General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - March 2023

Mar 2023

Oct 12, 2026

Guruvayur Dorai, Renowned Carnatic Percussionist, Passes Away

Renowned Carnatic musician Guruvayur Dorai passed away in Chennai on 10 October 2026 at the age of 91. A celebrated exponent of the Pudukottai style of mridangam playing, he hailed from Guruvayur, Kerala, and built a long, influential career. Dorai accompanied legendary artists such as M. S. Subbulakshmi and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, earning acclaim for rhythmic mastery and expressive phrasing. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to Indian classical music, among other awards. Dorai's passing marks the loss of a leading figure in South Indian percussion, whose collaborations helped redefine concert percussion in Carnatic music. His legacy continues to inspire upcoming percussionists.

Genre: Carnatic percussion (mridangam).
Era: celebrated performer with M. S. Subbulakshmi and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
Honours: Padma Shri in 2025.
Origin: Guruvayur, Kerala; associated with Pudukottai style.
Legacy: influence on contemporary percussionists.

Sep 30, 2026

65th National Exhibition of Art held in New Delhi

The Lalit Kala Akademi organised the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi during September 2026, showcasing contemporary Indian visual art and inviting artists from across the country. The event highlighted painting, sculpture, and mixed media works, reflecting diverse regional styles and experimental practices. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended as Chief Guest, praising artists for sustaining creative dialogue. During the exhibition, 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awards were announced to recognise outstanding contributions in Indian art. The award ceremony celebrated emerging talents alongside established figures, reinforcing the Akademi’s role in promoting modern Indian art on national and international stages.

65th National Exhibition of Art hosted by Lalit Kala Akademi
Held in New Delhi in September 2026
Showcases painting, sculpture, and mixed media
Chief Guest: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awards announced

Mandar from Jharkhand gains Geographical Indication tag

Jharkhand’s Mandar, a traditional folk percussion instrument, has received the Geographical Indication tag, announced by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, in September 2026. The GI marker links Mandar to the cultural heritage and geographical identity of Jharkhand. The instrument holds a prominent place in tribal and folk traditions and is widely used during festivals and cultural performances. GI status is expected to promote local artisans, protect against counterfeit products, and boost tourism by highlighting Mandar’s unique musical sound and regional roots. Experts say the recognition could inspire broader efforts to preserve endangered crafts in eastern India.

Mandar awarded Geographical Indication tag in Sep 2026
Registry: Chennai, linking Mandar to Jharkhand’s heritage
Instrument central to tribal and folk traditions
GI status to aid artisans and tourism
Aims to protect against counterfeit products

Sep 27, 2026

Ramdhari Singh Dinkar remembered on his birth anniversary

Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is remembered on his birth anniversary, observed on 23 September. He is widely known as Rashtrakavi, the National Poet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dinkar on 23 September. Born in 1908, Dinkar received the Padma Bhushan and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959 for his contributions to Hindi literature. His poetry and essays are studied in schools and universities. Dinkar’s work is noted for nationalistic and humanist themes, and his legacy remains influential in Hindi literary circles and Indian cultural memory.

Birth date: 23 September 1908.
Nickname: Rashtrakavi (National Poet).
Tribute by Prime Minister Modi on 23 September.
Honours: Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Akademi Award (1959).

Sep 22, 2026

17th Kathakali Festival Held in Chennai

The 17th Kathakali Festival was held in September 2026 at the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Conducted by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, the festival featured the theme Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of the Essence of Stories. The opening performance was Mandodari, presented by Sadanam Academy and based on the Ramayana. The event showcased distinguished Kathakali performances, music, and storytelling, drawing participants from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Organisers described the festival as a platform for traditional arts to reach diverse audiences while encouraging contemporary interpretations of classical narratives.

Event location: Bharata Kalakshetra, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
Theme: Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of Stories.
Opening: Mandodari by Sadanam Academy (Ramayana-based).
Festival promotes Kathakali and evolving interpretations.

Sep 21, 2026

Angh wins Platform Prize at TIFF, signaling Oscar journey for Nagaland film

Angh, directed by Nagaland filmmaker Theja Rio, won the Platform Prize 2026 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). This prize provides a pathway to consideration for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. The Platform programme highlights bold directorial vision and distinctive storytelling in non-English-language cinema. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated Theja Rio and the team, calling the win a historic moment for Naga cinema on the global stage. The director dedicated the award to the people of Nagaland and emphasized this as a stepping-stone for future projects.

Angh wins TIFF Platform Prize 2026; directed by Theja Rio.
Prize offers direct path to Oscar consideration for Best International Feature Film.
Jury praised bold storytelling and regional cinema voice.
Nagaland Chief Minister congratulates the team; recognition for India’s northeast cinema.
A milestone for Naga filmmakers on the global stage.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

November GK, October GK, September GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services and Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26