General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - December 2025

Dec 2025

Feb 22, 2026

Shankar Passes Away at 92; Bengali Literary Icon

Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay, popularly known as Shankar, died at the age of 92 near Kolkata. A towering figure in Bengali literature, he authored nearly 100 novels and short stories. His works explored urban India's moral dilemmas, ambitions, and social change, influencing generations of readers and writers. Leaders across political lines offered condolences, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who called the loss irreparable for Bengal's cultural world. Shankar's prolific output and distinctive voice established him as a literary giant whose writing continues to shape contemporary cultural discourse in the region.

Shankar (Mani Shankar Mukhopadhyay) died at 92 near Kolkata
Prominent Bengali author with ~100 novels and stories
Writings explored urban India's moral and social issues
Condolences from leaders; Mamata Banerjee called it irreparable
Long-lasting impact on Bengali literature and culture

Feb 21, 2026

Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival to hold 3rd Edition, 18–21 February 2026

Dibrugarh University in Assam will host the 3rd Edition of the Dibrugarh University International Literature Festival (DUILF) from 18 to 21 February 2026. The four-day event, organized with the Foundation for Culture, Arts and Literature (FOCAL) of Guwahati, aims to celebrate literature, ideas and cultural dialogue. The festival will spotlight literature from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) under the theme Words Will Weave Worlds, highlighting cross-cultural conversations and Northeast India’s rich oral heritage. Participants include writers, scholars and artists from multiple countries, and the event seeks to elevate India’s presence on the global literary map.

DUILF 3rd Edition from 18–21 February 2026
Hosted by Dibrugarh University, Assam
FOCAL partnering organization from Guwahati
Theme centers on MENA region literature
Focus on cross-cultural dialogue and Northeast heritage
Aims to strengthen India's global literary profile

Feb 19, 2026

2300-year-old Kumittipathi rock art raises protection concerns

Ancient rock paintings estimated to be over 2,300 years old at Kumittipathi village in Coimbatore district remain inadequately protected despite being declared a protected monument by the Tamil Nadu government last year. The site, near the Kerala border, lies inside two caves on Pathimalai hill near Madukkarai, where white pigment paintings are believed to reflect early habitation and possibly elephant habitats. Scholars caution that neglect and environmental factors threaten the paintings' preservation. The Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department has called for improved protection, monitoring and conservation measures, and for community engagement to safeguard the cultural heritage. Archaeologists urge timely documentation through photogrammetry.

Kumittipathi rock art is ~2,300 years old.
Declared protected monument by Tamil Nadu last year.
Location: Pathimalai hill, near Madukkarai.
Threats: neglect and environmental factors.
Call for protection, monitoring and photogrammetry.

Losar Festival 2026 Begins in McLeod Ganj

Losar Festival 2026 began on 18 February and runs through 20 February in McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh, marking the Fire Horse Year. The Tibetan exile community celebrates with prayers, rituals, and cultural activities. Dalai Lama's arrival adds to the festive atmosphere. Homes and monasteries are decorated; residents preparing traditional dishes and offering prayers for peace, prosperity and Tibet's freedom. The festival also showcases Tibetan arts, music and cuisine, attracting devotees and tourists to McLeod Ganj, a spiritual hub. The three-day event underscores India's cultural diversity and its role as a home for Tibetan exile communities. The week supports tourism and local crafts.

Dates: 18-20 February 2026.
Location: McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.
Dalai Lama's arrival enhances festival mood.
Celebrates Tibetan culture and traditions.
Promotes tourism and local crafts.

Feb 17, 2026

Iron Age Temple Complex Found at Hedegaard, Denmark

Archaeologists report a 2,000-year-old Iron Age temple complex at Hedegaard near Ejstrupholm in central Jutland. The site, long considered farmland, reveals a settlement with political, religious and economic importance, suggesting Hedegaard served as a fortified hub near the turn of the Common Era. A burial ground excavated in 1986 yielded weapons and elite grave goods, underscoring ceremonial and social significance. Researchers say the discovery reshapes understandings of northern European power structures during the era. Further excavations are planned to map layouts and artifacts, with international collaboration contributing to broader knowledge of Iron Age activity in Scandinavia.

Location: Hedegaard, Ejstrupholm, central Jutland, Denmark.
Age: approximately 2,000 years old (Iron Age).
Significance: political, religious and economic hub.
1986 burial ground yielded weapons and elite goods.
Next steps: further excavations and mapping.

National Cow Culture Museum Planned for Mathura

India plans to open its first National Cow Culture Museum in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University campus. The museum will explore cattle’s cultural, agricultural and economic roles, offering a balanced narrative beyond religious symbolism. Officials say the facility will cover cattle conservation, sustainable farming, dairy production and rural livelihoods. The project aims to attract researchers, students and visitors interested in cattle’s place in Indian society and industry. Details on funding, design and opening timelines are expected from state and university authorities as planning progresses.

Location: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Veterinary Science University, Mathura.
Purpose: highlight cattle’s cultural, agricultural and economic roles.
Narrative: balanced view beyond religious symbolism.
Focus areas: conservation, sustainable farming, dairy sector.
Stakeholders: state government and university authorities.

Feb 16, 2026

Berlin International Film Festival 2026 Opens with Star-Studded Gala

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival opened on 12 February 2026 with gala events at Berlinale Palast. Festival Director Tricia Tuttle and Jury President Wim Wenders presided over the opening. The International Jury will be introduced, and Michelle Yeoh is awarded the Honorary Golden Bear. Academy Award winner Sean Baker will deliver the laudatory speech. The Berlinale gathers filmmakers, critics and audiences to showcase international cinema and cross-cultural collaboration, highlighting diverse voices and new trends in global film.

Open date: 12 February 2026
Gala at Berlinale Palast; Tricia Tuttle and Wim Wenders preside
Honorary Golden Bear awarded to Michelle Yeoh
Sean Baker to deliver laudatory speech
Festival emphasizes international cinema and cross-cultural collaboration

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