Current Affairs search results for tag: festivals
By admin: June 14, 2023

1. Warkari community’s Palkhi festival

Tags: Festivals

Warkari-community’s-Palkhi-festivalDelegates attending the three-day G20 Digital Economy Working Group conference in Pune recently got a first-hand glimpse of the palanquins of the Warkari community.

About Palkhi Festival

  • The Palkhi festival is a tradition that dates back 1000 years and was initiated by saints from Maharashtra, India. 

  • The Palkhi festival takes place in the month of Jyeshth (June) and lasts for a total of 22 days. It involves a journey from the departure points to Pandharpur.

  • It is still practiced today by their followers known as varkaris. 

  • These varkaris are individuals who follow a vari, which is a fundamental ritual associated with the festival.

Purpose and location of the festival

  • The Palkhi festival is an annual pilgrimage (yatra) to Pandharpur, a town in Maharashtra that serves as the abode of the Hindu god Vithoba

  • The festival is held to honor this deity and express devotion towards him.

  • During the festival, varkaris walk in groups, carrying palkhis or chariots. 

  • These palkhis contain the paduka or sacred sandals of various saints, with Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram being the most prominent ones.

  • The Palkhi procession begins from two different locations in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Dnyaneshwar's palakhi starts from Alandi, while Tukaram's palakhi commences from Dehu.

Warkari community

  • This community or sect is associated with the Bhakti spiritual tradition of Hinduism and has a long history in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

  • It has been a prominent part of the religious fabric since the thirteenth century CE.

  • Saints of this community have contributed significantly to the spiritual and cultural heritage of Maharashtra.

  • Some of the famous saints associated with this community include Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Chokhamela, Eknath and Tukaram.

By admin: May 31, 2023

2. Sri Lanka's National Poson Week begins

Tags: Festivals International News

Sri-Lanka's-National-Poson-Week-beginsIn Sri Lanka, the National Poson Week began on 31 May.

An overview of the news

  • The Posan festival will be held till June 6 and will be centered around the holy city of Mihinthalaya, Thanthirimalaya and Anuradhapura.

  • The festival celebrates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 236 BCE by Arhat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka.

  • A large number of devotees are expected to visit Anuradhapura for the festival this year and steps have been taken to provide all facilities to the devotees.

  • Due to economic crisis and lockdown in the last few years the festival could not be celebrated on a large scale.

  • Apart from this, the traffic police have implemented a special traffic plan to make travel easier in Anuradhapura.

About Poson Festival

  • Posan, also known as Poson Poya, is an annual festival held by Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.

  • The festival is the most important Poya (full moon) holiday of the year and the second most important Buddhist holiday of the year.

  • Posan is celebrated throughout the island, with Anuradhapura and Mihintale holding the most important celebrations of the festival.

  • The festival is held in early June, coinciding with the June full moon.

By admin: May 25, 2023

3. First Urban Climate Film Festival

Tags: Festivals State News

First-Urban-Climate-Film-FestivalThe first ever Urban Climate Film Festival is going to be held in New Town, Kolkata from June 3 to 5 to sensitize the audience about the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change on urban settlements.

An overview of the news

  • The festival will highlight the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change on urban settlements.

  • The audience will be able to see these scenarios through the film.

  • During this, 16 films from 12 countries will be screened.

  • There will also be a Q&A session with filmmakers to discuss the impact of climate-change on urban buildings.

  • People's views will also be invited on this subject.

  • It aims to encourage citizens to 'behave environmentally responsible' in line with the call of the Hon'ble Prime Minister through the U-20 Priority Sectors and Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) Mission.

  • The festival will conclude with a special closing ceremony on June 5, the occasion of World Environment Day.

Organizer of the festival 

  • Launched in New Delhi in March 2023, the film festival is being organized by the National Institute of Urban Affairs.

  • This is being done through the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) program under the U20 (Urban Track of the G-20) program.

  • The festival is supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union and the New Town Kolkata Green Smart City Corporation Limited.

Names of participants in the festival

  • Dr. Surbhi Dahiya (Professor, Indian Institute of Mass Communication)

  • Dr. Pranab Patar (Chief Executive, Global Foundation for Advancement of Environment)

  • Sabyasanchi Bharti (Deputy Director, CMS Environment)

Background

  • The Urban Climate Film Festival was launched on March 24 at the Alliance Francaise in New Delhi.

  • After the successful event in Delhi, the festival was also organized at Alliance Francis de Bombay in Mumbai.

