General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - October 2025

Oct 2025

Mar 14, 2026

Asian Women’s Film Festival Begins in Delhi

The 21st Asian Women’s Film Festival (AWFF) 2026 started in New Delhi, celebrating women’s voices from across Asia. The three‑day event is organized by the International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) at the India International Centre. Festival director Bina Paul curated about 75 films across documentary, fiction, animation, and experimental formats, complemented by discussions, masterclasses, and curated sessions. The programme highlights diverse storytelling, ranging from intimate personal narratives to films addressing social and political realities. Beyond screenings, AWFF aims to foster conversation, collaboration, and connections among filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals.

Event: 21st AWFF 2026; location: India International Centre, Delhi.
Organizer: IAWRT; director: Bina Paul.
Films: ~75 across multiple formats.
Activities: discussions, masterclasses, curated sessions.
Goal: promote women’s storytelling and dialogue.

Mar 13, 2026

Prada names Bella Hadid global beauty ambassador

Prada Beauty announced Bella Hadid as its first global beauty ambassador, leading the campaign for the brand’s debut blush, Prada Touch. The model, actress and entrepreneur is described as representing modern confidence and individuality, aligning with Prada’s evolving fashion and beauty strategy. Hadid’s appointment will involve promotional appearances and digital campaigns across global markets, reinforcing Prada’s image as an innovator in beauty alongside fashion. The collaboration marks a milestone for Prada’s beauty division as it expands its product lineup and retail presence while showcasing Hadid’s influence in contemporary style trends.

Ambassador: Bella Hadid
Brand: Prada Beauty, debut blush Prada Touch
Role: global ambassador with promotional activities
Brand positioning: contemporary, avant-garde beauty
Impact: broader reach for Prada’s beauty line

Mar 09, 2026

Guinness World Record: 9,111 Lezim performers unite in Maharashtra

On International Women’s Day, 9,111 participants performed Lezim, a traditional Maharashtra folk exercise, in a synchronized mass display in Thane district near Mumbai. The event took place at the Shri Sant Savlaram Sports Complex ground in Dombivli, bringing together women and schoolgirls from Dombivli and Kalyan talukas to set a new Guinness World Record. The attempt broke the previous record of 7,338 Lezim performers held by Sangli district. Organisers include Dombivlikar Ek Sanskruti Parivar and the Kalyan Taluka Physical Education Committee, under the guidance of BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. The gathering highlighted women’s empowerment and community involvement.

9,111 participants performed Lezim together
Event held on International Women’s Day in Thane district
New Guinness World Record, surpassing 7,338 from Sangli
Organised by Dombivlikar Ek Sanskruti Parivar and Kalyan Taluka committee
Participants included women and schoolgirls from local talukas

Mar 06, 2026

President Murmu to inaugurate Darjeeling Hill Festival

President Droupadi Murmu will visit West Bengal on 6–7 March 2026. On 6 March, she will inaugurate the Darjeeling Hill Festival at Lok Bhavan, Darjeeling, marking the 150th anniversary of the national anthem and unveiling an exhibition ‘Root & Rhythms’. The festival showcases tribal heritage and North Bengal culture, with collaborations among cultural institutions and museums. The event highlights Darjeeling’s artistic traditions and regional crafts, drawing visitors from across the state. Murmu’s visit underscores the emphasis on hill region culture, heritage preservation, and ongoing cultural diplomacy.

President Murmu inaugurates Darjeeling Hill Festival.
Scheduled for 6 March 2026 at Lok Bhavan, Darjeeling.
Festival marks 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram exhibition.
Celebrates tribal heritage and regional arts.

Mar 05, 2026

First Gandhi Bust in Montana – March 4, 2026

The first Mahatma Gandhi bust in Montana was unveiled on 4 March 2026 at the Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana, Missoula. The unveiling ceremony featured prominent officials from Montana and India, reflecting sustained cultural diplomacy between the two nations. Presented by the Government of India, the bust underscores India's soft power and the importance of educational and cultural exchanges. The event coincided with broader India-US cultural dialogues and appreciation of Gandhi’s legacy in promoting peace and non-violence across continents.

Gandhi bust unveiled in Montana on 4 March 2026
Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana venue
Ceremony marked by Montana and Indian officials
Bust presented by Government of India
Cultural diplomacy and Gandhi’s legacy highlighted

Oxford to Return Tirumankai Alvar Bronze to Tamil Nadu

An Indian cultural artefact, a 16th-century bronze statue of Saint Tirumankai Alvar, will be returned to India by the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. The 57.5-centimetre sculpture was originally from a Tamil Nadu temple and has been in Oxford's collection since 1967. Research indicates the piece was removed from a southern Indian temple, part of broader repatriation efforts worldwide. Tirumankai Alvar is one of the twelve Alvar saints revered in Vaishnavism, whose hymns helped shape the Bhakti movement in South India. The return illustrates increasing international cooperation to address artefacts taken during colonial periods. The statue is expected to be installed in a suitable temple or museum setting in Tamil Nadu.

16th-century Tirumankai Alvar bronze statue to be returned to India
57.5 cm tall; originally from a Tamil Nadu temple; in Oxford since 1967
Research links the artefact to a southern Indian temple
Alvar saints revered in Vaishnavism; tied to Bhakti movement
Part of ongoing global repatriation of artefacts
Potential placement in Tamil Nadu temple or museum

Montana Unveils Mahatma Gandhi Bust at Mike Mansfield Center

Montana state unveiled its first Mahatma Gandhi bust at the Mike Mansfield Center, University of Montana, Missoula, on 4 March 2026. The ceremony was led by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and India’s Consul General in Seattle, Prakash Gupta. The bust, a gift from the Government of India, highlights cultural diplomacy between India and the United States. Attendees discussed Gandhi’s philosophy of peace and non-violence as a global legacy. The event reflects India’s soft power through culture and education and reinforces people-to-people ties with the United States.

Gandhi bust unveiled at Mike Mansfield Center, Missoula (4 March 2026)
Governor Gianforte and India’s Consul General Prakash Gupta attended
Gift from the Government of India; symbol of cultural diplomacy
Gandhi’s peace and non-violence philosophy highlighted
Strengthens India-US cultural and educational ties

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