Current Affairs - Art and Culture

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.

On July 26, 2024, India and the USA signed their first-ever Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi. This agreement aims to combat the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the USA and aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, highlighting a significant step towards protecting India's cultural heritage. The agreement restricts the importation of specific archaeological and ethnological materials into the USA and facilitates their repatriation to India if seized, reflecting a commitment to cultural heritage preservation and aligning with India’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy.