General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - December 2025

Dec 2025

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.

Mar 17, 2026

CHYIMI Wins Best Director at NYSAF 2026

Indian animated short CHYIMI won Best Director at the New York Short Animation Festival (NYSAF) 2026. Directed by Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who serves as Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Assam and Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, the film highlights rising Indian storytelling in international animation circuits. NYSAF is renowned for recognizing creative vision and craft in short formats. CHYIMI’s accolade reflects the growing global footprint of Indian and Assamese narratives and showcases India’s talent pool on global screens.

Award: Best Director, NYSAF 2026.
Director: Dr. Partha Sarathi Mahanta (IGP Assam/Police Commissioner, Guwahati).
Festival: New York Short Animation Festival, 2026.
Significance: strengthens Indian/Assamese animation presence internationally.
Context: part of global recognition for Indian short films.

Rare Medieval Gajapathi Inscription Found at Guntur Temple, Andhra Pradesh

A Telugu inscription carved on a stone pillar inside the mandapa of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Ramachandrapura Agraharam, Guntur city, Andhra Pradesh, has been dated to the 15th century CE. Historians link the record to the Gajapati king Purushottama Deva of Odisha. The text also mentions Kumaraguru Mahapatra, who served as a steward under the king, offering crucial clues about the administrative framework of the Gajapati dynasty. The pillar bears inscriptions on both sides, indicating its architectural significance. Epigraphists are analyzing the script and symbols to better understand temple administration, land tenure, and governance during this era.

Inscription in Telugu on a stone pillar inside the temple mandapa.
Dates to the 15th century CE; linked to Gajapati King Purushottama Deva.
Mentions Kumaraguru Mahapatra as a steward officer.
Provides insights into administrative practices of the Gajapati dynasty.
Bilateral engraving suggests significance for temple record-keeping.

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

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