General Awareness

DAYS AND EVENTS - April 2023

Apr 2023

Jan 26, 2026

49th International Kolkata Book Fair opens in Salt Lake; Argentina as theme

The 49th International Kolkata Book Fair opened at the Boi Mela Prangan in Salt Lake on January 22, 2026 and will run till February 3, 2026. It is one of the world’s largest book fairs, drawing publishers, writers and readers from across India and abroad. Argentina is the theme country this year, with a dedicated pavilion highlighting its literature, culture and history through books, discussions and performances. The inaugural ceremony began at 3:30 pm on January 22 at the SBI Auditorium, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurating the fair. Guests included Germany’s Ambassador to India Mariano Caucino, Argentine author Gustavo Canzobre and Bengali writer Swapnamoy Chakraborty, among others.

Location: Boi Mela Prangan, Salt Lake
Dates: January 22, 2026 to February 3, 2026
Theme country: Argentina with dedicated pavilion
Inauguration: January 22, 2026, 3:30 pm
Notable guests: Mamata Banerjee, Mariano Caucino, Gustavo Canzobre

Jan 25, 2026

Raipur Literature Festival inaugurated in Chhattisgarh

On 23 January 2026, Raipur hosted the opening of a three-day Raipur Literature Festival in the state capital. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Dr. Harivansh, inaugurated the festival, with Chief Minister Vishnue Deo Sai presiding over the program. The festival will feature poets, authors, journalists, and artists from across India, hosting discussions, poetry sessions, storytelling, and cultural performances. A National Book Fair, an Open Talent Platform, and a Painting Workshop are among planned activities. The event highlights the government’s support for literature, culture, and regional languages, fostering exchange between writers and readers.

Inauguration by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman on 23 January 2026.
Three-day festival with national participants.
Includes National Book Fair and Open Talent Platform.
Cultural programs and literary discussions scheduled.

Namsai-Pangsau PowerDrive 2026 kicks off in Arunachal Pradesh

On 23 January 2026, Arunachal Pradesh hosted the two-day Motorsport event 'Namsai-Pangsau PowerDrive 2026' with the theme 'Daring to Push Boundaries, Celebrating Culture'. The event aims to position the state as a new destination for adventure tourism and motorsports. It forms part of the 10th edition of the Pangsau Pass International Festival 2026 and is organised by Adventure X-Fusion Tribe under the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI). Participants will engage in motorsport demonstrations, cultural programs, and tourism launches designed to showcase the region’s natural terrain and hospitality potential.

Event began on 23 January 2026 in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh.
Theme emphasizes adventure and cultural celebration.
Part of the Pangsau Pass International Festival 2026.
Organised by Adventure X-Fusion Tribe with FMSCI.
Aims to boost Arunachal Pradesh as an adventure tourism hub.

Jan 24, 2026

Parakram Diwas 2026 marks Netaji Bose’s 129th birth anniversary

Parakram Diwas 2026 will be observed to commemorate Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s 129th birth anniversary. The Ministry of Culture has organized events in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 13 other locations across the country connected to Bose’s life and legacy. The programmes include cultural performances, exhibitions and a theatrical act by the National School of Drama, with island cuisines and traditional handicrafts on display. The celebrations will run through January 25, reflecting on Bose’s courage and patriotism and inviting people to engage with India’s freedom struggle. The government describes the occasion as a homage to the nation’s enduring spirit.

129th birth anniversary of Netaji Bose celebrated as Parakram Diwas 2026.
Events in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 13 other locations nationwide.
Cultural performances, exhibitions and NSD theatrical acts included.
Island cuisines and handicrafts featured at celebrations.
Celebrations continue until January 25.

Jan 22, 2026

Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 set for January 23–25 in Nava Raipur

Raipur, 19 January 2026 — The Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 will take place from January 23 to 25 at Purkhouti Muktangan, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Organisers expect around 120 writers and cultural figures from across Chhattisgarh and beyond, with 42 sessions planned. Themes include Indian knowledge traditions, constitutional debates, cinema and society, and discussions on Chhattisgarh literature from historical angles. The festival, aligned with centenary celebrations of a religious leader, will feature sessions on language standards in education and the role of literature in public discourse. The event aims to foster literary exchange and cultural dialogue in the region.

Event: Raipur Sahitya Utsav 2026 (Jan 23–25)
Venue: Purkhouti Muktangan, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar
Participants: ~120 writers and cultural figures
Sessions: 42 on topics like literature, constitution, cinema
Context: Regional literary-cultural platform in Chhattisgarh

Jan 21, 2026

Foundation Day 2026 observed for Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura

Foundation Day 2026 for Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura is observed on 21 January 2026. The occasion marks the 54th anniversary of these Northeastern states attaining full statehood in 1972 under the North Eastern Region Re-organisation Act, 1971. The celebrations acknowledge the region’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing development across governance, education and infrastructure. Historically, Meghalaya joined as a state on 21 January 1972, followed by Manipur and Tripura on the same date. The day emphasises regional pride, solidarity and the role of local communities in shaping the Northeast’s growth trajectory.

Foundation Day for three states observed on 21 January 2026.
54th anniversary of attaining full statehood in 1972 (Act of 1971).
Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura became states on 21 January 1972.
Celebrates cultural heritage and regional development.
Commemorates historical state formation in the Northeast.

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