General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - July 2024

Jul 2024

Jan 30, 2026

Meghalaya living root bridges nominated for UNESCO heritage

Meghalaya has officially nominated its living root bridges for UNESCO’s 2026–27 World Heritage evaluation cycle. Cultivated over centuries by the Khasi and Jaintia communities, these bridges showcase sustainable living and indigenous knowledge. If inscribed, the bridges would bring global recognition to Meghalaya’s cultural and ecological heritage, highlighting techniques that use living trees to span rivers. The nomination emphasises biodiversity, ecological design, and community stewardship, underscoring India’s diverse cultural landscape and the importance of preserving traditional practices for future generations.

Meghalaya nominates living root bridges for UNESCO World Heritage.
Bridges showcase indigenous knowledge and sustainable design.
Created by Khasi and Jaintia communities.
Nomination highlights biodiversity and cultural heritage.
If inscribed, would boost global recognition of Meghalaya.

Smithsonian to return three bronze sculptures to India

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art announced it will return three bronze sculptures to the Government of India after provenance research showed they were illicitly removed from temples in Tamil Nadu. The objects are a 10th–century Shiva Nataraja, a 12th‑century Somaskanda, and a 16th‑century Saint Sundarar with Paravai. One sculpture will remain on long‑term loan to the museum while the others are returned under a formal repatriation agreement. The move aligns with global efforts to address illegitimate acquisitions and to preserve India’s cultural heritage through transparent provenance efforts.

Three bronze sculptures to be returned: Shiva Nataraja, Somaskanda, Saint Sundarar with Paravai.
Provenance research confirmed illicit temple removal from Tamil Nadu.
One sculpture to stay on long‑term loan; others returned to India.
Part of Smithsonian’s broader repatriation and provenance program.
Signal for ethical museum practices and cultural heritage restitution.

Jan 29, 2026

SIFFCY 2026 opens in New Delhi with global child cinema showcase

The 12th Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (SIFFCY) opened in New Delhi on 28 January 2026 and runs through 3 February. The festival showcases over 150 films from more than 35 countries, emphasising inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility. Organised by Smile Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Delegation of the European Union to India, the event traverses New Delhi screenings and nationwide outreach to schools and communities. The festival opens with Grandpa, Let’s Go!, a Polish–Czech co-production, highlighting youth storytelling.

Event dates: 28 January–3 February 2026
Over 150 films from 35+ countries
Focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility
Outreach to 100+ locations nationwide
Opening film: Grandpa, Let’s Go!

Jan 28, 2026

Ajanta–Ellora 11th International Film Festival to begin January 28

The 11th Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival (AEIFF) commences January 28, 2026, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The opening program at 5:00 pm will feature the Spanish film Siret. The festival brings together national and international cinema, with Padmapani Award to Ilaiyaraaja for his contributions to Indian cinema. Guests include festival leadership, university officials and notable film professionals such as Resul Pookutty. The event showcases diverse storytelling from across the region and the world, highlighting cross-cultural exchange in cinema and music.

AEIFF 11th edition opens January 28, 2026 in Sambhajinagar.
Opening film: Siret (Spain).
Padmapani Award to Ilaiyaraaja.
High-profile attendees include industry and academic leaders.

Jan 27, 2026

Bharat Parv 2026 Begins at Red Fort

Bharat Parv 2026, the national culture and tourism festival, began at Red Fort in New Delhi. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated the six-day event, designed to showcase India’s cultural heritage and regional diversity. The festival aims to strengthen public engagement with constitutional ideals and promote livelihoods through handicrafts, handlooms and cuisine. State pavilions and performances are planned to highlight different regions, while discussions on culture and history align with the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and increased tourism potential.

Event: Bharat Parv 2026 at Red Fort, New Delhi.
Inaugurated by Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Six-day festival showcasing culture, heritage and regional diversity.
Focus on handicrafts, handlooms and cuisine for livelihoods.
Part of a larger effort to promote tourism and constitutional values.

Jan 26, 2026

ISKCON Belagavi to host Hare Krishna Ratha Yatra Mahotsav; drama to feature

ISKCON Belagavi will host the Hare Krishna Ratha Yatra Mahotsav on January 24-25. Devotees will also present an hour-long drama depicting Lord Krishna’s pastimes. The festival combines devotional processions with cultural programs, aiming to showcase sacred traditions and regional devotion. Organisers expect participants from nearby communities and visiting devotees to join the celebrations, which will include music, dance and storytelling alongside the procession.

Event dates: January 24-25
Location: Belagavi, Karnataka
Main program: Hare Krishna Ratha Yatra Mahotsav
Additional activity: story-drama on Krishna’s pastimes
Audience: local and visiting devotees

Navagraha Symphony: Chennai to host Indian premiere on January 23

Chennai will host the Indian premiere of the Navagraha Symphony on January 23, 2026, as part of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival. Violinist Dr. L. Subramaniam will lead the performance, a 45-minute work inspired by Indian cosmology. The piece combines Sanskrit shlokas with a full symphony orchestra, choir, dancers and guest musicians. Festival director Kavita Krishnamurti says the event aims to offer a rare, immersive experience that blends Western symphonic form with Indian tradition.

Date: January 23, 2026
Event: Navagraha Symphony Indian premiere
Performer: Dr. L. Subramaniam
Length: 45 minutes
Format: orchestra, choir, dancers, shlokas

25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav to begin January 27; women directors featured

The 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the annual marquee theatre festival of the National School of Drama, will begin on January 27. The festival will present 277 Indian and 12 international productions across 40 centres nationwide, in 228 languages and dialects. It features 33 women directors and includes 19 university and 14 local productions. Groups from Russia, Spain, Czech Republic, Italy and Nepal will participate, with theatre from 15 countries overall. Director Chittaranjan Tripathy said the festival will showcase productions from every continent, spanning classical to avant-garde forms, including musical and folk theatre. The drama schedule is still to be announced.

Start date: January 27, 2026
Productions: 277 Indian, 12 international
Centres: 40 nationwide
Languages: 228 varieties
Women directors: 33

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