2. Culture -44 T Flashcards

Question

5.6. JARAWA TRIBE

Answer 1

• The tribes of the Andaman Islands – the Jarawa, Great Andamanese, Onge and Sentinelese are believed to have lived there for up to 55,000 years. • Considered one of the most isolated people on earth, the Jarawa are a hunter-gatherer tribe that has lived in the dense forests of Andaman Islands completely cut off from the outside world. • However, with the increasing flow of outsiders, the Jarawas are facing the threat of extinction. About other tribes • Andamanese - They form the largest population among the other tribes found in these islands. They speak Andamani Hindi • Onges – It is one of the most primitive tribes in India. They are semi-nomadic and fully dependent on the food provided by nature. They have developed artistry and crafts, and can make canoes. • Sentinelese – They are inhabitants of the north Sentinel island and live in complete isolation. They are very hostile and never leave their island

Answer 2

• The Koyas are one of the few multi-lingual and multi-racial peasant tribes of Andhra. • Physically they are classified as Australoid. The Koyas call themselves as "Koithur". • The Koyas speak the language called "Koyi". It is closely related to Gondi and is influenced by Telegu. • Koyas practice their own ethnic religion but they also worship a lot of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Answer 3

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is responsible for coordinating international cooperation in education, science, culture and communication. It strengthens the ties between nations and societies, and mobilizes the wider public so that each child and citizen: • has access to quality education - a basic human right and an indispensable prerequisite for sustainable development; • may grow and live in a cultural environment rich in diversity and dialogue, where heritage serves as a bridge between generations and peoples; • can fully benefit from scientific advances; • and can enjoy full freedom of expression; the basis of democracy, development and human dignity.

Answer 4

Why in news? UNESCO has inscribed Kumbh Mela on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kumbh Mela • Kumbh Mela (Festival of Scared Pitcher) is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth. It represents a syncretic set of rituals related to worship and cleansing in holy rivers. • It is a Hindu festival which is observed during the Purnima (full moon) of month of Paush (December 22- January 20) after every 12 years on the banks of a holy river to take dip and perform various rituals. • It is held every four years by rotation at: o Haridwar (banks of Ganga), o Allahabad (Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati), o Nashik (banks of Godavari) and o Ujjain (banks of Shipra). • Knowledge and skills related to 'Kumbh Mela' are transmitted through the Guru-Shishya parampara (teacher-student relationship) by saints. • Kumbh Mela can be traced back in history through the writings of 7th century Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang who came to India during the rule of Harshavardhan. The festival was also popularised among people by the eighth century saint Shankaracharya. Hiuen Tsang (also Xuanzang, Hsuan Tsang) was a Chinese traveller who visited India during the reign of Harshavardhana. When he went back to China, he wrote a detailed description of India in his book ‘Si-yu-ki’ or ‘Record of the Western Countries’. His description is considered an important source of knowing the administrative, social and cultural condition of India at that time. He visited various places in North and South India. He stayed at Nalanda University for five years. He wrote about the fourth Budhhist council which was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir in 72 AD under the Kushan king Kanishka. UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage • It is a list which is prepared to promote the intangible heritage and contribute to a greater awareness of their importance and was formed after Convention for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect. • Intangible cultural heritage means the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills -- as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated with them that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage. • Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage meets and evaluates the nominations proposed by member states after which the List is published every year. • UNESCO brings out two separate lists: o Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – It is made up of those intangible heritage elements which bring out the diversity of culture. o List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding – It is made up of the intangible heritage elements which require urgent measures. It also helps to mobilize international cooperation. No heritage of India is included in this list as of now. • UNESCO also brings out a Register of Good Safeguarding Practices which contains programs, projects and activities that best reflect principle of the Convention. Other entries of India in UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage • Yoga – An ancient spiritual discipline which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. • Traditional brass and copper craft of utensils among thatheras in Punjab • Sankirtana - ritual singing, dancing and drumming of Manipur • Buddhist chanting of Ladakh - recitation of sacred Buddhist texts • Chhau Dance – This dance, performed with a mask, is the tribal martial dance from eastern India that enacts episodes from epics (Mahabharata, Ramayana etc.), local folklore and abstract themes. • Kalbelia Folk Songs and Dance – Kalbelia song and dance is performed by Rajasthani tribe, Kalbelia who are also known as snakecharmers. • Kudiyattam - It is the last living performance tradition of Sanskrit theatre of Kerela • Tradition of Vedic Chanting • Ramlila - the traditional performance of the Ramayana • Ramman - religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India • Mudiyettu - ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala • Novruz – It marks the Parsi new year and ushering in spring.

