1. 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.
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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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.
6. ‘Kaveri Meets Ganga’ - A Vibrant Celebration of Indian Cultural Heritage
Tags: Festivals
Kaveri Meets Ganga’ - A Vibrant Celebration of Indian Cultural Heritage
Why in news?
- The Kaveri Meets Ganga festival, a hallmark of cultural celebration under the Ministry of Culture’s Amrit Parampara series, concluded its final day with a vibrant array of performances at Kartavya Path and CCRT Dwarka on 5th November,2024.
About the festival:
- This enchanting festival, held from 2nd to 5th November 2024, highlighted the rich tapestry of India’s traditional and folk arts, embodying the spirit ofEk Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
- The Kaveri Meets Ganga festival series, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture’s autonomous institutions—Sangeet Natak Akademi, Kalakshetra, and CCRT—brought an extraordinary blend of South Indian music and dance to North India, while also celebrating northern artistic traditions.
- Drawing inspiration fromChennai’s celebrated Margazhi Festival,this program showcased India’s diverse cultural heritage through a tribute to its traditional and folk arts.
Objective:
- The Kaveri Meets Ganga festival successfully showcased the richness of India’s cultural landscape, offering audiences an opportunity to witness some of the finest performances from across the country.
- Through initiatives like Amrit Parampara, the Ministry of Culture continues to uphold and celebrate India’s cultural diversity, ensuring that traditional and folk arts thrive in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
- As the festival draws to a close, the Ministry of Culture expresses its gratitude to all participating artists, partners, and the audience for joining in this celebration of India’s artistic heritage.
- The Kaveri Meets Ganga festival has left an indelible mark, fostering a sense of unity and shared cultural pride among attendees.
7. Hemis Tsechu Festival 2024 Commences in Ladakh
Tags: Festivals
Hemis Tsechu, or Hemis Festival, is celebrated annually in Ladakh.
An Overview of the News
Hemis festival is celebrated annually in Ladakh on the 10th day of the Tse-Chu lunar month in the Tibetan calendar, commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava.
Purpose: The festival commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Indian Buddhist mystic and the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
Key Highlights of Hemis Festival 2024:
Dates: Observed from June 16 to 17, 2024.
Main Events: Central to the festival are mystic mask dances (Chams) and sacred plays performed by lamas.
Mask Dances: Include elaborate performances such as the 13 Black Hat dancers, the Sixteen Brass mask dance, and representations of the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava.
Historical Significance:
Origin: Founded in the 17th century by Galras Rinpoche, the son of the King of Ladakh, Deskong Namgyal.
Cultural Importance: The festival has been a cultural fixture, maintaining its traditions and rituals for centuries.
Conclusion of the Festival:
Final Rituals: The festival concludes with monks gathering to worship Gyalpo Pehar (Dharmapala), the protector deity of Hemis Monastery.
Additional Information:-
The Ambubachi Mela, a significant gathering in eastern India, is the principal festival of the Kamakhya temple in Assam, celebrated annually in June.
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.
8. Annual Ambubachi Mela Celebrates at Kamakhya Temple in Assam
Tags: Festivals
The Ambubachi Mela, renowned in Assam, commenced today at Kamakhya temple. It will continue until the 26th of this month.
An Overview of the News
Thousands of devotees have gathered to participate in this significant event.
The festival honors the annual menstruation of goddess Kamakhya, symbolizing fertility and womanhood.
During the Ambubachi Mela, the gates of Kamakhya Temple remain closed.
The temple gates are scheduled to reopen at 9:08 p.m. on the 25th of this month.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Kamrup Metro District administration for the devotees.
Other Festivals of Assam
Bihu Festival:
Significance: Most important festival of Assam celebrated by all Assamese.
Types: Bohag Bihu (spring festival), Kaati Bihu (crop festival), Magh Bihu (harvest festival).
Me-Dum-Me-Phi Festival:
Importance: Ahom festival for ancestor worship.
Date: Annually on January 31st.
Customs: Includes colorful processions and traditional attire.
Belief: Essential for social harmony and preventing crises in Assam.
Baishagu Festival:
Celebrated by: Boro Kacharis tribe in Assam.
Date: Mid-April, marking the Bodo New Year.
Features: Colorful celebrations, traditional musical instruments like Khawbang, Jotha, Gogona.
Conclusion: Culminates in community prayer called "Garjasali."
About Assam:
It is a state located in the northeastern region of India.
It is bounded by Bhutan to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Nagaland to the northeast, Manipur to the southeast, Mizoram to the south and West Bengal to the west.
Wildlife: Contains Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Nameri National Park.
Language: Assamese
Formation (as a state) - 26 January 1950
Capital - Dispur
Chief Minister - Himanta Biswa Sarma
Governor - Gulab Chand Kataria
Rajya Sabha - 7 seats
Lok Sabha - 14 seats
Official river - Brahmaputra
9. 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.
10. 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.
