Current Affairs - Art and Culture

Nadi Utsav 2024, which celebrates the importance of India's rivers, was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on September 19th. This fifth edition of the festival carries the theme ‘Rivers in Reverse: Making of a Lifeline’, emphasizing the critical components of a river and its surrounding culture. The event aims to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of rivers, showcasing the connection between waterways and the communities that depend on them. Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, the IGNCA Member Secretary, played a key role in the festival's organization.

The 19th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam, showcasing a diverse array of products created by 100 Divyang artisans from 20 states. This event aims to promote financial independence and inclusion for Divyang entrepreneurs through concessional loans and assistive devices supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The fair features handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural performances, making it a vibrant platform for empowering Divyang artisans and encouraging local entrepreneurship. The event underscores the commitment to fostering an inclusive society and enhancing economic opportunities for all participants.

Uttar Pradesh will construct a Vedic-3D museum at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage through astrology, astronomy, and Vedic literature. The museum will focus on Vedic evolution, covering topics such as the 16 Sanskars, 64 arts, and 18 Vidya Sthans. This initiative, announced by CM Yogi Adityanath, also aims to revive the ancient tradition of ‘Shastrartha’ (spiritual discourse), enhancing the state's role in preserving and promoting Indian knowledge systems.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are collaborating to develop the Shri Krishna Gaman Path, a new religious tourism circuit. The circuit will connect places in Madhya Pradesh related to Lord Krishna's life, and is intended to make central India a major travel hub for Krishna devotees.

The Assam government is preparing for an impressive Jhumur dance performance involving 8,000 tea tribe artists. Jhumur is a traditional dance linked to the tea tribe communities in Assam, performed mainly during the Autumn season. This dance, characterized by rhythmic movements and accompanied by musical instruments like the Madal, flute, and Taals, reflects the everyday life and emotions of the community. This grand event highlights the cultural significance of Jhumur in Assam's heritage.