Answer 5

Why in News? • World Heritage Committee has decided to include 54 properties on the List of World Heritage in danger in accordance with Article 11 (4) of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention. UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention • The convention defines the kinds of natural or cultural sites that can be included on the World Heritage List. • Various activities such as “World Heritage City” as well as “World Heritage in danger” come under this convention of UNESCO. List of World Heritage in danger • The "in danger" list is designed to tell the international community about the conditions that threaten the very characteristics for which a property was added to the World Heritage List in the first place, and to encourage governments to take action to protect the sites. • There is no Indian site in this list. Heritage Sites Included in the Danger List in 2017 • Historic Centre of Vienna, Austria • Hebron/ AL-Khalid Old Town, Palestine

Answer 6

``` • The 606-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad was declared World Heritage City by UNESCO during the 42nd session of World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting in Krakow, Poland. • Modern Ahmedabad was founded by Ahmad Shah in 1411 AD on the ancient sites of Ashaval and Karanavati. • The city boasts of a composite culture and a rich mix of Hindu and Jain temples, Islamic and European architecture. World Heritage Sites in India Man-made Sites Agra Fort Ajanta Caves Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi Champaner- Pavagadh Archaeological Park Chhtrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) Churches and Convents of Goa Elephanta Caves Ellora Caves Fatehpur Sikri Great Living Chola Temples Group of Monuments at Hampi Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Hill Forts of Rajasthan Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi Khajuraho Group of Monuments Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya Mountain Railways of India Qutub Minar, Delhi Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s step-well), Patap, Gujarat Red Fort Rock Shelters of Bhimbhetka Sun Temple, Konark Taj Mahal 18 8468022022 DELHI | JAIPUR | PUNE | HYDERABAD The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavira (Nalanda University), Bihar Architectural Work of Le Corbusier (Capitol Complex, Chandigarh) Historic City of Ahmedabad Natural Sites Great Himalayan National Park Kaziranga National Park Keoladeo National Park Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks Sundarbans National Park Western Ghats Mixed Site: Khangchendzonga National Park ```

Answer 7

Why in news? • Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit 2017 for cultural heritage conservation. UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme • It is aimed at acknowledging the efforts taken to restore and conserve historical structures without affecting their heritage value. • The awards are classified under four categories - Award of Excellence, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit and Award for New Design in Heritage Context. • Mumbai's Christ Church and Royal Bombay Opera House were the other monuments in India that received the Award of Merit this year. About Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple • It is considered as one of the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). • This temple lies on an islet formed by the twin rivers: Cauvery and Coleroon. • It has seven prakaras or enclosures. • It is a Vaishnava temple built in the Tamil or Dravidian style of architecture. The temple and 1000 pillared hall were constructed in the Vijayanagar period (1336–1565) on the site of an older temple. • The Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the biggest gopuram in Asia. It is also called as “Raja Gopuram” • The temple bagged the UNESCO award for use of traditional methods in renovating temple structures and re-establishment of rainwater harvesting and historic drainage system. Dravidian Architecture • It is a style of architecture mainly found in the temple architecture of South India. This style of temple architecture existed from 7th to 18th century. It is noted for its pyramidal towers and enormity in design. • The origins of the Dravida style can be observed during the reign of Chola dynasty. Further, it was cultivated by kings of Pallava dynasty, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings and by the Nayaks of Madura. • One of the earliest examples