General Awareness

ART AND CULTURE - May 2026

May 2026

May 13, 2026

Somnath Temple Marks 75 Years as Global Spiritual and Tourism Centre

Somnath temple is celebrating 75 years of its modern journey as a global spiritual and tourism hub. PM Narendra Modi, as Somnath Trust chairman, leads the 'Somnath Amrit Parv' and envisions a net-zero temple under Mission LiFE. Initiatives include converting floral waste to compost, plastic waste to paving blocks, and using advanced sewage treatment, rainwater harvesting, and Miyawaki forests. Digital tools enable devotees worldwide to book Pujas and receive Prasad at their doorsteps. The shrine attracts nearly 97 lakh devotees annually and benefits from strong infrastructure, including Vande Bharat trains and international airports.

Somnath temple marks 75 years of modern development
PM Modi chairs Somnath Trust; 'Somnath Amrit Parv' launched
Net-zero temple goals under Mission LiFE
Sustainability measures: compost, paving blocks, water treatment, rainwater harvesting, Miyawaki forests
Online Puja booking and Prasad delivery
Annual visitors around 97 lakh; strong transport connectivity

May 07, 2026

16th Century Telugu inscription found in Tadipatri

A 16th century Telugu inscription has been discovered in Tadipatri, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. Epigraphy studies of such inscriptions help researchers understand regional history, language development, religion, administration and temple patronage in peninsular India. The Tadipatri inscription adds to the corpus of evidence from the late Vijayanagara period, a time marked by shifting power dynamics and temple endowments. Researchers study the script, local rulers and donors to reconstruct chronology and governance patterns in the Deccan region. The find underscores ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret ancient Telugu inscriptions for historical scholarship.

Date: 16th century Telugu inscription found in Tadipatri.
Context relates to Vijayanagara era and regional governance.
Epigraphy helps trace language, script and temple patronage.
Site adds to historical records of Anantapur district.
Local temples often appear in inscriptions as donors and endowments.

May 03, 2026

Ashutosh Gowariker appointed Festival Director for 57th IFFI

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has appointed Ashutosh Gowariker as Festival Director for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The festival is scheduled to be held in Goa in November 2026. Gowariker is a celebrated filmmaker known for his distinctive storytelling and has a long association with IFFI, including attendance since 1984 and serving as Jury President for International Cinema in 2024. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh vision and enhanced international engagement to one of Asia’s largest film festivals, aligning with India's cultural diplomacy goals.

Ashutosh Gowariker named Festival Director for IFFI 57.
IFFI 57 to be held in Goa, November 2026.
Gowariker known for iconic films and storytelling.
He has attended IFFI since 1984; Jury President for International Cinema in 2024.

May 01, 2026

First BRICS Culture Working Group meets in New Delhi concludes

The first Culture Working Group meeting under India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 concluded in New Delhi, with BRICS partners participating virtually. The Indian delegation included Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi from the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. The Ministry of Culture highlighted cultural exchanges and people‑to‑people ties as central themes, aligned with the BRICS emphasis on shared heritage and collaboration. The presidency‑level theme is Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, reflecting India’s push for cultural diplomacy within BRICS.

Meeting concluded in New Delhi
BRICS culture focus under India’s presidency
Participants included Vivek Aggarwal and Dr. Joshi
Emphasis on cultural exchanges and people‑to‑people ties
Theme: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Highlights cultural diplomacy within BRICS

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