General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - December 2024

Dec 2024

Apr 06, 2026

Raja Ravi Varma's Yashoda and Krishna sells for ₹167.20 crore at Mumbai auction

Raja Ravi Varma's painting Yashoda and Krishna, created in the 1890s, set a record by selling for ₹167.20 crore at a Mumbai auction. The sale price is reported as about USD 17.98 million, making it the costliest modern Indian artwork ever auctioned. The record highlights rising global demand for Indian classical and modern art and underscores the enduring value of Varma’s imagery in contemporary markets. The auction results surpassed the previous benchmark held by works of M. F. Husain, reflecting a growing recognition of India’s artistic heritage in international art circles.

Painting: Yashoda and Krishna by Raja Ravi Varma (1890s).
Sold for ₹167.20 crore (~USD 17.98 million) in Mumbai.
Highest price for a modern Indian artwork at auction.
Surpasses earlier records set by M. F. Husain.
Signals rising global demand for Indian art.

Apr 02, 2026

Vice President releases Sudha Murty's book on Parliament murals

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book 'Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament' by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty at Samvidhan Sadan. He described the Parliament murals as powerful visual narratives that reflect India's civilizational journey. He lauded Sudha Murty for capturing their timeless beauty and symbolism and for making history accessible to people across generations. Describing Bharat as the 'mother of democracy,' he noted that participatory governance has roots across regions—from ancient Vaishali in the north to Kudavolai in the south—highlighting a culture of dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse viewpoints. The event underscored ongoing efforts to preserve and popularize parliamentary art.

Book: Tides of Time by Sudha Murty released at Samvidhan Sadan.
Murals are described as visual narratives of India’s civilizational journey.
Bharat called the 'mother of democracy' with roots in regional governance traditions.
Emphasis on dialogue, consensus, and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Apr 01, 2026

PM Modi inaugurates Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar on Mahavir Jayanti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Museum in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, 31 March 2026. The museum, at Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra in Koba village, preserves Jain heritage through artefacts, idols, manuscripts, and stone carvings. It aims to educate visitors about Jain philosophy and its historical evolution, complemented by modern audio-visual displays to enhance engagement. The opening marks a cultural milestone in Gujarat and contributes to preservation of regional heritage, aligning with national efforts to promote inclusive cultural education and tourism.

Inauguration date: 31 March 2026 (Mahavir Jayanti).
Location: Samrat Samprati Museum, Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra, Koba, Gandhinagar.
Purpose: Repository of Jain culture, philosophy, and history.
Features: Artefacts, idols, manuscripts, and AV exhibits.

Mar 23, 2026

Third North-East India Film Festival 2026 Begins in Imphal

The Third North-East India Film Festival (NEIFF) 2026 begins today at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal. The two-day festival will showcase nine films from across the North East region, including four Manipuri, four Assamese and one Khasi film from Meghalaya. The 3rd NEIFF 2026 Manipur aims to promote the growth of a vibrant and inclusive film industry, encouraging the study and appreciation of cinema as an art form. Organisers emphasize regional storytelling and collaboration among eight North Eastern states. The festival highlights Manipur's growing role in the regional film landscape and its cultural ties with neighboring states.

NEIFF 2026 opens at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal on 23 March 2026 and runs for two days.
Nine films selected: four Manipuri, four Assamese, one Khasi (Meghalaya).
Aims: Promote a vibrant, inclusive North East film industry and praise cinema as art.
Focus: Regional storytelling and cross-state collaboration in the North East.
Context: NEIFF underscores Manipur’s rising prominence in regional cinema.
Must-know (last 48 hours): NEIFF 2026 was held on 21–22 March 2026 at TanthaPolis Cinema, Lamphel, Imphal; nine films were screened.

Chapchar Kut Is Mizoram’s Most Important Festival

Chapchar Kut, Mizoram’s major spring festival, was celebrated in Aizawl with vibrant cultural performances, dances, music and exhibitions. The festival marks the completion of jhum cultivation and signals the arrival of spring. Locals, tourists and dignitaries participated, showcasing Mizo heritage through art, cuisine and performances. Chapchar Kut is rooted in agricultural traditions, reflecting the region’s social calendar and community pride. The event also highlighted the ongoing balance between preserving indigenous traditions and promoting tourism, with programs featuring traditional dances, handicrafts and local cuisine that attract visitors from across the state and beyond.

Chapchar Kut celebrated in Aizawl, Mizoram.
Marks completion of jhum cultivation and spring arrival.
Features cultural performances, dances and exhibitions.
Showcases Mizo heritage through art, cuisine and performances.
Highlights agricultural traditions and tourism potential.

Mar 18, 2026

Odisha Parba 2026 Concludes At Odisha Cultural Celebration

Odisha Parba 2026, a three-day cultural festival celebrating the state’s heritage, concluded with a closing ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Delhi’s Minister for Art, Culture and Language, Tourism and Labour Kapil Mishra praised the Odia community for cultural contributions, while Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati attended the final day. The festival showcased Odia art, music, dance, and cuisine and aligned with the Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat initiative, emphasizing cross-state cultural exchange and regional identity. Organizers highlighted the festival’s role in promoting culture-based tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties across states.

Event: Odisha Parba 2026, three-day cultural festival.
Closing: at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Dignitaries: Kapil Mishra and Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati attended.
Theme: Odia heritage, Ek Bharat–Shreshtha Bharat linkage.
Impact: promotes cultural tourism and inter-state exchange.

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