“Festival Current Affairs” is a crucial aspect under the category of “Recent Significant Current Affairs” and “Art and Culture.” All recent festivals that have made headlines fall under the current affairs section.
This topic is essential for various competitive exams, including UPSC, WBCS, SSC, Railway, and other state-level exams. In this article, we are providing a list of festivals celebrated in India in 2023, which have been recently observed in different regions across the country.
Festival Current Affairs October 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State/Country | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aadi Mahotsav – the National Tribal Festival | Jamshedpur, Jharkhand | • Inaugurated by the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Arjun Munda. • The event organized by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) |
| 2 | Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2023 | Zanskar, Ladakh |
• The festival featured traditional ethnic cultural troupes from Zanskar, Kargil, Drass, Aryan Valley, and Himachal Pradesh’s Lahul, Spiti, Kannur. • The festival aimed to support traditional folk artists, cultural performers, handloom and handicraft artisans, traditional nomadic life (Doksa), and traditional archery sports. |
| 3 | Bathukamma | Telangana | • Occurs for nine days during Durga Navratri, starting from Mahalaya Amavasya. • Culminates in “Saddula Bathukamma” or “Pedda Bathukamma” festival on Ashwayuja Navami. • Followed by a 7-day Boddemma festival marking the end of Varsha Ruthu. • Worship of Goddess Maha Gauri, the life-giver, in the form of Bathukamma. • Originally meant as a “festival of life” to thank Goddess Parvati for blessings on crop harvest and income. |
| 4 | Kati Bihu also known as Kongali bihu | Assam | • Kati or Kangali Bihu is associated with agriculture in Assam. • Celebrated on the first day of the ‘Kati’ month in the Assamese calendar. • Also known as Kangali, signifying “Poor” due to the scarcity of food during this time. • Celebrations involve lighting lamps or candles, called Saaki, in the evening. • People, especially ladies, worship and welcome Goddess Lakshmi by lighting earthen mustard oil lamps in fields, near the sacred Tulasi plant, and in the store (bharal ghar). • This ritual extends throughout the month. • Tulsi plant holds great significance in Hinduism. • In paddy fields, a special lamp called ‘Akaxh Banti’ (Sky candle) is lit atop tall bamboo poles. • These lamps, scientifically, attract insects in the paddy fields, helping to keep the crops healthy and free from pests. |
| 5 | First edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival | New Delhi | • Two-day festival celebrating India’s military culture and heritage. • Focus on diverse aspects through conversations, art, dance, drama, story-telling, and exhibitions. • Aims to bring forward different perspectives via panel discussions. • Involvement of eminent scholars, practitioners, and serving as well as retired officers. • Dedicated to honoring the evolution of India’s military history over centuries. |
| 6 | Anthurium Festival | Mizoram | • Anthurium Festival in Mizoram spans two days at Reiek in Mamit District. • Organized by the Department of Tourism of Mizoram. • Dr. Lalrozama, Tourism Secretary, emphasizes the significance of tourism for income generation and overall state development. • Highlights the employment opportunities tourism offers to the youth. • Stresses the preference of tourists for exploring villages to experience unique culture, traditions, and religion. • Advocates for responsible and sustainable tourism practices. • Views the Anthurium Festival as a joyous occasion to showcase the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Mizo people. |
Festival Current Affairs September 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State/Country | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gai Jatra festival | Nepal | • Gai Jatra is a significant festival in Nepal’s Kathmandu valley, held to honor those who passed away during the year. • The festival falls in the month of Bhadra (August-September), following Janai Purnima, a thread-changing ceremony. • The Newar community in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts celebrates Gai Jatra with great enthusiasm over eight days. • Gai Jatra is a public holiday in Nepal. |
