General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - July 2023

Jul 2023

Mar 02, 2026

12th‑century Yadava pillar fragments found near Wardha settle cultural significance

Archaeologists reported fragments of a 12th century Mandir style pillar near the Vena River in Hinganghat, Wardha district, Maharashtra, about 70 kilometres from Nagpur. Identified by idol researcher Panchsheel Thul during a study of riverbank mandir sites, the pieces show intricate carvings linked to the Seuna or Yadava dynasty. Researchers suggest the pillar could be part of a sabhamandap or a front of a garbhagriha, with another fragment possibly the pedestal of a main pillar. The find underscores Wardha’s medieval temple architecture and could prompt further excavations to map a larger temple complex in the area.

Pillar fragments found near the Vena River, Wardha
Date-claimed attribution to 12th century Yadava dynasty
Intricate Mandir style carvings observed
Possible sabhamandap or garbhagriha pedestal remains
Indicates a potentially larger temple complex nearby

Jammu University to host Goonj 2026 youth festival; chancellor to inaugurate

The University of Jammu announced Goonj 2026, its flagship multi-genre youth festival to be held over two days. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who serves as Chancellor, will inaugurate the event. Launched in 2024, Goonj aims to promote holistic student development, leadership and teamwork beyond academics. The festival celebrates creativity across arts, music, theatre and sports and fosters collaboration among university communities to showcase talent and institutional spirit. Organisers emphasise youth engagement, mentorship and the opportunity for students to explore talents beyond the curriculum.

Goonj 2026 announced by University of Jammu
Two-day youth festival; inauguration by LG Manoj Sinha
Launched in 2024; focuses on holistic development
Themes across arts, music, theatre, sports
Promotes collaboration and leadership among students

Zapotec Owl Tomb uncovered in Oaxaca reveals 1,400-year-old burial practices

Archaeologists in southern Mexico uncovered a remarkably preserved tomb dating to around AD 600 in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca. The tomb belongs to the Zapotec civilisation, also called the ‘Cloud People,’ and offers unprecedented insights into Indigenous funerary rites and social organisation from nearly 1,400 years ago. Discovered in 2025 during investigations into looting, the burial site complements existing knowledge of Zapotec culture and its regional development in the Oaxaca Valley. The find highlights the long history of complex societies in Mesoamerica and their enduring heritage within modern Indigenous communities.

Discovery: Zapotec tomb in San Pablo Huitzo, Oaxaca
Dating: around AD 600, ~1,400 years old
Civilisation: Zapotec (Cloud People)
Found during 2025 looting investigations
Significance: insight into funerary practices and social structure

Feb 26, 2026

North East Spring Festival 2026 begins in Dimapur

Dimapur in Nagaland hosts the three‑day North East Spring Festival 2026, also known as the Festival of the North East, at the NEZCC Complex. The event, organized by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in collaboration with SCZCC Nagpur, showcases folk and tribal arts from across the region. It runs parallel with the Madh‑Dakshini Festival, promoting cultural exchange and national integration. The festival features performances by traditional artistes, crafts showcases, and culinary displays, highlighting the vibrant heritage of India’s northeast. (Source: NEZCC announcements)

Three‑day North East Spring Festival starts in Dimapur
Showcases regional folk and tribal arts
Festival runs with Madh‑Dakshini Festival 2026
Aims to strengthen cultural exchange and integration

Feb 22, 2026

Shankar Passes Away at 92; Bengali Literary Icon

Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as Shankar, died at the age of 92 near Kolkata. A towering figure in Bengali literature, he authored nearly 100 novels and short stories. His works explored urban India's moral dilemmas, ambitions, and social change, influencing generations of readers and writers. Leaders across political lines offered condolences, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who called the loss irreparable for Bengal's cultural world. Shankar's prolific output and distinctive voice established him as a literary giant whose writing continues to shape contemporary cultural discourse in the region.

Shankar (Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay) died at 92 near Kolkata
Prominent Bengali author with ~100 novels and stories
Writings explored urban India's moral and social issues
Condolences from leaders; Mamata Banerjee called it irreparable
Long-lasting impact on Bengali literature and culture

Feb 21, 2026

Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival to hold 3rd Edition, 18–21 February 2026

Dibrugarh University in Assam will host the 3rd Edition of the Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival (DUILF) from 18 to 21 February 2026. The four-day event, organized with the Foundation for Culture, Arts and Literature (FOCAL) of Guwahati, aims to celebrate literature, ideas and cultural dialogue. The festival will spotlight literature from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) under the theme Words Will Weave Worlds, highlighting cross-cultural conversations and Northeast India’s rich oral heritage. Participants include writers, scholars and artists from multiple countries, and the event seeks to elevate India’s presence on the global literary map.

DUILF 3rd Edition from 18–21 February 2026
Hosted by Dibrugarh University, Assam
FOCAL partnering organization from Guwahati
Theme centers on MENA region literature
Focus on cross-cultural dialogue and Northeast heritage
Aims to strengthen India's global literary profile

Feb 19, 2026

2300-year-old Kumittipathi rock art raises protection concerns

Ancient rock paintings estimated to be over 2,300 years old at Kumittipathi village in Coimbatore district remain inadequately protected despite being declared a protected monument by the Tamil Nadu government last year. The site, near the Kerala border, lies inside two caves on Pathimalai hill near Madukkarai, where white pigment paintings are believed to reflect early habitation and possibly elephant habitats. Scholars caution that neglect and environmental factors threaten the paintings' preservation. The Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department has called for improved protection, monitoring and conservation measures, and for community engagement to safeguard the cultural heritage. Archaeologists urge timely documentation through photogrammetry.

Kumittipathi rock art is ~2,300 years old.
Declared protected monument by Tamil Nadu last year.
Location: Pathimalai hill, near Madukkarai.
Threats: neglect and environmental factors.
Call for protection, monitoring and photogrammetry.

Losar Festival 2026 Begins in McLeod Ganj

Losar Festival 2026 began on 18 February and runs through 20 February in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, marking the Fire Horse Year. The Tibetan exile community celebrates with prayers, rituals, and cultural activities. Dalai Lama's arrival adds to the festive atmosphere. Homes and monasteries are decorated; residents preparing traditional dishes and offering prayers for peace, prosperity and Tibet's freedom. The festival also showcases Tibetan arts, music and cuisine, attracting devotees and tourists to McLeod Ganj, a spiritual hub. The three-day event underscores India's cultural diversity and its role as a home for Tibetan exile communities. The week supports tourism and local crafts.

Dates: 18-20 February 2026.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.
Dalai Lama's arrival enhances festival mood.
Celebrates Tibetan culture and traditions.
Promotes tourism and local crafts.

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