Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

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In parts of Jaipur, Rajasthan, a unique Holi tradition unfolds on March 25: the throwing of colors through “Gulaal Gota,” small lac balls filled with dry gulaal. Crafted by Muslim lac makers known as Manihaars, this tradition dates back 400 years, cherished by the erstwhile Jaipur royal family. Gulaal Gotas represent a cultural fusion, highlighting the rich heritage and communal harmony in the region.

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Spring has sprung in Goa, igniting the vibrant Shigmo Festival, celebrating Konkan tradition. Lasting from March 26 to April 8, 2024, it bids farewell to winter, welcoming spring’s warmth. A fusion of Holi’s energy and carnival’s flamboyance, Shigmo showcases grand parades with folk performances and mythological floats. Held annually in Panaji, it embodies the essence of springtime bliss for Goans, echoing through the streets with two weeks of arts and culture.

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The Pathimalai cave hosts ancient rock art, approximately 3,000 years old, depicting an elephant, a chariot (sometimes interpreted as a peacock), and early dwellers’ lives. Located near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the site lacks protection, endangering the paintings. This artwork, drawn in white pigments, is significant in the Kongu region. Unlike other rock art sites, Pathimalai is easily accessible, situated at the base of a rocky hillock amidst farmland, drawing visitors’ attention.

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History buffs aim to preserve the laterite-brick ruins of Fort Emmanuel, constructed by the Portuguese in 1503 at Fort Kochi Beach, Kerala. Originally a symbol of alliance between the Maharajah of Kochi and Portugal, it housed the town within its walls. Dutch forces took over in 1683, followed by British control in 1795. By 1947, it lay in ruins, signifying its historical importance amidst foreign occupation.

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The Sri Madhava Perumal Temple reveals a historic trade route from over 1,000 years ago. Submerged in the Bhavanisagar dam, lowered water levels now unveil the temple in Erode district, Tamil Nadu. Hoysala King Veera Ballala III appointed Madhava Perumal Dhandanayaka to govern, who constructed the Dhandanayaka Fort 680 years ago. His son, Veera Siddha Keththaya Dhandanayaka, built the temple within. Later ruled by Vijayanagara Empire, Ummattur chiefs, and Tipu Sultan, the fort witnessed the Battle of Sathyamangalam in 1790.

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The week-long annual Gangamma Jatara folk festival, celebrated in the first half of May, is a significant event in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Honoring Goddess Gangamma, believed to be Lord Venkateswara’s younger sister, the festival attracts devotees to the Tataiahgunta Gangamma temple. Unique traditions include the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam sending a symbolic birthday gift, “Parisu,” from Lord Venkateswara to Goddess Gangamma.

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A portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka, specifically the ‘saalu mantap’ pavilion, collapsed due to torrential rains. Dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva, the temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. It showcases Dravida temple architecture with grand gopuras, Vimana, intricate carvings, and pillared halls.

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The iconic Maharani Temple, situated on a small hillock in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir , was tragically gutted in a blaze. Constructed in 1915 by Mohini Bai Sisodia, wife of Maharaja Hari Singh, it was a royal temple of the Dogra dynasty. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati, the temple featured intricate Indian and Persian designs. The Indian Army and local communities restored it in 2021, highlighting its cultural significance.

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The Satnami community in Chhattisgarh violently protested the desecration of a Jaitkhamb, a sacred symbol. The tallest Jaitkhamb is near Giraud village in Baloda Bazar of Chhattisgarh, at Guru Ghasidas’ birthplace. The Satnamis, founded in 1657 by Birbhan in Haryana, trace their roots to Bhakti poet Kabir and Saint Ravidas. The community’s spiritual lineage follows Guru Ghasidas, an 18th-century saint.

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Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal, for the annual Zeisht Ashtami festival. Built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 and renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi, an incarnation of Durga. It sits above a sacred spring that changes colors. The Kheer Bhawani Mela is also celebrated at shrines in Kupwara, Anantnag, and Kulgam.