| 2 | Bangus Valley Festival | Jammu & Kashmir | • The Bangus Valley Festival was inaugurated by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. • The festival aims to showcase the rural and adventure tourism potential of Bangus Valley. • The event will promote the tribal culture of the region and provide a platform for local artisans to showcase their traditional arts and crafts. • The festival highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s diverse tourism offerings, including adventure activities, exquisite cuisine, pilgrimage sites, traditional handicrafts, and serene mountain landscapes. • The region is developing around 300 new destinations to provide a variety of gateway options for domestic and foreign tourists, featuring activities, festivals, natural scenery, shopping, and B&B homestays in picturesque villages. |
| 3 | Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival | Lalitpur, Nepal | • The Kathmandu-Kalinga Literary Festival concluded in Lalitpur, Nepal, after a successful three-day run. • The festival served as a platform for cultural exchange and promotion of literary and artistic endeavors in South Asia. • The event brought together literary figures and artists from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, highlighting the region’s diverse cultural heritage. The festival showcased a variety of creative expressions, including literature, music, dance, poetry, and other art forms. |
| 4 | North East India Festival (17th Edition) | Milan, Italy | • The event was organized by the North East Institute of Fashion Technology (NEIFT) and the Consulate General of India, Milan. • The festival showcased the rich cultural heritage of Northeast India through fashion shows, folk dances, and tourism promotions. • Eight designers from Northeast India presented their collections, featuring top international models. • The festival aimed to promote Northeast India’s tourism potential and cultural richness to the European community. |
| 5 | Festival of Democracy | Nalanda University in Bihar | • The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is organizing a ‘Festival of Democracy’ at Nalanda University in Bihar, India. • The festival, titled ‘Vaishali Festival of Democracy,’ coincides with International Day of Democracy on September 15. • Nalanda University was chosen as the venue due to its historical significance, democratic values, and international presence. • The festival will feature panel discussions, cultural exchanges, and prominent guests, including former President Ram Nath Kovind, Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Minister of State for Culture Meenakshi Lekhi. • The theme for this year’s International Day of Democracy is “Empowering the Next Generation,” emphasizing the crucial role of youth in shaping democracy. |
| 6 | First edition of the Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav | Goa | • The inaugural edition of the ‘Bharatiya Prakash Sthamb Utsav’ or Indian Lighthouse Festival was launched at the historic Fort Aguada in Panjim, Goa on September 23, 2023. • The festival aims to revitalize the rich maritime heritage associated with India’s 75 iconic lighthouses and showcase their captivating stories to the world. |
Festival Current Affairs August 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unmesha & Utkarsh Festival | Madhya Pradesh |
‘Unmesha’– International Literature Festival ‘Utkarsh’– National Festival of Folk and Tribal Performing Arts to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity |
| 2 | Namaste Vietnam Festival | Vietnam | • The festival is an intersection of culture and commerce, creating the basis for promoting bilateral relations to promote tourism, trade, art, culture, music and film. • The theme of the 2nd Namaste Vietnam Festival was “People unite, warm friendship” |
| 3 | Aadi Perukku cultural festival | Tamil Nadu |
• Aadi Perukku, also known as the Aadi Monsoon Festival, is a Tamil cultural celebration. • It occurs on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi. • The festival is dedicated to honoring the importance of water and its life-sustaining properties. • It involves nature worship, particularly of the Amman deities. • The goal is to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and happiness for mankind through nature’s grace. |
| 4 | Festival of Libraries 2023 | New Delhi | • The festival highlighted iconic libraries from across the world in order to initiate a conversation on the modernization and digitization of libraries in India. |
| 5 | Malabar River Festival 2023 | Kerala | • It is a International Kayaking competition held at Thusharagiri in Kozhikode. • The festival is conducted in one of the most naturally beautiful rives of Kerala, the Chalippuzha River. |
| 6 | India Startup Festival (ISF) 2023 | Bengaluru | • The Theme of the festival: “Innovation at the Bottom of the Pyramid” |
