Surajkund Mela is one of the largest and most vibrant cultural fairs held in India, attracting visitors from all over the world. Held annually in Faridabad, Haryana, the fair is a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the diversity of traditions, arts, crafts, and cuisines from different states of the country. This year (2024) Surajkund Mela 2024, is going to be held from February 2 to February 18. The mela was inaugurated by the Indian President Droupadi Murmu.
The mela, which lasts for about two weeks, is held in the backdrop of the ancient Surajkund Lake, which adds to the beauty and charm of the fair. Visitors are treated to a display of traditional folk dances, music, and other performances by artists from various states. The fair also features a wide array of handicrafts, textiles, and other products made by skilled artisans, providing a glimpse into the country's rich history of craftsmanship.
Feb 01, 2024
Expanded Bombay Sappers War Memorial Inaugurated
Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande inaugurated the expanded Bombay Sappers War Memorial at the Bombay Engineers Group and Centre at Kirkee near Pune and released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the memorial's centenary celebrations.
General Pande praised the role of the Bombay Sappers for their outstanding professionalism in rendering combat engineer support to the field formations of the Army.
The Bombay Sappers War Memorial is a hallowed structure standing tall in the memory of soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice. The expanded memorial includes two arched rows of ascending walls bearing names of each of the bravehearts and a digital kiosk established to locate each name for the visitors.
Jan 31, 2024
Odisha Wins Top Prize for Vibrant Tableau at 75th Republic Day Parade
Stealing the limelight during the 75th Republic Day parade, Odisha's vibrant tableau, showcasing the resilience and strength of women intertwined with the state's exquisite handicrafts clinched the first prize in the judge's choice category.
A big umbrella on the Odisha tableau denoted the "whole-hearted" support of the central and state governments to the artisans under the "Viksit Bharat" programme while the "War Horse of Konark Temple" symbolised Odisha's rapid progress in shaping a developed India.
Jan 30, 2024
India's 'Maratha Military Landscapes' nominated for UNESCO World Heritage List 2024-25
India nominated the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the 2024-25 cycle. This significant move by the Culture Ministry highlighted the exceptional fortification and military systems envisioned by the Maratha rulers.
The 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India' comprise twelve components, including Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort. These structures, dating back to the 17th and 19th centuries, span across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, showcasing the strategic military prowess of the Maratha rule.
The nomination of the 'Maratha Military Landscapes' falls under the category of cultural property. These landscapes were included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2021. India's nomination aims to preserve and bring global recognition to these historical sites.
The Maratha Military Landscapes include hill forts, hill-forest forts, hill-plateau forts, coastal forts, and island forts. This variety reflects the Marathas' adaptability and ingenuity in using the natural terrain to their advantage.
Jan 24, 2024
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Inaugurates Five New Galleries at Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, G. Kishan Reddy, inaugurated five new galleries at the renowned Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. Recognised as one of India's premier cultural institutions, the Salar Jung Museum has undertaken significant initiatives under the leadership of Kishan Reddy to revitalise its exhibitions.
The five new galleries are:
Indian Sculpture Gallery: Featuring nearly 40 artifacts, some dating back to the 2nd Century B.C., including a fragment from Bharhut with a lotus medallion and the Kakatiya period's 'Anantsayana Vishnu.'
Bidriware Gallery: Showcasing 300 unique objects, including exquisite 'huqqa' bases and ewers.
Lamp and Chandelier Gallery: Displaying 180 antique objects from around the globe.
European Bronze Gallery: Housing over 100 bronze statues.
European Marble Gallery: Featuring 50 outstanding marble sculptures.
These galleries not only enrich the museum's repertoire but also offer visitors a captivating journey through the diverse realms of Indian and global artistry.