General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - January 2026

Jan 2026

Oct 13, 2026

BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 Inaugurated in New Delhi

The BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 was inaugurated on 12 October 2026 at the National School of Drama in New Delhi. The three‑day festival runs from 12 to 14 October 2026 under the theme 'Shared Stories, Shared Futures.' Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the inaugural ceremony as chief guest. The festival, hosted during India’s BRICS Presidency 2026, showcases theatre from BRICS member countries and partner nations, with performances staged at NSD’s Abhimanch and other venues around the capital. It aims to promote cultural exchange, artistic collaboration and people‑to‑people connections while highlighting diverse theatre practices and narratives.

Event: BRICS Theatre Festival 2026, inaugurated 12 October 2026.
Venue: National School of Drama, New Delhi.
Theme: Shared Stories, Shared Futures.
Chief guest: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Objective: cultural exchange among BRICS and partners.

Oct 12, 2026

Guruvayur Dorai, Renowned Carnatic Percussionist, Passes Away

Renowned Carnatic musician Guruvayur Dorai passed away in Chennai on 10 October 2026 at the age of 91. A celebrated exponent of the Pudukottai style of mridangam playing, he hailed from Guruvayur, Kerala, and built a long, influential career. Dorai accompanied legendary artists such as M. S. Subbulakshmi and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, earning acclaim for rhythmic mastery and expressive phrasing. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for his contributions to Indian classical music, among other awards. Dorai's passing marks the loss of a leading figure in South Indian percussion, whose collaborations helped redefine concert percussion in Carnatic music. His legacy continues to inspire upcoming percussionists.

Genre: Carnatic percussion (mridangam).
Era: celebrated performer with M. S. Subbulakshmi and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
Honours: Padma Shri in 2025.
Origin: Guruvayur, Kerala; associated with Pudukottai style.
Legacy: influence on contemporary percussionists.

Sep 30, 2026

65th National Exhibition of Art held in New Delhi

The Lalit Kala Akademi organised the 65th National Exhibition of Art in New Delhi during September 2026, showcasing contemporary Indian visual art and inviting artists from across the country. The event highlighted painting, sculpture, and mixed media works, reflecting diverse regional styles and experimental practices. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended as Chief Guest, praising artists for sustaining creative dialogue. During the exhibition, 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awards were announced to recognise outstanding contributions in Indian art. The award ceremony celebrated emerging talents alongside established figures, reinforcing the Akademi’s role in promoting modern Indian art on national and international stages.

65th National Exhibition of Art hosted by Lalit Kala Akademi
Held in New Delhi in September 2026
Showcases painting, sculpture, and mixed media
Chief Guest: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awards announced

Mandar from Jharkhand gains Geographical Indication tag

Jharkhand’s Mandar, a traditional folk percussion instrument, has received the Geographical Indication tag, announced by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, in September 2026. The GI marker links Mandar to the cultural heritage and geographical identity of Jharkhand. The instrument holds a prominent place in tribal and folk traditions and is widely used during festivals and cultural performances. GI status is expected to promote local artisans, protect against counterfeit products, and boost tourism by highlighting Mandar’s unique musical sound and regional roots. Experts say the recognition could inspire broader efforts to preserve endangered crafts in eastern India.

Mandar awarded Geographical Indication tag in Sep 2026
Registry: Chennai, linking Mandar to Jharkhand’s heritage
Instrument central to tribal and folk traditions
GI status to aid artisans and tourism
Aims to protect against counterfeit products

Sep 27, 2026

Ramdhari Singh Dinkar remembered on his birth anniversary

Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar is remembered on his birth anniversary, observed on 23 September. He is widely known as Rashtrakavi, the National Poet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dinkar on 23 September. Born in 1908, Dinkar received the Padma Bhushan and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1959 for his contributions to Hindi literature. His poetry and essays are studied in schools and universities. Dinkar’s work is noted for nationalistic and humanist themes, and his legacy remains influential in Hindi literary circles and Indian cultural memory.

Birth date: 23 September 1908.
Nickname: Rashtrakavi (National Poet).
Tribute by Prime Minister Modi on 23 September.
Honours: Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Akademi Award (1959).

Sep 22, 2026

17th Kathakali Festival Held in Chennai

The 17th Kathakali Festival was held in September 2026 at the Bharata Kalakshetra Auditorium in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai. Conducted by the Kalakshetra Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, the festival featured the theme Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of the Essence of Stories. The opening performance was Mandodari, presented by Sadanam Academy and based on the Ramayana. The event showcased distinguished Kathakali performances, music, and storytelling, drawing participants from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. Organisers described the festival as a platform for traditional arts to reach diverse audiences while encouraging contemporary interpretations of classical narratives.

Event location: Bharata Kalakshetra, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai.
Theme: Kadha Rasa Sangama – Confluence of Stories.
Opening: Mandodari by Sadanam Academy (Ramayana-based).
Festival promotes Kathakali and evolving interpretations.

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