  • Films sent by filmmakers from countries such as India, France, Iran and the US were screened at the festival.

By admin: May 15, 2023

4. MInister of State Dr L Murugan to lead delegation to Cannes Film Festival

Tags: Festivals International News

MInister-of-State-Dr-L-MuruganMinister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan will lead the Indian delegation to the Cannes International Film Festival from May 16 to 27.

An overview of the news

  • They will also be joined by filmmaker Guneet Monga of The Elephant Whispers fame, Indian actresses Manushi Chhillar, Esha Gupta and acclaimed Manipuri actor Kangabam Tomba.

  • The India Pavilion is being conceptualised and designed by National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad with the theme - ‘Showcasing India’s Creative Economy’ to the global community. 

  • The pavilion design has been inspired by the Saraswati Yantra, the abstract representation of goddess Saraswati.

  • Four Indian films,including Kanu Behl’s Agra and Anurag Kashyap’s Kennedy, have made it to the official selection in the Cannes Film Festival. 

  • Apart from these, many Indian films will be screened in Marche du Films. 

  • A Manipuri film ‘Ishanhou’ will be showcased in the ‘Classics’ section.

About Cannes Film Festival

  • The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious international film festivals held annually in Cannes, France.

History and significance

  • The festival was first established in 1946 and has since become a prominent event in the global film industry. 

  • It serves as a platform for showcasing and promoting a wide range of films from different countries and cultures.

Film screenings and competitions 

  • The festival includes various competitive sections, such as the Palme d'Or for the best film, which is one of the most coveted awards in the industry.

Impact on filmmakers and films 

  • The Cannes Film Festival serves as a launching pad for many acclaimed films and emerging talents. 

  • Winning an award or receiving critical acclaim at Cannes can significantly boost a filmmaker's career and bring global recognition to their work.

By admin: May 13, 2023

5. Thiruvananthapuram to host fifth Global Ayurveda Festival in December

Tags: Festivals State News

The fifth edition of the Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF 2023) will take place in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from December 1 to December 5, 2023.

An overview of the news

  • The event is being organized by the Center for Innovation in Science and Social Action (CISSA) in collaboration with theMinistry of AYUSH, Government of Kerala and several Ayurveda associations.

  • Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs,V Muraleedharan is thechairman of the organizing committee of the event.

  • The event will focus on showcasing the potential of Ayurveda in addressing the health challenges of the present day world and setting up a platform for global networking of Ayurveda practitioners and stakeholders.

  • The theme of GAF 2023 is "Emerging Challenges in Healthcare and a Resurgent Ayurveda".

  • Top scientists including Nobel laureates and 7,500 delegates from 75 countries are expected to participate in the event.

  • The event will also explore how to effectively present Ayurveda in the tourism sector, which can contribute immensely to the development of Kerala.

About Global Ayurveda Festival

  • The Global Ayurveda Festival (GAF) is a biennial event that aims to showcase the potential of Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine.

  • The festival provides a platform for global networking of Ayurveda practitioners and stakeholders.

  • The festival includes presentations of research papers, poster sessions, and exhibitions of Ayurvedic medicines, herbal products, and wellness services.

By admin: May 13, 2023

6. Millet Festival in Dehradun

Tags: Festivals State News

In Uttarakhand, a four-day millet festival (Shri Anna Mahotsav) began on May 13 in Dehradun to create public awareness about the health benefits of millets and deliberate on the state's potential to grow crops in this category.

An overview of the news

  • Agriculture ministers, scientists and farmers of other states including Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar participated in the Anna Mahotsav.

  • The four-day deliberations aimed at attracting more and more people towards millet production, which has been set to double by 2025.

  • The produce of millet will be discussed in the festival and through this festival the farmers of the state will be encouraged to cultivate millet.

  • The Uttarakhand state government has made a provision of Rs 73 crore for the promotion of millets in this financial year.

  • The aim of the government is that farmers produce more coarse grains so that their economy can be strengthened.

  • On this occasion, 134 stalls will be set up under the Mahotsav by the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Universities and other institutions related to agricultural research.

International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.

  • India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.

  • In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

  • The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.

  • The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.

By admin: April 19, 2023

7. Thawe Festival organised in Bihar

Tags: Festivals State News

The Thawe Festival took place on 15th and 16th April in Gopalganj, Biharand the festival was jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Art and Culture.

An Overview of the News

  • The objective of the festival is to promote tourism in Gopalganj and invite visitors to Thawe Durga Temple.

  • Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav inaugurated the festival.

  • Bollywood singer Himesh Reshammiyaparticipated in the second day of the festival.

