indigenous cultural meet & discussion on building ‘Vibrant Bodoland’ Region through culture & tourism” will also be organised with the objective of promoting tourism and culture of Bodoland region.
•  Significantly, the Mohotsov is also about celebrating the remarkable journey of recovery and resilience ever since the signing of the Bodo Peace Accord in 2020 under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

8. International Ancient Arts Festival and Symposium Why in news?

Tags: Festivals

International Ancient Arts Festival and Symposium 

Why in news?

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, incollaboration with the ‘Rays of Wisdom Society’ and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, held the 8th  International Ancient Arts Festival and Symposium from 8th to 10th November,2024 at IGNCA.
• This event featured an exhibition titled ‘Metaphysical, Symbolic, and Healing Themes in Visual Arts’, alongside a conference on ‘Art, Religion, and Healing’

Significance of the Conference:

• The ‘International Ancient Arts Conference’, organized by the Rays of Wisdom Society in collaboration with the Religion, Consciousness, and Spirituality Group (nurtured by the Foundation for Creative Social Research), gathered esteemed scholars to examine the healing potential of ancient art forms. 
• With lectures and discussions focused on ‘Religion, Consciousness and Spirituality and its Manifestation for Personal and Social Healing’.

Aim of Conference:

• The conference aimed to reveal how timeless principles of spirituality are expressed through art. 
• The conference included insightful discussions on topics such as ‘Art and Conflict Resolution’, ‘Healing in Baul Philosophy’, ‘Odissi and its Universal Principles’, ‘Drama Movement and Therapeutics’, and ‘The Aesthetics of Beauty’. 
• Scholars also explored ‘Dealing with Unfulfilled Desires through Malay Traditional Psychotherapy’, ‘Devotional Music and Spirituality’, ‘Kundalini in Poetry’, ‘Spirituality in Indian Fine Arts’, and ‘The Elements of Spirituality in Manipuri Music’. 
• The impact of religious rituals as socio-cultural art forms, the metaphysics of temple architecture, and the epistemology of children's theatre were also significant focal points. 

9. Vadtal Dham Dwishatabdi Mahotsav

Tags: Festivals

Vadtal Dham Dwishatabdi Mahotsav

Why in news?

• To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Vadtal Temple, a special stamp was released by the Department of Posts to honor its pivotal role in the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya. 

Important points:

• The stamp was released at Vadtal, district Kheda, Gujarat on 09.11.2024 in presence of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Acharya Maharaj 1008 Shri Rakeshprasad Ji, Dr Shri Santvallabhswami Chief Executive Kothari of Vadtladham Mandir, Postmaster General, Vadodara, Shri Dineshkumar Sharma along with other Pujya Swamishri.
• The commemorative stamp designed by Shri Sh. Jairaj T.G. features the VadtalDham Temple  showcasing  its stunning traditional architecture, the temple is shaped like a lotus having nine golden domes. 
• The stamp symbolizes Vadtal’s rich heritage and its significant impact on the lives of countless devotees, providing a sanctuary for worship and a source of inspiration.

Vadtal Temple:

• The temple serves as the spiritual capital of the Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya, which has spread across the world today.
•  This temple was built on the command of Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan by Sadguru Shree Brahmanand Swami and Sadguru Shree Aksharanand Swami. 
• The temple is built in a lotus shape, symbolizing the spirit of harmony among all religions. It includes depictions of past avatars of gods and goddesses.
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10. 55th International Film Festival of India: Cinema Without Borders

Tags: Festivals

55th International Film Festival of India: Cinema Without Borders

Why in news?

• The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is will be organized  in Panaji, Goa, from November 20th to 28th, 2024, in Panaji, Goa.

About International Film Festival of India (IFFI):

• The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) is a yearly film festival that showcases global cinema, and is considered one of Asia's most important film festivals.
• Founded in 1952, IFFI is one of the oldest film festivals in Asia.
•  It has been held annually in Goa since 2004. 
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Objective of IFFI:

• IFFI aims to celebrate films, their stories, and the people behind them.
• It also aims to promote a love of film, and to build understanding and camaraderie among people.
• Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has evolved into a premier platform for promoting films that celebrate the diversity of storytelling, culture, and creativity from around the world. 
• The 2024 edition promises a compelling lineup, industry workshops, and a strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. 

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