Current Affairs - Festivity

The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair was inaugurated in Faridabad by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. This annual event, known for promoting handicrafts and handlooms, features nearly 600 participants from 42 countries. The fair highlights India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship, with Madhya Pradesh and Odisha as the partner states for this edition. Running until February 23rd, it serves as a global platform for artisans to showcase their work and attract visitors from around the world.

The 10th Arunachal Film Festival was inaugurated at TNZ Cinema in Itanagar by Minister PD Sona. This three-day festival is part of the Arunachal Government’s ‘Year of Youth’ initiative for 2024-2025, aiming to celebrate and promote young talent in the film industry. A special short documentary on pioneering filmmaker Taro Chatung was screened during the event’s opening ceremony. The festival serves as a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work and contributes to the growth of Arunachal Pradesh’s film culture.

The Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India was inaugurated by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant in Panaji on January 30, 2025. The festival, organized by Vidnyan Parishad Goa, focuses on science, innovation, and curiosity, with the theme “Green Revolution” this year. It also honours Dr. M. Swaminathan, a renowned scientist. The event serves as a platform to inspire young minds and encourage participation in scientific endeavours. The festival lasts for four days and emphasizes the importance of science for India’s progress while promoting sustainability and curiosity among the youth.

The Nagoba Jatara, a major tribal festival, is celebrated annually in the village of Keslapur in Indervelli mandal. This seven-day-long event is dedicated to the Nagoba temple and is a significant religious and cultural gathering for the Mesram clan and other aboriginal tribes. The festival attracts devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. Along with religious rituals, the Jatara also features cultural performances, a bustling market, and various social activities, making it one of the largest tribal gatherings in India.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, hosted the inaugural International Pashmina Festival, organized by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries. The festival, held over three days, showcased over 150 domestic stalls, with 40 dedicated to pure Nepali Pashmina. The event highlighted the traditional craftsmanship behind the iconic Pashmina fabric, especially the superior quality "Chyangra Pashmina." It also underscored Nepal's global recognition as a leading producer of this exquisite, hand-woven textile made from the undercoat of Chyangra goats.