is the rock-cut shrine at Mahabalipuram or the Shore temple nearby. • The temple consisted of – Vimanas, Gopurams, Mandapams. • The Vimana was the central plot of the land. It consisted of a squared chamber sanctuary where the main idol was placed. • The entrance gateway in the front wall is known as Gopuram • A pillared porch or hall which leads to different parts of the temple is known as Mandapam • There was also presence of water tank inside the temple enclosure. • The stone or the bronze idol of the deity was placed inside the innermost sanctum sanctorum, the “GarbhaGriha”. • Some of the other examples of Dravida style temple are Brihadeshwara at Tanjore (built by Raja Raja I), Gangaikondacholapuram temple (built by Rajendra I).

Answer 8

Why in News? Chennai has been recently included in UNESCO Creative Cities list. What is Creative Cities Network? • It was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. • The 7 creative fields, on basis of which the cities are awarded the status, are Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Music and Media Arts. • By joining the Network, cities commit to sharing their best practices and developing partnerships with public & private sectors and civil society. • Chennai has been included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its rich musical tradition. It is the 3rd Indian city after Jaipur (craft) & Varanasi (music).

Answer 9

Why in news? • According to a list prepared by the UNESCO, 42 languages in India are endangered and maybe be headed for extinction. These languages are spoken by less than 10, 000 people. Facts • There are 22 scheduled languages in India mentioned in the Eighth Schedule (Article 344(1) and 351) of the Indian Constitution. • Apart from the 22 languages, there are 31 languages that have been given the status of official language by state governments and union territories. • According to a Census Directorate report, there are 100 non-scheduled languages which are spoken by one lakh or more people Government Initiatives • Government of India launched a scheme known as “Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India” in 2014. • Under this Scheme, the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore works on protection, preservation and documentation of all the mother tongues/languages of India spoken by less than 10,000 speakers keeping in mind the degree of endangerment and reduction in the domains of usage. • Under the programme, grammatical descriptions, monolingual and bilingual dictionaries, language primers, anthologies of folklore, encyclopedias of all languages or dialects especially those spoken by less than 10,000 people are being prepared. UNESCO has categorized languages on basis of endangerment as: • Vulnerable • Definitely Endangered • Severely Endangered • Critically Endangered

Answer 10

Why in news? • The second UN World Tourism Organization/UNESCO World Conference on Tourism and Culture with focus on sustainable development was held in October 2017. About the Conference • First held in 2015, it brought together for the first time Ministers of Tourism and Ministers of Culture with the objective to identify key opportunities and challenges for a stronger cooperation between these highly interlinked fields. United Nations World Tourism Organisation • It is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. • UNWTO encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, to maximize tourism’s socio-economic contribution while minimizing its possible negative impacts • It is committed to promoting tourism as an instrument in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), geared towards reducing poverty and fostering sustainable development worldwide.

Answer 11

Why in news? The President recently inaugurated the Mahamastakabhisheka, which is the largest gathering of Jains in the world, in Shravanbelgola, Karnataka. Mahamastakabhisheka • It is the head anointing ceremony of the Bahubali which is observed once every 12 years in the Digambar Jain tradition. • The Gomateshwar statute is dedicated to Bahubali, the son of Rishabhanath, the first in the line of the 24 Jain tirthankaras. • The statue has been depicted in kayotsarga posture. Kayotsarga means to give up one's physical comfort and body movements, thus staying steady, either in a standing or other posture, and concentrating upon the true nature of the soul. • The statue is said to be built by Chavundaraya who was the commander-inchief as well as the Prime Minister of the Ganga King