| 7 | Navroz Festival | Iran and the Persian diaspora | • New year festival of Iranian or Persian Communities. The festival based on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar, on the spring equinox. |
| 8 | Chingam 1 Festival | Kerala |
• Chingam 1, also known as Chingam Month is the first day of the traditional Malayalam calendar used in Kerala. • Chingam 1 marks the beginning of the new Kolla Varsham, which is the Malayalam New Year. |
| 9 | Anduri Utsav | Uttarakhand |
• Anduri Utsav, also known as the Butter Festival, takes place annually in Raithal, Uttarkashi district. • It is a gesture of gratitude to Lord Krishna for safeguarding cattle from malevolent forces during their grazing in Dayara Bugyal’s open meadows. • Participants engage in a joyful tradition of smearing one another with butter, milk, and buttermilk as part of the celebration. |
| 10 | Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat Food Festival 2023 | New Delhi | • The 3-day festival aims to highlight the diverse flavours and dishes that define each region of India. • The event will showcase state-specific cuisines and promote awareness of the unique offerings within each region, while fostering a sense of togetherness. |
Festival Current Affairs July 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tanabata festival | Japan | Tanabata, also referred to as the Star Festival, is a traditional Japanese celebration with its roots in the Chinese Qixi Festival. This joyous occasion commemorates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, symbolized by the stars Vega and Altair, respectively. |
| 2 | Indian Mango Festival ‘Aamrus | Moscow, Russia | In the festival, the “enthusiastic” Russian audience got to enjoy five samples of different varieties of Mangoes from Uttar Pradesh – Dasheri, Langra, Chausa, Amrapali and Mallika. |
| 3 | Ker Puja festival | Tripura | The celebration takes place two weeks after the Kharchi Puja, dedicated to honoring Ker, the guardian deity of Vastu Devata. Originally initiated by the Tripura rajas, the puja is now an essential ritual for the Halam tribe. |
| 4 | Bonalu festival | Telangana | Bonalu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, as well as in other parts of Telangana. The festival is centered on the Goddess Mahakali, and is celebrated in the month of Ashada Masam, which is around July and/or August. The word “Bonalu” is a contraction of the word “Bhojanam,” which means “meal” or “feast” in Telugu. |
| 5 | Festival of Libraries 2023 | New Delhi | The purpose of the festival is to showcase iconic libraries from around the world, initiate a dialogue on the modernization and digitization of libraries, and facilitate the formulation of action-oriented policies for the development of Model Libraries in India, right down to the village and community levels. |
| 6 | Chachin grazing festival | Arunachal Pradesh | The Chachin Grazing Festival is a two-day festival that is celebrated in the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is held in the month of July or August, and it is a celebration of the traditional nomadic herding lifestyle of the Monpa people. The festival is named after the Chachin grazing ground, which is a high-altitude meadow that is located near the Bumla Pass. |
| 7 | Hemis Tsechu Festival | Ladakh | The Hemis Tsechu Festival is a two-day celebration of the life and teachings of Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival is held at the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India, and features a variety of traditional Tibetan performances, including masked dances, music, and religious rituals. The highlight of the festival is the chaam dance, a masked dance performed by monks to commemorate the victory of good over evil. |
Festival Current Affairs June 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lavender Festival | Jammu and Kashmir | Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of state for Science & Technology inaugurated the two-day “Lavender Festival” in Bhaderwah Valley (Lavender capital of India) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K |
| 2 | Vitasta Mahotsav | Jammu and Kashmir | he festival focuses on the folk beliefs associated with the Vitasta (Jhelum) river. |
| 3 | Kharchi Puja | Tripura | The word “Kharchi” is derived from the Tripuri word “Khya”, which means “Earth”. The festival is therefore seen as a way of cleansing the Earth and washing away sin. The festival is dedicated to the fourteen deities (Chaturdasha Devata) who are believed to be the guardians of Tripura. |