  • This year the 11th Annual Thave Festival was celebrated.

  • The festival has been organised since 2012 at the Home Guard Ground near Thawe Durga Temple.

List of famous fairs and festivals of Bihar-

Chhath Puja: It is one of the most important festivals in Bihar and is celebrated to worship the Sun God.

Makar-Sankranti: It is celebrated every year on January 14, and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

Buddha Jayanti: Celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, considered the founder of Buddhism.

Sonepur Pashu Fair: It is one of the biggest cattle fairs in Asia and is organised every year in the month of November.

Rajgir Festival: It is celebrated every year in the month of October and is a three-day festival which showcases the cultural heritage of Bihar.

Sama-Chakeva Bihula: This is one such festival which is celebrated every year in the month of November.

Madhushravani: It is a festival celebrated every year in the month of August, and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Ganga.

Pitru Paksha Mela: It is held every year in the month of September, and is dedicated to ancestor worship.

Malmas Fair: It is held every three years in Bihar, and is considered to be one of the biggest fairs in the state.

By admin: April 15, 2023

8. Vishu being celebrated in Middle East

Tags: Festivals

Vishu being celebrated in Middle East

In Dubai, Vishu, the traditional New Year festival of Keralites, is being celebrated with tradition and modernity this year.

An overview of the news

  • The World Malayali Council has marked the celebration of Vishu this year with special emphasis on environmental consciousness.

  • The Malayali community traditionally celebrates Vishu by exchanging token money, known as 'Vishu Kaneetam'.

  • This year, in lieu of the customary monetary offering, the council introduced 'Vishu Thenitam', which translates as 'Vishu Sapling Gift'.

  • The office-bearers of the Council started this eco-friendly festival by gifting a sapling to Dr. Aman Puri, Consulate General of India.

  • This new approach to Vishu festival not only promotes the value of nature and sustainability but also reflects the growing awareness of the need for environmental protection.

About Vishu Festival

  • Vishu, the traditional New Year festival of the Indian state of Kerala, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the region.

  • This festival is celebrated in the month of April which marks the beginning of a new year according to the Malayalam calendar.

  • The day is considered auspicious and is celebrated with various rituals and customs, including the setting up of a special arrangement called Vishukani, consisting of things such as rice, fruits, flowers and coins, which bring prosperity and abundance. There are symbols.


By admin: April 14, 2023

9. Baisakhi and Bohag Bihu harvest festival: 14 April

Tags: Festivals

Baisakhi and Bohag Bihu harvest festival

Baisakhi is a harvest festival celebrated in the Punjab and Haryana regions of India and Bohag Bihu is a harvest festival of Assam.

An Overview of the News

Baisakhi:

  • It marks the harvest season and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm.
  • Baisakhi also commemorates the formation of the Khalsa sect of warriors under Guru Gobind Singh in 1699.
  • The festival holds great religious significance for the Sikh community, who celebrate the day with great enthusiasm and devotion.
  • Sikhs visit Gurdwaras, offer prayers and participate in processions.

Bohag Bihu:

  • Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, is a harvest festival of Assam.
  • Celebrated in mid-April, it marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
  • The festival is celebrated with cultural programmes, traditional dances and feasts.

Other Harvest or New Year Festivals in India:

  • Pohela Boishakh - West Bengal
  • Pana Sankranti - in Odisha
  • Puthandu - Tamil Nadu
  • Vishu - Kerala

By admin: April 14, 2023

10. SCO Millets Food Festival 2023 organized in Mumbai

Tags: Festivals

SCO Millets Food Festival 2023 organized in Mumbai

The Union Ministry of Tourism is organizing the fourth and final event of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Millets Food Festival at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai from 13 to 19 April 2023.

An Overview of the News:

  • In this Millets Food Festival, chefs from SCO member countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia) will participate in the nine-day event.
  • The Taj Mahal Palace will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Millets Food Festival to mark the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023).
  • The SCO Millets Food Festival will be open to the public for lunch and dinner from April 14 to 19 at Shamiana Restaurant, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.
  • India is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for the year 2023.

SCO Tourism Mart:

  • The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has successfully completed the organization of SCO Tourism Mart from 9th to 11th February 2023.
  • SCO Expert Level Tourism Working Group meeting and SCO Tourism Ministers meeting held from 13 to 18 March 2023 in Kashi (Varanasi).

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

  • It is an intergovernmental organization consisting of eight member states, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, four observer states, and fourteen "dialogue partner" states.