Current Affairs - Art and Culture

Kokborok is the native language of the Borok people and is primarily spoken in the state of Tripura, India. It is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family and is widely used among indigenous tribes such as the Jamatia, Reangs, Brus, Noatia, and Rupini. Due to decreasing usage, UNESCO has classified Kokborok as a vulnerable language in its Atlas of the World’s Languages in Danger. The demand to include Kokborok in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution reflects efforts to protect and promote the language through official recognition and broader institutional support.

The 'Garia and Borsho Boron Utsav' 2025 was inaugurated at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha. This vibrant festival honours Garia Puja, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Tripuri and Reang communities. The celebration includes traditional music, dance, and a variety of cultural performances by indigenous artists, showcasing Tripura's diverse heritage. The choice of Agartala, the capital city of Tripura, highlights its role as a cultural hub and a centre for major state-level events, drawing attention to the importance of preserving and promoting tribal traditions.

Dwarka and Beyt Dwarka, located in Gujarat, are rich in cultural, religious, and archaeological significance. Dwarka is revered as the kingdom of Lord Krishna and is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It is believed that Krishna established the city by reclaiming land from the sea, making it Gujarat's first capital. The region is home to historic structures like the Dwarkadhish Temple and Sharada Peeth. Beyt Dwarka, situated off the coast, has archaeological layers dating back to the Harappan and Mauryan periods. The ASI's underwater study aims to uncover ancient maritime heritage at these significant coastal sites in Gujarat.

The two-day conclave, focused on Buddhism and its cultural influence in Northeast India, will take place in Namsai, Arunachal Pradesh, starting from April 21, 2025. Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Namsai, has a deep historical connection to Buddhism, especially Theravāda Buddhism, making it an ideal location for such an event. The conclave will showcase the region's Buddhist traditions, cultural impact, and global connections, and will feature discussions, cultural performances, and practices like Vipassana meditation. The event emphasizes the important role of Buddhism in shaping the region's art, culture, and values.

The Banaras Shehnai, a traditional wind instrument known for its ceremonial and spiritual importance, was recently awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, formally recognizing its roots in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Revered through the legacy of Ustad Bismillah Khan, who made the instrument internationally famous, the shehnai is crafted with deep cultural and philosophical significance. Artisans from Varanasi, using Sheesham and Sagwan wood along with reeds from Bihar, create each piece with intricate care and precision. The GI tag honours the historical craftsmanship, protects the authenticity of the instrument, and ensures that its geographical and cultural identity is preserved for future generations.