| 4 | Palkhi Festival | Maharashtra | Warkari community has celebrated the Palkhi festival in Pandharpur, Maharashtra to honor the Hindu God Vithoba. |
| 5 | Raja festival | Odisha | The first day of the festival is called ‘Pahili Raja’, the second day is called ‘Majhi Raja’ ‘Raja Sankranti’ or ‘Mithuna Sankranti’, the third day is ‘Bhudaha’ or ‘Basi Raja’ or ‘Sesha Raja’. |
Festival Current Affairs May 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ganga Pushkaralu festival 2023 | Celebrated at shrines along the banks of 12 major sacred rivers in India | Ganga pushkaralu celebrations are held every 12 years in the Ganga River in Pushkaralu, where thousands of pilgrims travel to dip in the holy river. |
| 2 | Ubhauli festival | Nepal | Ubhauli is an annual festival celebrated by the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu, and Yakkha in Nepal, India, and various parts of the world. This vibrant festival symbolizes the migration towards the hilly regions as the arrival of the summer season approaches. |
| 3 | Great Prayer Festival, Monlam Chenmo | Ladakh | The annual five-day-long Great Prayer Festival, “Ladakh Monlam Chenmo,” a mass prayer camp by Buddhist monks and nuns for world peace and happiness is starting today in Leh, Ladakh. |
Festival Current Affairs April 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yangli Festival | Assam | ▪ The Yangli Festival, also known as ‘Lakshmi Puja’, held at Guva, Jagiroad in Morigaon district. ▪ The festival is celebrated by the Tiwa people, and is related to agriculture, the mainstay of their economy. ▪ They pray for a bountiful harvest and protection for their crops from pests and other natural calamities. ▪ The festival is celebrated once every five years, and the sowing of paddy starts immediately after its celebration. |
| 2 | Ganga Pushkaralu festival | India | ▪ Pushkaram is a festival in India that honors rivers. ▪ It takes place every 12 years at shrines along the banks of 12 sacred rivers in India. ▪ During the festival, people worship their ancestors and attend spiritual talks, listen to devotional music, and enjoy cultural events. ▪ Each river is linked to a zodiac sign, and the festival is held on the river associated with the zodiac sign Jupiter is in at that time. ▪ Sometimes, one zodiac sign may be associated with multiple rivers due to regional differences. |
| 3 | SCO Millets Food Festival 2023 | Mumbai | ▪ Ministry of Tourism, India to organize SCO Millets Food Festival from April 13-19, 2023. ▪ Festival to take place at Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. ▪ Chefs from SCO member countries will showcase their cuisines. ▪ Organic meals made with millets to be available at the Shamiana Restaurant ▪ Festival is to commemorate the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) |
| 4 | HUN- a Thadou Cultural Festival 2023 | Manipur | ▪ HUN festival is an annual cultural festival and a civilising act of the Thadous community of Manipur and it is celebrated at the arrival of the new year according to the community. |
| 5 | Thawe Festival 2023 | Bihar | ▪ On April 15th and 16th, the Thawe Festival was held in Gopalganj, Bihar, which was jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Art and Culture. The festival was intended to increase tourism in Gopalganj and encourage visitors to the Thawe Durga Temple. |
| 6 | Jitgadhi Festival | Nepal | ▪ Jitgadhi festival celebrated in Butwal of Rupandehi district, Nepal. ▪ Commemorates Nepal Army’s victory over the British, formerly the East India Company. ▪ Colonel Ujir Singh Thapa led the Nepal Army in conquering the Jitgadhi fort on 7th Baisakh in 1872 BS. ▪ The victory marked the defeat of the British Army |
| 7 | Sinthan Snow Festival-2023 | Jammu and Kashmir | ▪A diverse range of activities, including a bike rally, paragliding, snow kayaking, fun snow activities, and local cultural performances, will be featured at the 2-day Sinthan Snow Festival-2023. |
Festival Current Affairs March 2023
| Sl. No | Festival | State | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siang Unying Festival | Arunachal Pradesh | The festival of Unying is celebrated to mark the onset of the cultivation season, the start of the Adi community’s New Year, and the arrival of the spring season. The festival holds great significance for the community as it serves as a way to strengthen the bonds among its members. |
| 2 | National Youth Parliament Festival 2023 | New Delhi | It was organized by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Theme: Ideas for a Better tomorrow: India for the World |
