General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - June 2025

Jun 2025

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.

Dec 28, 2025

The 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan Held in Jalandhar

In Punjab, the 150th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan, the oldest Hindustani classical music festival in the country, was held at Shree Devi Talab Temple, Jalandhar. The festival was organised in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala of the Union Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India and supported by the state government.
The 3-day festival was dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and acclaimed Banaras Gharana vocalist Pt Chhannu Lal Mishra, who passed away in October this year.
Renowned classical music artists like folk vocalist icon Vidushi Malini Awasthi, Pt Sajan Mishara, his son Swaransh Mishra, Pt Ronu Majumdar, Shashank Subramanyam, Ashwini Bhide, Pt Sanjeev Abhyankar, Pt Shubhendra Rao, Saskia Rao-de-Haas, Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, Pt Vijay Ghate, V Selvaganesh, Naveen Sharma and Shikharnaad Qureshi, among others, performed from 26 to 28 December.

Dec 27, 2025

Hundred Colours, One Instrument: Sarangi Takes Centre Stage

The Triveni Kala Sangam amphitheatre resonated with the strains of sarangi, as the Saurang Sangeet Society organised the first World Sarangi Day, honouring legendary sarangi maestro Sabri Khan. Blending music with history, Kamal Sabri paid tribute to his father by rendering Vande Mataram, recalling Sabri Khan's performance of the same on the midnight of August 15, 1947, when India attained Independence.

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