The 3rd Lavender Festival concluded, in Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, celebrating the region's growing role in India's Purple Revolution. Organised by CSIR-IIIM under the Aroma Mission, the two-day event highlighted the economic and social transformation lavender cultivation is bringing to remote Himalayan communities, drawing participation from over 1,200 stakeholders including farmers, scientists, investors, and policymakers.
May 20, 2025
Shirui Lily Festival
The 5th State Level Shirui Lily Festival is being held from May 20 to 24, 2025 in Ukhrul, Manipur. This festival, which celebrates the state flower of Manipur, is a significant event organised by Manipur Tourism to promote sustainable tourism and raise awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily.
May 16, 2025
Uttarakhand: Pushkar Kumbh at Keshav Prayag after 12 Years
The Pushkar Kumbh was held at Keshav Prayag, located in the border village of Mana in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand after 12 years. According to authorities, there has been a significant increase in the movement of pilgrims to both Badrinath Dham and Mana village.
According to religious tradition, when the planet Jupiter enters the Gemini sign once in 12 years, the Pushkar Kumbh is held at Keshav Prayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati Rivers in Mana village. This event is primarily attended by devotees of the Vaishnavite tradition from South India.
May 06, 2025
Vibrant Exhibition on Buddha Dhamma Inaugurated at HanhTâm Monastery in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
To mark the United Nations Day of Vesak (UNDV-2025) a vibrant exhibition on Buddha Dhamma was inaugurated at Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam showcasing the various aspects of Buddhist traditions. The inauguration of the exhibition of Vietnamese culture dazzled with pomp and tradition, featuring stunning performances and heartfelt unity. Participation of Sangha members from India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond reflected a true celebration of shared heritage and spiritual harmony. Senior Sangha members participated in "Bathing the Buddha Ceremony" during the inauguration of the UNDV 2025 Exhibition.
May 05, 2025
Lakkundi Group of Monuments Proposed for UNESCO Tentative List
In a significant development for India's cultural heritage, the ancient group of temples and monuments in Lakkundi and surrounding areas in Karnataka, built during the Kalyana Chalukya period (10th–12th century CE), are being finalised for inclusion in UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The State government has partnered with INTACH to prepare and refine the proposal, aiming to secure international recognition for these architectural marvels.
The Karnataka government, with assistance from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), is in the final stages of submitting a proposal to list the Lakkundi group of monuments and associated temples from the Western Chalukyan period on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The monuments fulfil key UNESCO criteria for architectural and cultural significance.
WAVES 2025: A People's Movement that Empowers Every Creator to be a Star
The premier edition of World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) concluded on a high note in Mumbai, registering an overwhelming response from exhibitors, industry leaders, start-ups, policymakers, academia, and the general public. The summit emerged as a key convergence point for the media and entertainment ecosystem, drawing participation from every segment of the industry — from celebrated artists and influential content creators to tech innovators and corporate leaders.
The celebration of creativity, technology, and storytelling began with the inauguration of its maiden edition by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a star-studded event held in Jio World Convention Centre.
The Bharat Pavilion, an immersive viewing zone that took visitors through the continuum of India's storytelling traditions at WAVES 2025, received an overwhelming reception and response from the public. The Pavilion, under the theme "From Kala to Code", offered a compelling narrative of India's evolution in media and entertainment—from oral and visual traditions to cutting-edge digital innovations.