Rachamalla during the later period of 10th century A.D. About Shravanbelgola • A group of Jain monks under the leadership of Bhadrabahu migrated from Ujjain to Shravanbelgola in response to a serious famine during the reign of Chandragupta Maurya. • The group of monks that migrated came to be known as Digambaras (sky clad or naked) and the group of monks who stayed in the north under Sthulabhadra came to be known as Shvetambara (White-robed) • Later Chandragupta Maurya handed over his kingdom to his son Bindusara and chose to spend his last days at Sravanbelagola. Jainism • It is believed in Jainism that one must conquer worldly desires in order attain enlightenment and purity of the soul (jiva). It is a non-theistic belief like Buddhism i.e it does not believe in the supreme power of God. • It did not explicitly rejected caste-system. • This ancient religion is believed to have 24 Trithankaras/teachers (Jinas). The 1st Trithakara was Rishabdev or Rishabnath. • The 23rd Trithankara was Parshavnath and the last was Vardhamana Mahavira (Born in 540 BC at Kundangrama, near Vaishali). • Mahavira attained Kaivalya (nirvana) under Sal tree at Timbhikagrama. • There are three principle or Triratnas of Jainism o Right faith o Right Knowledge o Right Conduct which includes observance of five vows: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (no stealing), parigraha (no acquiring property) and brahmacharya (abstinence). • The proponents of Jainism used Prakrit (the common language) for teaching instead of Sanskrit. The adoption of Prakrit by the Jainas helped the growth of this language and literature. • First Jain council was held at Patliputra in 3rd century BC. It was presided over by Sthulabahu. • Jain Literature is called Jain Agamas. They are a total of 45 texts based on Mahavira’s teachings and were compiled in 6th century AD in Valabhi in Gujarat. The Jain literature contains epics, Puranas, novels and drama. A large portion of Jaina writing is still in the form of manuscripts, which have not been published and which are found in the Jaina shrines of Gujarat and Rajasthan. • Jains also made prolific temples. Rock-cut caves at Aihole and badami which have figures of Jain trithankaras was built during the Chalukyan period. The Dilwara Jain temples at Mount Abu were built by Chalukya Dynasty Kings between 11th and 13th century. There are five Jain caves at Ellora. Other caves are Tiger cave at Udaygiri and Sittannavasala Cave at Padukottai.

Answer 12

Why in news? • Kandhei Jatra, a unique annual toy fair is celebrated in Behrampur, Odisha. About Kandhei Jatra • The festival is observed every year on full moon night of the Hindu month of Shravan, which is also celebrated as Guru Purnima. • The festival is ritualistically attached to the Old Jagannath Temple. On the full moon night of the festival, the pedestal of the idol of lord Jagannath at the temple is decorated with earthen toys depicting mythological characters.

Answer 13

What is it? • The month long festivities of the Thakurani Jatra festival were celebrated in the city of Behrampur (the silk city), Odisha in April. About the Festival • It is a biennial festival. • Also known as Ghata Yatra, it is the chief festival of Southern Odisha. • The festival marks the worship of Maa Buddhi Thakurani who is considered the protector of Behrampur. • Originally the Deras, a weaver community, worshiped the goddess

Answer 14

Why in news? • Central government is likely to declare Medaram’s Sammakka-Sarakka/Saralamma Jatara a national festival this year. Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the Deccan. About the Festival • It is held bi-annually in Medaram village, Telegana to honour the twin goddesses - Sammakka and her daughter Sarakka. • It is held by forest dwelling Koya Tribe of the region and is the biggest tribal festival in Asia attracting non-adivasis as well. Significance of National Tag • Apart from getting recognition, national tag would also make Medaram eligible for central funds. • Once declared a national festival, Jatara can be considered for ‘intangible cultural heritage of humanity’ tag of UNESCO. • Union government had in 2015 declared Vanaj, a tribal dance and music festival, as national festival.

Answer 15

