Art & Culture Current Affairs MCQs

Notes:
The annual Mela Patt festival recently began in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The festival is dedicated to Lord Vasuki Nag, the presiding deity of Bhaderwah Valley. Rooted in Nag culture, it commemorates the historic meeting between Mughal Emperor Akbar and King Nag Pal of Bhaderwah. The festival has been celebrated since the 16th century. It was first observed when Bhaderwah was known as Bhadarkashi. The festival is observed every year on Nag Panchami, seven days after the Kailash Yatra, it is inclusive of all communities. Dhakku dance, the traditional dance of Dogras, is also performed. The festival highlights religious traditions, historical legacy, and cultural pride of Bhaderwah.

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The newly constructed Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple in Rajgir, Bihar, was inaugurated on 5 September 2025. The inauguration followed traditional rituals and Bhutanese Buddhist customs. Rajgir is historically significant as a place of penance of Lord Buddha and holds great importance in Buddhism. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, and representatives from both countries. The temple aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between India and Bhutan. It will serve as a center for Buddhist learning, meditation, and promoting bilateral friendship and cooperation

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Ladakh is preparing for the 10th Zanskar Festival on 20th–21st September, a key cultural event of the region. The Zanskar Festival is celebrated in the Zanskar valley, located in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The festival aims to preserve Ladakh’s heritage, ethnic diversity, and traditions while promoting tourism.

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Manipur inaugurated the 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival in Ukhrul district on 17 September. The festival lasts 14 days and promotes Sirarakhong Hathei, a Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged chilli. Sirarakhong Hathei is famous for its unique aroma and flavour across India. Cultural performances were organised to showcase the rich heritage of the region. A Buyer-Seller Meet was held to enhance economic opportunities for farmers.A tree plantation drive was also held under the national initiative ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped five-century-old Tripura Sundari Temple at Udaipur, Gomati district. The temple, built in 1501 by Maharaj Dhanya Manikya Bahadur, is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas and a major pilgrimage site. The redevelopment project cost Rs 52 crore, mainly funded under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, with Rs 7 crore from the state government. The project added replicas of all 51 Shaktipeethas, stalls, halls, dormitories, Prasad ghar, a museum, food court, parking, and other amenities. The revamp aims to boost tourism and strengthen Tripura’s cultural heritage.

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In Manipur, the Mera Hou Chongba festival is celebrated on 7th October 2025, symbolising Hill-valley unity. Village chiefs from various indigenous hill districts arrived at the Manipur Royal Palace, Imphal to participate. The festival occurs on the 15th lunar day of the Mera month of the Meitei calendar every year. Mera Hou Chongba is the only festival in Manipur with participation from all indigenous communities.

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The Bathou religion of the Bodo community in Assam has been officially given a separate code in the upcoming national census. Bathouism is the indigenous faith of the Bodos, mainly in Assam and parts of North Bengal, forming a key part of their cultural identity. The term “Bathou” means “Five Principles”, representing Ha (Earth), Dwi (Water), Or (Fire), Bar (Air), and Okhrang (Sky). The religion focuses on nature worship, maintaining balance between humans and the environment through household and community rituals. Sacred Sijou plants and elemental symbols are central to Bathou practices.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted Operation Fire Trail to stop illegal smuggling of Chinese firecrackers into India. Officers intercepted a 40-foot container at Nhava Sheva Port, declared as carrying “leggings.”
Import of firecrackers is ‘Restricted’ under the ITC (HS) Code of the Foreign Trade Policy. Such imports need license from DGFT (Directorate General of Foreign Trade) and PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization). Smuggling these hazardous goods threatens public safety, national security, and port infrastructure. The DRI continues efforts to protect trade integrity and prevent organized smuggling.

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Every year, the Department of Fisheries, Manipur, organises the Annual Fish Fair cum Fish Crop Competition before the Ningol Chakouba festival. Ningol Chakouba is celebrated on the second day of Hiyangei month of the Meitei calendar. ‘Ningol’ means married woman and ‘Chakouba’ means invitation for feast; married women are invited to their parental homes for a feast. The festival dates back to King Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’s rule in Manipur.

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The traditional ‘Hingot war Festival’ takes place annually in Gautampura, Madhya Pradesh. The festival is organised every year on ‘Dhok Padwa,’ the day after Diwali, to commemorate Mughal–Maratha conflicts of the 17th–18th centuries. According to local folklore, the Hingot War originated from warrior customs of Gurjar soldiers and evolved into a symbolic sport after wars ceased. The region is inhabited mainly by the Gurjar community, known for martial traditions, bravery, and horsemanship. The festival begins after sunset with villagers offering prayers at a temple. Hingot is a local fruit stuffed with gunpowder, tied to a wooden stick, lit, and thrown at opponents like a rocket.