General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - March 2024

Mar 2024

Jan 04, 2026

Prayagraj Magh Mela 2026 to Attract up to 15 crore Devotees

The Magh Mela in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj commenced from January 3, 2026 on the auspicious occasion of Paush Purnima. Large number of devotees will be seen on the banks of the Ganges tomorrow to witness the equality and harmony at Magh Mela in Prayagraj. The Magh Mela of Prayagraj takes place at the divine Triveni Sangam, the place of confluence of scared rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the legendary Saraswati and is regarded one of the largest pilgrimages of India, according to Indianculture.gov.in. The pilgrimage is named after the Hindu month of Magh, which typically falls in January-February. During this period, major Magh Mela bathing days include Makar Sankranti on January 15, Mauni Amavasya on January 18, and Basant Panchami on January 23.

World Telugu Conference begins in Guntur with cultural program

The World Telugu Conference opened in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, on January 3, 2026, with a three-day program at the Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual City grounds. The event features cultural programs, seminars and panels on language preservation and development. Delegates from across India and abroad, including dignitaries such as the President of Mauritius and several state governors, participate. Organisers say the gathering will highlight Telugu literature, cinema and education, and promote cultural exchange. The conference runs through the weekend with sessions across multiple venues, aiming to bolster regional pride and academic collaboration, and to encourage linguistic research and tourism tied to local industries.

World Telugu Conference starts January 3, 2026, in Guntur
Three-day program with cultural events, seminars and panels
Delegates include dignitaries such as the President of Mauritius
Focus on Telugu literature, cinema, education and culture
Aims to boost regional pride, research and tourism links

Jan 02, 2026

IIT Hyderabad Launches Centre for Creative Arts

IIT Hyderabad announced the January 2026 launch of the Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the Department of Liberal Arts. The centre will offer one to three credit courses in creative and performing arts for undergraduate and postgraduate students, appoint performing artists as adjunct faculty, and establish Artist‑in‑Residence programs. Collaborations with industry and academia are planned to integrate creativity with technology, broadening interdisciplinary work with engineering, science, design, and humanities. The CCA aims to foster experimental projects and provide avenues for students to engage with practicing artists.

IIT Hyderabad launches Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) in Jan 2026.
CCA offers 1–3 credit courses in creative/performing arts.
Artist‑in‑Residence programs and adjunct faculty to be appointed.
Aims to integrate creativity with technology across disciplines.

Ahmedabad Host 14th International Flower Show

Ahmedabad is hosting the 14th International Flower Show from January 1 to 22, 2026.
The event, organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), is taking place at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre.
The event was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
The theme of the flower show titled 'Bharat Ek Gatha' showcases India's journey from ancient times to the present day. The event uses flowers, plants, and large structures to highlight the country's culture, history, science, and values.
Visitors have the opportunity to see floral displays depicting India's journey from its ancient civilisation to contemporary times through artistic floral installations. The show aims to give people a visual story of India through detailed flower work and creative designs.

Dec 31, 2025

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Attends Valedictory Function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0

The Valedictory Function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0, a flagship cultural integration initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, was held on December 30, 2025 at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu.
This occasion is of historic significance as it marks the first time valedictory ceremony of Kashi Tamil Sangamam was hosted in Tamil Nadu, symbolically completing the sacred civilisational journey from Kashi to Rameshwaram.
The theme for Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 (KTS 4.0) held from December 2 to 15, 2025 in Varanasi is 'Tamil Karkalam - Let us learn Tamil'.
The programme was graced by the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, as the Chief Guest.

Dec 30, 2025

World's Largest Open-air Theatre 'Dhanu Yatra' in Odisha

In Odisha, the largest open-air theatre in the world, 'Dhanu Yatra' was inaugurated at Bargarh in Odisha. The eleven-day annual cultural spectacle brings mythology, tradition and performance together in a unique celebration as the town of Bargarh turns into the mythical city of Mathura.
The event is a dramatic re-enactment of the mythological tale of lord Krishna's life, from his birth to the death of his demon uncle, King Kansa.
Dhanu Yatra, unlike conventional theatre, erases the boundary between actors and audience, and turns the entire Bargarh town into a dynamic storytelling canvas. The Central Government has accorded National Festival status to 'Dhanu Yatra'. Thousands of visitors from across Odisha and beyond have congregated at Bargarh to watch the colourful Yatra.
'Dhanu Yatra' concludes on January 3, 2026.

Amit Shah Inaugurates Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre, Key Policing Infrastructure in Assam

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre in Guwahati, Assam, along with a series of policing infrastructure projects. The complex includes a 5,000-seat gallery, a modern convention centre, VIP suites and a multi-level parking facility, built to host cultural events and strengthen security. The inauguration was attended by Assam’s Chief Minister and other senior officials. The facility forms part of a broader strategy to enhance cultural capacity and public safety in the region, reflecting both cultural development and security-focused governance initiatives.

Jyoti–Vishnu International Art Centre inaugurated in Guwahati
Centre includes large auditorium and convention facilities
Inauguration also highlighted policing infrastructure
Event attended by state and central officials
Aims to boost culture and security framework in Assam

Dec 29, 2025

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.

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