Why in news? • Recently, Maha Pushkaram was celebraeted along the course of the river Cauvery. About Maha Pushkaram • Pushkaram is the Indian festival of worshipping rivers. It is celebrated along the banks of 12 rivers in India. • The celebration happens annually, once in 12 years along each river. Each river is associated with one zodiac sign. The river for each year’s festival is based on which zodiac the planet Jupiter is in. • Other rivers are: Ganga, Narmada, Saraswati, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima, Tapti, Tungabhadra, Sindhu (Indus) and Pranhita. • The celestial transit of Planet Jupiter from Kanni Rasi to Thula Rasi in the Hindu almanac is said to be the Maha Pushkaram period. The celestial event is said to occur once in 144 years.

Answer 16

Why in news? • Virtual version of Wari created on different social media platforms has garnered much support and has also helped realise social causes. About Wari • Wari meaning “pilgrimage” refers to the annual padayatra to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur, Solapur district of Maharashtra. It is a 700 year old tradition. • Vithoba is a form of Krishna, an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu. Thus, Warkari is a branch of Vaishnavism. • The Warkaris carry the padukas (foot prints) of various saints, most notably Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram • It is mainly geographically related to Maharashtra and Southern Karanataka. Individuals taking the padayatra are called Warkari meaning pilgrim. • The pilgrimage culminates on Ekadashi (the 11th day) of the Hindu lunar calendar month of Aashaadha. • The teachers responsible for establishing and supporting the movement through its history include Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram and Chokhamela. Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra (Himalayan Mahakumbh) • It is a festival in Uttarakhand in which Goddess Nanda Devi (also known as Gaura and Raj Rajeshwari in Garhwal division) is worshipped. • It is held for whole three weeks and is organized once in every twelve years in the Chamoli District of Garhwal Region.

Answer 17

Why in news? • The Losar festival marking the festivities of the New Year was celebrated in Ladakh. About the Festival • The festival, said to have originated in the 15th century, celebrates the Ladakhi or Tibetan New Year. • It is said to last from 3 to 15 days and is celebrated from the first day of the 11th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. • Apart from Ladakh, it is also celebrated in Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. • Losar is characterized especially by dancing, music, and a general spirit of merrymaking. The festival is marked by making offerings to the Gods, both in Gompas and their shrines. Other New Year Celebrations Across India • Ugadi - Telegu New Year • Gudi Padwa - Marathi New Year • Baisakhi - Punjabi New Year • Puthandu - Tamil New Year • Bohag Bihu - Assamese New Year • Pohela Boisakh - Bengali New Year • Bestu Varas - Gujarati New Year • Vishu - Malyalam New Year • Hijri - Islamic New Year • Lossong - Sikkimese New Year • Cheti Chand – Hindu New Year for Sindhi Hindus

Answer 18

Why in news? • President Ram Nath Kovind released Rs 1,000 and Rs 10 commemorative coins on the occasion of Nabakalebar festival. About the Festival • Nabakalebar is an occasional festival observed in the Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri. Naba means new and the Kalebar is body. • In Jagannath cult this is a periodical renewal of the wooden forms of Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana. • The soul or the Brahma is transferred from the old idols to their new bodies in a highly technical prescribed and secret method. • The Nabakalebar festival is observed in a gap of 12 to 19 years. • During this festival the annual Rathyatra becomes the Nabakalebar Ratha Yatra.

Answer 19

• It is a bull-vaulting event practised in Tamil Nadu as a part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day. • Participants tackle the bull in an arena by its hump and try to hang on till they cross the finishing line. • It is popular in the districts of Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Theni, Pudukkottai and Dindigul — a region also known as the Jallikattu belt. • It is an ancient sport. Sangam literature (2nd BCE – 2nd CE), has many detailed references to Eru Thazhuvuthal (hugging the bull). • At present, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Act, 2017, permits Jallikattu in the state overturing Supreme Court (SC) earlier judgement banning it. • Now, constitutional bench has been set up to decide whether state can enact such a law to preserve their cultural heritage under Article 29(1). Other Animal Sports in India • Kambala: annual Buffalo Race (he-buffalo) held in coastal Karnataka. • Cock-fight: blood sport between two roosters (cocks) popular in Andhra Pradesh during Sankranti. • Bail Gaadi Shariat: bullock-cart race held in Maharashtra • Camel Race: during the Pushkar fair in Rajasthan. • Bulbul Fight: in the Hayagriva-Madhava Temple in Assam during every Makar Sankranti