| 3 | Yaoshang festival | Manipur | Yaoshang is a significant festival celebrated in Manipur and is regarded as one of its major festivals. The celebrations witness participation from people belonging to various communities, coming together to revel in the festive spirit. The festival is celebrated for five days and is observed on the full moon day of the month of Lamta, which typically falls in February-March. The festivities of Yaoshang usually coincide with the popular festival of Holi. |
| 4 | Bhumchu Festival | Sikkim | The Bumchu festival is an annual celebration that takes place on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which usually falls in February or March, at the Tashiding Monastery located in West Sikkim, India. The highlight of the festival is the opening of a vessel that contains holy water, and the water level in this vessel is considered a prophetic sign of the fortunes for the upcoming year. This festival holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the local community. |
| 5 | Kodava hockey festival 2023 | Karnataka | The Kodava hockey festival, an annual inter-family field hockey tournament held in the Kodagu district of Karnataka. |
| 6 | Gorsam Kora festival | Arunachal Pradesh | Festival of friendship between India and Bhutan, was celebrated at the Gorsam Chorten Stupa |
| 7 | Ghode Jatra | Nepal | Ghode Jatra is a traditional horse festival that originated in Kathmandu, Nepal. The festival takes place annually, typically falling in mid-March or early-April. The main highlight of the festival is a horse parade held at Tundikhel, accompanied by various competitions that are organized in the presence of important dignitaries including heads of state. The parade and competitions are organized by the Nepal Army. The local Newar community of Kathmandu celebrates the occasion by organizing a feast. The day of Ghode Jatra is considered a public holiday in Kathmandu. |
| 8 | Sajibu Nongma Panba Festival | Manipur | Sajibu Nongma Pānba, which means ‘First day of Sajibu month’ in Meitei language, is a lunar new year festival celebrated by the Meitei people in the Indian state of Manipur. The festival is also known as Meitei Cheiraoba or Sajibu Cheiraoba, and it holds great significance for the Meitei community who follow Sanamahism, their traditional religion. |
| 9 | 1st Urban Climate Film Festival 2023 | New Delhi | The festival was held at the M.L. Bhartia Auditorium, Alliance Française, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi. The inaugural session will be chaired by Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa. |
Festival Current Affairs February 2023
Gandhisagar Floating Festival 2023
▪ The Gandhisagar Floating Festival 2023 is Asia’s first floating festival.
▪ The festival is being held in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.
▪ It will feature land, air, and water-based adventure activities.
▪ The festival is a 5-day event.
▪The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is organizing the festival to promote Gandhisagar as a tourist destination.
Me-Dam-Me-Phi’ Festival 2023
▪ Sarbananda Sonowal hosted the “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” festival of Assam’s Tai Ahom community in New Delhi.
▪ The festival is annually observed across Assam on January 31.
▪ ‘Me’ means offerings, ‘Dam’ means ancestors, and ‘Phi’ means God.
▪ Worship is offered in the name of three gods namely Grihadam, Dam Changphi, and Me Dam Me Phi.
▪ The ceremony was attended by members of the Assamese community living in Delhi-NCR, Union Ministers, MPs, and ambassadors from Thailand and Laos.
International ‘Khajuraho Dance Festival-2023
▪ The International Khajuraho Dance Festival-2023 (49th edition) has begun at Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, India.
▪ The event was officially inaugurated by Vishnu Dutt Sharma, the BJP state president, and Khajuraho MP.
▪ The festival began in 1975 and is organised by the Ustad Allauddin Khan Music and Arts Academy under the Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
▪ Khajuraho is home to an outstanding collection of temples that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
▪ The Madhya Pradesh State ‘Rupankar Kala Puraskar 2023’ was presented to 10 artists from various fields on this occasion.
▪ Khajuraho will host the first meeting of the G20 Cultural Working Group (CWG).
1st Sundarban Bird Festival
▪ 145 different bird species were sighted during the first-ever Sundarban Bird Festival, organized by the Sundarban Tiger Reserve and South 24 Parganas division of the West Bengal Forest Department.
