Current Affairs - Art and Culture

The 'Tawi Festival', scheduled for four days starting March 1, 2024, in Jammu, aims to highlight the cultural richness and artistic talents of the region. Organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), the festival provides a platform for Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to showcase their skills, fostering economic empowerment and celebrating the diverse heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara, the largest tribal festival, is held biennially in Telangana, India. It attracts approximately ten million people over four days and is located 90km from Warangal city. The festival venerates the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma and commemorates their struggle against unjust rulers.

The 11th International Puppet Festival took place in Chandigarh at Tagore Theatre. This event celebrated the cultural heritage and artistic innovation of puppetry, featuring esteemed guests and dignitaries, including Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who inaugurated the festival, emphasizing puppetry's historical significance and universal appeal.

The pristine Gupteswar Forest, located in Odisha's Koraput district, has been designated as the 4th Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) of the state. This forest, covering 350 hectares, is culturally significant and renowned for its diverse flora and fauna.

Sonam Losar is celebrated as the New Year for the Tamang community, residing primarily in Nepal. This festival is an integral part of Nepal's cultural tapestry, showcasing the community's identity, history, and ancestral connections through vibrant celebrations and traditions.