Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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Gujarat set a Guinness World Record on the first day of 2024 for the largest number of people, exceeding 50,000, performing Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 different venues. This feat was recognized as a significant cultural achievement and hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who emphasized the special significance of the number 108 in Indian culture. The event, which culminated in a state-wide competition, saw a major gathering at the iconic Modhera Sun Temple in Mehsana district, overseen by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

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The Hattee community, which has been at the center of recent legal discussions regarding its inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, is primarily found in Himachal Pradesh. This issue gained prominence following the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s decision to stay the inclusion of the Hattee community in the state’s ST list. The High Court intervened after the state government issued directions for this inclusion, which was contested by other communities through legal petitions. The Hattees are specifically from the Trans-Giri Area of Sirmour district in Himachal Pradesh, and their potential inclusion in the ST list has been a subject of debate and legal scrutiny.

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The annual Ice and Snow Festival, famous for its spectacular and large-scale ice sculptures, is hosted in the city of Harbin. Harbin is the capital city of China’s northernmost province, Heilongjiang, and is renowned for this festival which attracts a significant number of tourists each year. This festival features fairy-tale ice sculptures that are illuminated with colorful lights at night, creating a magical winter wonderland. The sculptures, some of which are several stories high, are made from ice harvested from the nearby frozen Songhua River. In addition to the sculptures, the festival includes various activities like ice slides for both children and adults. The event has gained considerable popularity, drawing thousands of visitors daily and contributing significantly to the local tourism economy, particularly after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.

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Legendary Indian classical dancer Kelucharan Mohapatra was born on 8 January, 1926. He is credited with the revival and popularising the Odissi dance form in the 20 th century. He did extensive research on the traditional ‘Gotipua’ and ‘Mahari’ dance forms, which led him to restructure Odissi.

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The International Camel Festival in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district started with a vibrant Heritage Walk from Rampuriya Haveli, showing decorated camels, traditional costumes, and local folk artists. Tourists and locals enjoyed folk songs, Rammats’ tunes, and dances, fostering a festive atmosphere in the city park. The event featured a warm reception by residents with flowers and rangoli decorations. Additionally, the Tourism Department organized Rangoli, Mehndi, and drawing competitions at Bikaji ki Tekri, rewarding winners with mementos.

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Gangasagar fair is celebrated every year on 14 or 15 January. This fair is held on the day of Makar Sankranti. In the year 2023, about 51 lakh devotees participated in this fair. This fair is held in South Pargana district of West Bengal. This fair is celebrated at Sagardweep, located some distance from the Bengal coast. Sagardweep is the place where the river Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal. In Gangasagar Mela, a dip is taken in the river on the banks of Ganga and then prayers are offered at the temple of Kapil Muni. Gangasagar Mela is the second largest Hindu fair after Kumbh Mela. By taking bath here one attains salvation and also gets the blessings of the ancestors.

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Indian Prime Minister recently honored poet and philosopher Saint Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day, originally celebrated on May 17-18, 1935. Now observed on January 15-16 in Tamil Nadu during Pongal festivities, the day pays tribute to Thiruvalluvar, a revered cultural icon. Known as Valluvar, his masterpiece, Thirukkural, consists of 1330 couplets covering ethics, politics, economy, and love. Divided into sections on virtue, wealth, and love, Thirukkural offers concise and poetic guidance on various aspects of life.

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The Prime Minister visited Guruvayur Temple during his two-day Kerala trip, praying at the Sreekrishna Temple. Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, known as the Dwarka of the South, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna’s young form. Located in Guruvayur, Kerala, the temple dates back to the 17th century, possibly even 5000 years. Notable features include traditional Kerala architecture; a 1638 C.E. rebuilt central shrine, ancient murals, and a 70-foot gold-covered Dwajasthamba. Thulabharam, where devotees are weighed against offerings, is a popular ritual. The temple also houses a significant number of captive male Asian elephants in the nearby Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary.

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Odisha’s Chief Minister inaugurated a heritage corridor encircling the revered Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of Hinduism’s most renowned sites. Built in the 12th century during King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva’s reign, the temple neutralizes the power of Yama, the god of death, according to Hindu beliefs. The Kalinga architectural marvel houses idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. The annual Rath Yatra festival celebrates Jagannath’s visit to Gundicha Temple, attracting millions. The festival spans nine days, beginning in the lunar month of Ashadha.

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The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, also known as Maru Mahotsav, is a vibrant cultural extravaganza scheduled for 2024 in the heart of Rajasthan’s desert city, Jaisalmer. This unique blend of music, dance, art, and tradition showcases the rich heritage of Rajasthan. The festival, themed “Back to the Desert,” is a captivating celebration from February 22–24, 2024, offering a delightful fusion of contemporary and age-old customs, creating an unforgettable experience and serving as a testament to Rajasthan’s enduring traditions.