▪ The birds were spotted by 6 teams that visited different parts of the Sunderban Biosphere Reserve during the 2-day festival.
▪ The bird species sighted include 78 forest birds, 42 species of waders, 12 species of raptors, six species of waterfowl, and seven other bird species.
▪ 86 species were spotted in the core zone, 128 species were spotted in the buffer zone and 71 were spotted outside the protected area.
▪ During the festival, the birders spotted 7 out of the 9 species of kingfishers found in Sundarban.
▪ Sundarban is home to 12 kingfisher species, and 9 of them were spotted during the festival.
▪ The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve is home to 428 documented bird species, according to various studies by the Zoological Survey of India and a publication titled “Birds of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve”.
Ellora Ajanta International Festival 2023
▪ The Ellora-Ajanta International Festival 2023 was held in Chatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
▪ The festival took place at the historical site of Soneri Mahal, located on the campus of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University.
▪ The festival was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Dr. Bhagwat Karad.
▪ The festival aimed to celebrate the cultural heritage and diversity of the region.
▪ The festival featured a range of events, including live music performances, dance shows, art exhibitions, and food festivals.
Festival Current Affairs January 2023
Imoinu Iratpa Festival
▪ Emoinu Iratpa, also known as Imoinu Iratpa or Waakching Taranithoini Paanba, is a sacred festival that pays homage to the Meitei Goddess Imoinu Ahongbi.
▪ Observed by those who follow the Sanamahism religion, particularly in Manipur, the festival takes place on the 12th day of the Wakching month in the Meitei calendar.
▪ The festival is celebrated by Meitei communities not only in Manipur, but also in Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
VIRAASAT Festival
▪ Virasat is a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and is considered the largest folk and heritage festival in the Afro-Asia region.
▪ Hosted in Dehradun, India, the festival is organized by REACH (Rural Entrepreneurship for Art & Cultural Heritage) and spans over a week, showcasing Indian folk and classical arts, literature, crafts, theatre, cinema, and yoga through performances and workshops.
▪ The festival aims to create a platform for interaction between students, artists, and craftsmen, with classical music and dance performances by renowned maestros and master craftsmen taking place during the first half of the academic year.
▪ The name Virasat, which is derived from the Hindi language, translates to “heritage”.
Gaan Ngai festival
▪ Gaan-Ngai, also referred to as “Chakaan Gaan-Ngai,” is a festival celebrated by the Zeliangrong people of the Indian states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland.
▪ It is the largest of the many festivals celebrated in the indigenous calendar of the Rongmei Naga/Kabui tribe and is a post-harvest festival.
▪ The main celebrants of this festival are the followers of the Zeliangrong indigenous religion, including those who practice Poupei Chapriak and Heraka, among other sects.
Tamu Lhosar
▪ Tamu Lhosar is a New Year festival celebrated by the Gurung community in Nepal.
▪ This festival is observed on the 15th day of the Nepali month of Poush, which falls in December or January.
▪ The Gurung people follow a 12-year cycle, each year representing a different creature such as garuda, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger, or cat.
▪ During the festival, Gurung men don traditional attire including Bhangra, a white apron, and Kachhad, a short cloth. Gurung women, both young and old, adorn themselves with Ghalek, a velvet blouse, and golden ornaments such as earrings and necklaces studded with semi-precious stones.
▪ People gather in large and small groups to feast and perform traditional dances. Home-made Raksi is a staple drink served during the celebration. Tamu Losar is recognized as a public holiday in Nepal.
Octave 2023 Festival
▪ Under the guidance of the South Zone Culture Centre in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Octave 2023 was held to showcase the traditional art and culture of Northeast India.
▪ The festival was officially opened by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R N Ravi. The Governor stated that the country’s outlook towards the Northeast has evolved over time and the state is now playing an integral role in India’s growth story. He added that the Northeast region is experiencing progress and growth, with a wealth of capabilities and aspirations.
Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity 2023
▪ The first-ever festival of its kind, “Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity” was launched with a grand ceremony on January 6, 2023 in Goa.
