The Indian Ministry of Culture commemorated the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I, one of the greatest emperors in Indian history, through the Aadi Thiruvathirai Festival from July 23 to 27, 2025. The event, hosted at the iconic Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Tamil Nadu, celebrated 1,000 years of his maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the construction of the UNESCO-listed Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.
Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE) succeeded his father Rajaraja Chola I and expanded the Chola Empire's boundaries beyond South India, reaching Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Known for his naval prowess, he is credited with the successful Chola maritime expedition, which established diplomatic and trade relations across the Bay of Bengal.
Jul 23, 2025
Replica of Ashoka Pillar Unveiled in Waskaduwa, Sri Lanka
A replica of the Ashoka Pillar was unveiled at the Waskaduwa Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist temple in Kalutara district, Sri Lanka. The initiative is a significant symbol of India-Sri Lanka spiritual and cultural diplomacy, acknowledging the contributions of Emperor Ashoka to Sri Lankan Buddhism. This development also reflects India's sustained efforts to promote Buddhist heritage and cultural ties across the region.
The foundation stone for the Ashoka Pillar replica was laid in January 2024 by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and IBC Secretary General Venerable Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche.
Jul 16, 2025
Meghalaya Celebrates Sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival
The sacred Behdeinkhlam Festival was celebrated with great joy in Jowai, a town in Meghalaya. This yearly event is important for the Pnars, a tribal group from the state. The festival is held in July to pray for a good harvest and to drive away diseases and evil from society. It also helps in keeping their traditional faith alive.
Jul 15, 2025
Khmer Rouge Sites in Cambodia Added to UNESCO Heritage List
UNESCO added three historic sites in Cambodia, linked to the Khmer Rouge's brutal regime, to its World Heritage List. This decision was made during the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, marking 50 years since the regime's rise. The move aims to preserve these places as reminders of the tragic past and promote peace and education.
The three sites added are:
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) in Phnom Penh — a former high school used as a prison where over 15,000 people were tortured.
M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang province — an early secret prison operated by the Khmer Rouge.
Choeung Ek Killing Fields, 15 km south of Phnom Penh — used for mass executions and burials, known worldwide through the film The Killing Fields
These sites represent some of the darkest events in Cambodian history, where nearly 1.7 million people died between 1975 and 1979 during the Khmer Rouge rule.
Jul 14, 2025
Gingee Fort Named UNESCO World Heritage Site
Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. The fort is part of the Maratha Military Landscapes, a group of 12 forts now recognised globally for their cultural and historical value.
Gingee Fort, also called the 'Troy of the East', is one of the oldest and most unique forts in South India. It was the only site from Tamil Nadu in the running for the UNESCO World Heritage tag this year (2025).
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