art and culture

Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha Return Home to India

News? Jewels forming a portion of the sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, which had recently come up for auction at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, were repatriated to India. Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha The Piprahwa Relics are a group of...

Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar: A Sacred Hindu Shrine

Context: A tragic stampede near the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar recently resulted in the loss of eight lives and left 28 others injured. About Mansa Devi Temple Mansa Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Mansa...

Preah Vihear Temple and Prasat Ta Muen Thom

Context: Recently, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire to curtail a century-old dispute over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Hindu temple. About Preah Vihear Temple A Hindu temple located in the Dangrek Mountains (Northern Cambodia). Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Constructed...

Maratha Military Landscapes of India Added to UNESCO World Heritage Site

Context: ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India’ was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the 44th site in India to receive this prestigious recognition. About Maratha Military Landscapes of India The Maratha Military Landscapes of India, spanning from...

India to Host First Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage in September 2025

In a monumental step toward preserving and revitalising India’s ancient intellectual heritage, the Government of India, through the Ministry of Culture, will host the first-ever Global Conference on Manuscript Heritage. Scheduled for September 11 to 13, 2025, the event will...

Chakma and Hajong Communities: History, Issues and Citizenship Rights

Context: A rights activist warned Arunachal Pradesh officials against violating the Supreme Court’s 1996 judgment protecting the Chakma and Hajong Communities, amid fresh calls for deportation and land record reviews. Who are the Chakma and Hajong Communities? Chakmas are predominantly...

Sheesh Mahal in Delhi Restoration, Architectural Style and Historical Significance

Context: The historic Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) in Delhi has been restored and reopened to the public after years of conservation work by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Sheesh Mahal in Delhi Delhi houses a large historic Sheesh...

Bonalu Festival 2025: Date, History, Rituals, and Significance

The Bonalu Festival is a vibrant and deeply traditional celebration primarily observed in Telangana, especially in cities like Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Celebrated with great enthusiasm, Bonalu is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, symbolizing strength, protection, and motherly benevolence. This article covers...

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, History, Rituals and Significance

The Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, one of the most celebrated religious festivals in India, will commence on June 27, 2025, in Puri, Odisha. This centuries-old tradition attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the world who come to witness...

Ambubachi Mela 2025: Dates, Rituals, Significance, and Complete Guide

Ambubachi Mela 2025 is set to be held from June 22 to June 26, 2025, at the sacred Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. Known as the "Mahakumbh of the East," this one-of-a-kind spiritual event honours the menstrual cycle of the Goddess Kamakhya,...