Current Affairs - Art and Culture

On July 10, 2025, Maharashtra officially recognised Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav as a state festival, marking a significant cultural development. The announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar during a session of the Legislative Assembly. This move ensures government support, promotion, and financial assistance for organising large-scale Ganesh celebrations across the state. Originating in 1893 under the leadership of Lokmanya Tilak, the festival was historically intended to foster unity and nationalism during British rule. Today, it remains a powerful symbol of Maharashtra’s cultural pride, community spirit, and heritage. Declaring it a state festival elevates its importance and preserves its legacy.

On July 11, 2025, UNESCO added the Maratha Military Forts of India to its prestigious World Heritage List during the 47th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris. This recognition honours 12 historically significant forts built by the Maratha Empire between the 17th and 19th centuries in Tamil Nadu. These forts are spread across various terrains hills, coasts, and plains and showcase strategic military architecture, water conservation systems, and innovative use of natural landscapes. Forts like Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg reflect the legacy of leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The inclusion highlights their global cultural value and ensures better preservation and international awareness.

The state of Bihar has established a dedicated trust to manage the construction and development of the Grand Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham, located in Sitamarhi district, which is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita. The trust, named the Shree Janaki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti, was officially announced through a gazette notification on June 26, 2025. This move aligns with Bihar's vision to boost religious tourism and preserve cultural heritage. With high-level state officials on board, including the Chief Secretary and District Magistrate, the project is expected to enhance local employment and infrastructure.

INSV Kaundinya is a unique stitched sailship recently inducted by the Indian Navy at the Karwar Naval Base. It is a handcrafted reconstruction of a 5th-century vessel shown in Ajanta cave paintings, built using traditional methods with coir rope, coconut fibre, and natural resin. The project was a collaboration between the Union Culture Ministry, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, aiming to revive ancient Indian shipbuilding. The ship symbolizes India’s maritime legacy and is named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya. It also underscores India's cultural diplomacy and the Navy’s evolving role as a preserver of maritime heritage.

Karnataka has proposed the Lakkundi monuments, dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period, for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage tentative list. These monuments, including the Kasi Visvesvara and Manikesvara temples, are known for their architectural significance, particularly the step-wells integrated into the temple complexes. The proposal emphasizes the blending of Nagara, Dravida, and Bhumija architectural styles into the Vesara style. This recognition would highlight the unique cultural heritage of the region and contribute to preserving its rich historical and architectural legacy for future generations.