▪ The festival’s goal is to unite people and promote inclusivity and a welcoming environment for everyone.
▪ The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, was in attendance at the opening ceremony and visited an exhibition cum sale showcasing products made by Divyangjans (persons with disabilities).
▪ Goa, previously recognized for its New Year celebrations, is now taking a step forward in empowering Divyangjans with the introduction of Purple Fest.
Cherchera festival
▪ Recently, Chhattisgarh celebrated the Cherchera Festival at the Dudhadhari Math in Raipur.
▪ The full moon night of the Paush Hindu calendar month marks this celebration of agriculture and the happiness brought by the harvesting of crops.
▪ Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel offered his warm wishes to the citizens of Chhattisgarh on this special occasion and used the opportunity to call on the Governor to sign a reservation bill aimed at supporting the young generation of the state. This bill, if signed, would grant access to college education and government employment to the youth of Chhattisgarh.
International Kite Festival 2023
▪ The Indian state of Gujarat is known for its many annual festivals, but the most spectacular of them all is the International Kite Festival, also known as Uttarayan.
▪ This festival, which takes place during Makar Sankranti, attracts kite flyers from all over the world to participate in the celebration.
Adi Shaurya: Parv Parakram Ka
▪ The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Defence celebrated the first day of “Adi Shaurya – Parv Parakram Ka” by staging a vibrant display of tribal dances and performances by the armed forces, marking the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose (Parakram Diwas).
▪ The Indian Coast Guard served as the coordinating agency for the event, which took place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi and was attended by thousands of people.
Parshuram Kund Festival 2023
▪ The Hindu pilgrimage site of Parasuram Kund is located on the Brahmaputra plateau, near the lower reaches of the Lohit River, 21 km north of Tezu in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, India.
▪ Every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti in January, devotees and sadhus take a sacred dip in its waters. Known as the “Kumbh of the Northeast,” the site is dedicated to the mythological sage Parshuram and attracts pilgrims from Nepal, India, and nearby states such as Manipur and Assam.
▪ The “Development of Parasuram Kund” project has been sanctioned under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Aiyanoor Ammanoor festival
▪ The Kotas tribe of the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, celebrates the festival of Ayyanur Ammanur.
▪ During the festival, they gather clay to craft pottery, which is performed once every two years.
▪ The pot-making ceremony is followed by the opening of their temple, where food is cooked in the newly crafted earthen pot and shared with the entire village.
▪ After completing the worship rituals at the temple, both men and women, dressed in traditional attire, engage in dancing throughout the day and night.
Vigyanika, a Science Literature Festival
▪ Vigyanika, a Science Literature Festival is going to be organized at the Indian International Science Festival (IISF), MANIT, Bhopal.
▪ The venue of this Vigyanika event is the Auditorium, Mechanical Engineering Department, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal.
▪ “Science Literature Festival” is being organized as part of the 8th India International Science Festival (IISF).
Ethnic Mamani Festival
▪ In Ladakh, the annual Ethnic Mamani Festival was organized at Historical Styangkung Village and Chiktan Shagaran by the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation (HCHF) and Ladakh Tourism Department.
▪ Steyangkung village, with a rich history spanning over 500 years, is being transformed into one of the finest heritage villages in Ladakh.
▪ The tradition of celebrating the Mamani Festival, an ancient custom of offering food to deceased family members, is deeply rooted in the history of Ladakh.
▪ During the festival, people share food with their relatives and neighbors and pay homage to various spirits (Lha).
▪ This festival has played a crucial role in preserving and reviving more than 35 traditional cuisines of Kargil Ladakh.
Orange festival 2023
▪ The Orange Festival, in its third edition, was held at Rusoma village in Nagaland to commemorate the harvest of organic oranges in the district.
▪ With its abundant and fertile soil, Rusoma village is an ideal location for orange cultivation and generates a yearly revenue of more than 40 lakhs. One single orange tree is capable of producing between 4000 to 5000 fruits.
