Sudarsan Pattnaik Creates World Record Santa Claus on Sand
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik created a world record sculpture of Santa Claus using sand and apples at Niladri Beach, Puri, Odisha. The artwork, titled World’s Biggest Apple and Sand Installation of Santa Claus, measured about 60 feet in length, 45 feet in width, and 22 feet in height. About 1.5 tonnes of apples accompanied the sand construction. The piece, unveiled on December 26, drew crowds and received recognition from the World Records Book of India. Pattnaik’s creation celebrated the Christmas spirit while promoting peace and harmony.
Pattnaik creates a world record Santa Claus sculpture.
Used 1.5 tonnes of apples with sand; dimensions ~60x45x22 ft.
Unveiled at Niladri Beach, Puri; recognized by World Records Book of India.
Celebrates Christmas and promotes peace and harmony.
International Cello Day Celebrated
International Cello Day is observed annually on December 29. The day honors cellists and the instrument’s rich history in classical and contemporary music. It was established in 2015 by a group of cellists who sought to highlight the art form and its practitioners. Celebrations typically include performances, collaborations, and educational events across music schools and cultural centres. The date also aligns with the birthday of famed cellist Pablo Casals, underscoring a link between historical legacy and modern performance. Musicians and educators use the day to promote cello education and new compositions.
International Cello Day observed on December 29.
Established in 2015 by cellists to celebrate the instrument.
Often features performances and educational events.
Coincides with Pablo Casals’s birthday in the broader narrative of cello culture.
Veteran Art Director K. Shekhar Passes Away
Veteran art director K. Shekhar died at the age of 72 at his home in Thiruvananthapuram. A renowned figure in Malayalam cinema, Shekhar was celebrated for imaginative set designs and a distinctive creative approach. He is remembered for contributions to films like My Dear Kuttichathan and for crafting the famous anti-gravity room in the song Aalippazham Perukkaan, where a rotating steel rig created the illusion of floating. Colleagues recall his ability to translate ideas into large-scale visuals and his influence on stage and screen design across decades of cinema.
K. Shekhar passed away at age 72 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Renowned for imaginative set designs in Malayalam cinema.
Noted for work on My Dear Kuttichathan and Aalippazham Perukkaan anti-gravity room.
Influenced generations of art direction in regional cinema.
Memorials highlight his creative approach and innovations.
Dec 28, 2025
The 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan Held in Jalandhar
In Punjab, the 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in the country, was held at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar. The festival was organised in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala of the Union Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and supported by the state government.
The 3-day festival was dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and acclaimed Banaras Gharana vocalist Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra, who passed away in October this year.
Renowned classical music artists like folk vocalist icon Vidushi Malini Awasthi, Pt Sajan Mishara, his son Swaransh Mishra, Pt Ronu Majumdar, Shashank Subramanyam, Ashwini Bhide, Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar, Pt Shubhendra Rao, Saskia Rao-de-Haas, Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, Pt Vijay Ghate, V Selvaganesh, Naveen Sharma and Shikharnaad Qureshi, among others, performed from 26 to 28 December.
Dec 27, 2025
Hundred Colours, One Instrument: Sarangi Takes Centre Stage
The Triveni Kala Sangam amphitheatre resonated with the strains of sarangi, as the Saurang Sangeet Society organised the first World Sarangi Day, honouring legendary sarangi maestro Sabri Khan. Blending music with history, Kamal Sabri paid tribute to his father by rendering Vande Mataram, recalling Sabri Khan's performance of the same on the midnight of August 15, 1947, when India attained Independence.
Dec 26, 2025
Largest Circular Stone Labyrinth Discovered in Maharashtra
Archaeologists have identified what may be India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra. The roughly 50 by 50 feet structure comprises 15 concentric rings of small stone blocks, converging to a tightly coiled central spiral. Dated to nearly 2,000 years ago, the site is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period. Soil accumulation between rings suggests the labyrinth has remained largely undisturbed for centuries, offering valuable insights into ancient landscape design, ceremonial practices, and cross-cultural exchange along ancient trade routes.
Largest circular stone labyrinth found in Boramani, Solapur, Maharashtra
Structure ~50 by 50 feet with 15 concentric rings
Date: ~2,000 years old; linked to Satavahana-era Indo-Roman trade
Central spiral pattern indicative of planned ceremonial space
Site largely undisturbed; potential for archaeological study
Dec 24, 2025
Qatar Museums and NMACC sign five-year museum education pact
Qatar Museums and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) signed a five-year strategic partnership to expand museum-based education initiatives in India and Qatar. The pact focuses on playful, creative learning for children and educators, strengthening tools for teachers and diversifying learning environments. Signatories included Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Isha Ambani, with the collaboration to be implemented across multiple Indian regions through the NMACC platform. The agreement reflects a broader trend of cross-cultural cultural education and museum-based innovation across continents.
Five-year museum education partnership signed.
Between Qatar Museums and NMACC (India).
Aims: playful, creative learning for children and teachers.
Implementation across multiple Indian regions via NMACC.
Strengthens cross-cultural museum education initiatives.
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