Current Affairs - Festivity

The Mera Hou Chongba festival is celebrated in Manipur and is a unique cultural event that symbolises Hill-valley unity, promoting communal harmony among all indigenous communities. Observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei calendar, the festival features traditional rituals and a ceremonial march from the Royal Palace to Kangla. It stands out as the only festival in Manipur where participants from all indigenous communities come together, highlighting the state’s rich heritage, social cohesion, and the celebration of cultural diversity.

The Centre for Makhana Excellence was launched in Patna, Bihar, during a Makhana Festival attended by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The centre aims to enhance quality control, promote value addition, and support the growth of the makhana industry in India. Alongside the launch, the Minister released the report “Makhana to the world — from culture to prosperity,” highlighting strategies to expand the market reach and economic potential of this aquatic crop. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on boosting agricultural innovation and promoting regional specialties for national and global markets.

Telangana earned global recognition when its Bathukamma Festival set two Guinness World Records — one for the largest floral arrangement and another for the most synchronised female dance event. The vibrant festival, symbolizing devotion to Goddess Gauri and the celebration of feminine energy, featured over 300 artisans crafting a massive floral structure in 72 hours and thousands of women performing traditional dances in unison. Bathukamma, deeply rooted in Telangana’s agrarian and cultural traditions, coincides with Navratri and promotes eco-friendly practices, women’s empowerment, and community harmony, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage on an international stage.

The third edition of the Unmesha International Literature Festival 2025 was hosted in Patna, Bihar, from 25th to 28th September. Bihar was chosen not only as the venue but also as a symbolic representation of India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage. The state has historically been a cradle of knowledge, with ancient institutions like Nalanda and Vikramshila, spiritual centers like Bodh Gaya and Vaishali, and deep contributions to India’s democratic, political, and social fabric. Hosting the festival here highlighted Bihar’s global legacy in literature, art, and cultural dialogue while showcasing its vibrant traditions like Mithila painting and Chhath Puja.

The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was held in Sirarakhong Village, Ukhrul district of Manipur, celebrating the state’s GI-tagged Hathei chilli. This chilli is known for its bright red colour, strong aroma, and medium pungency, making it a unique agricultural product with significant culinary and commercial value. The festival blended cultural showcases with economic initiatives such as buyer-seller meets, market linkages for farmers, and tree plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. By promoting agri-tourism and biodiversity, the event highlights Manipur’s rich cultural identity and commitment to sustainable agricultural development.