Sarhul is the festival of the New Year celebrated in the state of Jharkhand by the tribal communities as part of the local Sarna religion. It is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra, three days after the appearance of the new moon. It is also a celebration of the beginning of spring. The word "Sarhul" is connected with tree worship. It is a festival where nature is venerated.
Sarhul is celebrated by many tribes in Jharkhand, but most notably the Munda, Ho, and Oraon tribes. While nature veneration is an important aspect of the festival, there are also many cultural programmes that are enjoyed along with it.
Among these many cultural events is"Baa Porob", the festival of flowers and the worship of the Sal Tree as well as a special Sarhul dance.
The festivities around Sarhul are made even more special with the many festive delicacies that are cooked and enjoyed, such as the rice dish called "handia"', a baked or dried fish dish called "fish sukha".
Apr 05, 2022
Rajasthan: Gangaur Festival
The Gangaur festival was celebrated in Rajasthan and some parts of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and West Bengal. It is one of Rajasthan's most important festivals and is observed with great fervour across the state.
The women worship Gauri, the wife of Lord Shiva during the period of this festival which is from March 18 to April 4.
This festival celebrates the harvest, spring, childbearing, and marital fidelity.
On the first day of Chaitra, the day following Holi, this festival begins and continues for a period of 16 days. For a girl who is newly wedded, it is mandatory to observe this festival. Also, unmarried girls fast during this festival for 16 days and eat only one meal every day. The festival ends on the third day of Shukla paksha of the Chaitra Month. Throughout this period Gangaur Melas are held.
Apr 04, 2022
9th-century Sculpture of Lord Vishnu Recovered from Jehlum River in Pulwama
In the Kashmir Valley, an ancient sculpture of Lord Vishnu dating back to 9th Century was recovered from River Jehlum in Kakapora area of the Pulwama district. Some labourers while extracting sand in river Jehleum in Lelhara Kakapora area of Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir found an ancient sculpture from the river. After finding the sculpture, they contacted the local police who rushed to the spot and took the sculpture into their possession.
The sculpture is a three headed Lord Vishnu and is made of black and green colour stone, is a unique sculpture of the 9th Century, was later handed over to the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums of Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister of State, Culture & External Affairs, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi Inaugurates 'Temple 360' website
Temple 360 is a website where one can visit a temple of their choice, anytime and from anywhere from India. With the help of this website, one can digitally witness the magnificence of some of the most pious Hindu pilgrimages that exist. The website also allows a devotee to perform e-aarti and several other services.
She explained that through this platgorm people can see and participate in e-Darshan, e-Prashad and e-Aarti which make everyone's life convenient and also keeps people connected.
Mar 29, 2022
Meghalaya Root Bridges in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites
Living Root Bridges, found in over 70 villages in Meghalaya highlighting the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and nature, were included in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO.
Villagers grow the living root-bridges by training the 'ficus elastica' tree on both sides of water bodies over a period of about 10 to 15 years where the roots form the bridge. Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India Prof K Vijay Raghavan said that the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya which highlight the socio-cultural, social and botanical links among people and nature are well deserving of the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
'Ishan Manthan' Festival Organised in New Delhi
Three-day North-East festival called 'Ishan Manthan' was organized at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi. The three-day Ishan Manthan programme celebrated the rich ethnicity and colours of North East India, from March 25 to 27, 2022. The event gave an opportunity to know about the culture, art, music, folk dances, handicrafts and traditional cuisines of Northeast India.
Ishan Manthan is an attempt to celebrate the plural expressions of northeast India. It can be understood as "North East Brainstorming". The inaugural session also witnessed the release of two books titled 'Lok Beyond Folk', a book on the Lok Culture which was edited by Shri J Nandalumar and 'Jewels of North East India'.
Mar 28, 2022
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2022 Inaugurated at Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh
Under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Mega festival, Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav 2022 was inaugurated in Arts college Ground, RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM, Andhra Pradesh by Governor, Andhra Pradesh Shri Biswabhusan Harichandan in the presence of Union Minister for Culture , Tourism and DoNER Shri G. K Reddy.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is the flagship festival of the Ministry of Culture which aims to preserve, promote, and popularise the rich cultural heritage of India.Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav has been instrumental in showcasing folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines and culture of one state in other states.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav presents a unique opportunity to witness each and every folk, traditional, tribal, classical and popular art forms of India under a single roof where approximately more than 1000 artistes showcase their talent. Colourful Aangans are set up representing regional cultures and showcasing traditional Arts & Crafts where artisans set up their stalls to sell their wares as well as demonstrate their exquisite craftsmanship.
The first Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsavwas organised in 2015 and evoked a good response from media & public which prompted to organise a series of festivals.
Aadi Bazaar - A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Culture and Cuisine Inaugurated at Gujarat
Keeping in line with the series of Aadi Bazaars – A Celebration of the spirit of Tribal culture and cuisine, another one was inaugurated on 26th March, 2022 at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Statue of Unity in Narmada district of Gujarat.Organised by TRIFED of M/ Tribal Affairs, the 11 day exhibition, beginning from 26th March and lasting till 5th April was inaugurated by Smt. Nimishaben Suthar, Minister of State for Tribal Development, Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Gujarat
The vibrant 11-day exhibition featuring organic tribal products and handcrafted wares, at the iconic monument, Statue of Unity, have more than 100 stalls and represents more than 10 states from across the country.
+91-85588-96644
