Current Affairs - Festivity

Meghalaya has introduced its Autumn Calendar 2025 as part of a cultural and tourism initiative designed to showcase the state’s rich traditions, natural beauty, and growing role as a global cultural hub. The calendar includes major attractions such as the internationally recognised Cherry Blossom Festival, grassroots music projects that empower local artists, international kayaking competitions, motorsport events, and literary dialogues. These activities not only promote Meghalaya as a vibrant tourism destination but also stimulate the local economy by creating income opportunities in hospitality, handicrafts, and services. By blending culture, sports, and sustainability, the Autumn Calendar strengthens the state’s identity and enhances global exposure.

Telangana has announced plans to celebrate the Bathukamma festival on the lines of Brazil’s Rio Carnival, aiming to draw international tourists to the state. Bathukamma is a floral festival dedicated to goddess Gowri, where women create beautiful floral arrangements and participate in vibrant cultural festivities. This year, the celebrations will begin on the 21st at the Thousand Pillar Temple in Warangal. The state also aspires to set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of women. By promoting Bathukamma globally, Telangana seeks to showcase its rich cultural heritage and boost tourism opportunities.

The Nuakhai festival is one of the most important cultural and agrarian celebrations of Odisha, particularly in the western region of the state. Observed annually on the panchami tithi of the Bhadraba month, it symbolises the first consumption of the newly harvested rice after offering it to the deity. The festival emphasises gratitude for agricultural abundance, family unity, and community bonding. Rich in rituals such as Beheren, Lagna Dekha, and Bali Paka, Nuakhai is not just about harvest but also cultural identity, marked by traditional Sambalpuri attire, folk dances like Dalkhai and Rasakeli, and vibrant social gatherings across Odisha.

The Suru Summer Festival 2025 was held in Suru Valley, Ladakh, and became historic due to an unprecedented August snowfall. This rare climatic event transformed the festival into a snow festival, attracting global attention and highlighting Ladakh’s unpredictable yet fascinating environment. The inauguration was graced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju as the Chief Guest and Lieutenant Governor Kavender Gupta as the Guest of Honour. The snowfall not only enhanced the natural beauty of Ladakh but also underlined the region’s distinct cultural and environmental identity, making the festival a remarkable and unforgettable celebration.

The first Art & Culture Festival is being organised in Nepal from September 5–27, 2025, across multiple venues including Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, Lalitpur, and Hadigaon. This 22-day event coincides with the traditional Indra Jatra celebrations at Basantpur Durbar Square, where the Living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh, and Bhairav are taken out on wooden chariots. By linking the festival with a vibrant cultural tradition, Nepal aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, highlighting its rich heritage and diverse artistic expressions while boosting cultural tourism in the region.