On 14 July 2026, the 31st Divya Kala Mela opened at Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata, inaugurated by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar. The festival runs through 22 July 2026 and provides a national platform for entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities to showcase products. It aims to promote economic empowerment, dignity, and social inclusion through inclusive markets and accessible exhibitions. The event features crafts, textiles, and assistive technologies, with demonstrations and business matchmaking opportunities for participants. Organisers emphasise capacity-building and exposure to national buyers to foster self-reliance. Media coverage and accessibility features are highlighted to reach a wider audience nationwide.
Opening: 14 July 2026; ends 22 July 2026
Venue: Rabindra Sadan, Kolkata
Participants: entrepreneurs and artisans with disabilities
Uttarakhand opens GI Products Gallery to showcase local goods
July 2026 — Uttarakhand inaugurated its first Geographical Indications (GI) Products Gallery at the Forest Training Academy in Haldwani. The gallery features more than 30 GI-tagged products reflecting the state’s agriculture, handicrafts, and cultural heritage. Officials hope the gallery will raise awareness and improve market visibility for locally distinctive goods, helping producers access domestic and export markets. The initiative aligns with national schemes to protect traditional knowledge and promote regional brands. It also complements state tourism and agricultural policy by highlighting unique regional products and crafts.
First GI Products Gallery opened in Haldwani
Showcases over 30 GI-tagged products
Represents agriculture, handicrafts, and culture
Aims to raise awareness and market visibility
Supports local producers and regional brands
Linked to GI protection schemes
Jul 12, 2026
Manas and Mahabharata centre inaugurated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
The International Centre for Civilizational Studies 'Manas and Mahabharata' was inaugurated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in July 2026 through collaboration between the Manas National Academy of Kyrgyzstan and the Centre for Studies of International Relations (CSIR), New Delhi. The centre will foster research on shared civilizational heritage and cultural exchange between India and Kyrgyzstan. It will host seminars, joint projects, and academic programs to study epics like Manas and Mahabharata and related historical narratives. The initiative reflects broader efforts to strengthen academic ties, regional understanding, and people-to-people links between the two countries and promote cross-cultural education.
Inauguration in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in July 2026
Collaboration between Manas National Academy and CSIR, New Delhi
Focus on civilizational heritage and cultural exchange
Plans seminars, joint projects, and exchanges
Aims to strengthen India-Kyrgyzstan ties
Jul 11, 2026
Australia to repatriate Tamil Nadu temple artefacts to India amid Modi visit
Australia has announced repatriation of three ancient Tamil Nadu temple artefacts, including a Chola-era ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture of Karttikeya. Dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, the artefacts were stolen and exported to Australia. The repatriation reflects cooperation between India and Australia to protect cultural heritage. The return coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Australia and is part of ongoing efforts to recover artefacts through legal channels and provenance research. Museums and temple authorities will oversee restoration and display.
Three artefacts repatriated: bronze trident, Nandi idol, Karttikeya sculpture.
Originated in Tamil Nadu; dates to 11th–12th centuries.
Part of India–Australia cultural heritage cooperation.
Return announced during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Australia.
Process via legal channels and provenance research; restoration oversight.
Jul 02, 2026
Swar Prerna Veethika Photo Gallery Inaugurated at Akashvani Bhavan
Akashvani unveiled the Swar Prerna Veethika Photo Gallery at the Rang Bhavan Auditorium, Akashvani Bhawan, New Delhi. The gallery was inaugurated by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia and features portraits of Bharat Ratna awardees in music, including Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Ravi Shankar, and M. S. Subbulakshmi. The project highlights India’s rich musical heritage and public broadcasting’s role in preserving artistic legacies. The event emphasized preservation of cultural records and education about living musical traditions for visitors across generations.
Gallery named Swar Prerna Veethika inaugurated in New Delhi.
Inaugurated by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Features portraits of Bharat Ratna musicians such as Lata Mangeshkar, Ravi Shankar, M. S. Subbulakshmi.