Answer 20

• It is one of the most important festivals of Kamakhya temple, Guwhati, Assam. • It is celebrated every year during monsoon season and ambubachi mela is also held. • The Kamakhya Temple is known to be one of the 52 shakti peethas of goddess Shakti. • It is associated with tantric cult and this festival is also known as “mahakumbh of east”.

Answer 21

Chapchar Kut is a festival of Mizoram which literally means - a festival held during the period when the bamboos and trees that have been cut down are being awaited to dry to be burnt for jhumming. • It marked the end of the Jhum clearing, readying the field for sowing and the festive spirit lasts from three to seven days in March. • The Chapchar Kut festival evolved sometime between 1450 -1600 A.D. The traditional costume parades, showcasing dances like cheraw, chai, chheihlam, sarlamkai and musical performances by groups, among others, are part of the celebrations.

Answer 22

Why in news? Recently, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) inaugurated the North East Calling festival. Destination North East • It is an event which is being organised to promote North East Region through Business Summit, exhibition stalls showcasing best of North Eastern Features and attract investment in tourism, skill, start-up, handloom and handicrafts, horticulture, medicinal and aromatic plants. About the Festival • The “North East Calling” Festival is an event to promote the art, culture, heritage, cuisine, handicrafts, business and tourism of North East India. • This Festival has been organised by the MDoNER’s “Destination North East”. • On the occasion, the following were also launched: o North East Venture Fund as a joint venture of Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Development Finance Corporation to attract young entrepreneurs in North East region. o North East Tourism Development Council with the objective to promote sustainable tourism in North East India. North Eastern Development Finance Corporation • It is a Public Limited Company registered under the Companies Act 1956 in august 1995. • It provides financial assistance to micro, small, medium and large enterprises for setting up industrial, infrastructure and agri-allied projects in the North Eastern Region of India and also Microfinance through MFI/NGOs. 7.13. HORNBILL FESTIVAL Why in news? • The Hornbill festival was recently celebrated in Nagaland in early December. Hornbill in India Nine different species of Hornbill are found in India in: • Western Ghats: Indian Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill(state bird of Kerela) • Narcondam Island: Narcondam Hornbill (Endangered) • Others in North-East & Himalayan foothills: White-throated Brown Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill (Vulnerable), Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental Pied Hornbill About The festival • Named after the Hornbill, a revered bird of Nagaland, the festival is known to be a celebration of the indigenous tribes of Nagaland. • It is organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of Nagaland. • The festival was first celebrated in 2000 and has been celebrated every year since then. • It is a powerful presentation of the Naga culture through traditional music, dance, and sports shows. • The celebration of the Hornbill festival also coincides with the Statehood Day of Nagaland.

Answer 23

Why in news? • The annual snakeboat regatta Uthrittathi Vallamkali was held in the river Pampa at Aranmula, Kerela. About Aranmula Regatta • The Aranmula Uthrittathi Vallamkali or Aranmula Boat Race is the most ancient and revered boat races of Kerala. • The snake boats used for this race are called Palliyodams. Other Boat Races in Kerela • Champakulam Moolam (Snake) Boat Race - This snake boat race is held to mark the pious day when the Krishna idol was mounted in the Shree Krishna Temple of Ambalappuzha region. It is held at Champakkulam Lake, Alleppey. • Payippad Boat Race (Jalotsavom) - This boat race takes place to inaugurate the Prathista ceremony or the installation of the idol of Lord Subramanya at Haripad Subramanya Temple. It takes place at Payippad Lake, Alleppey

Answer 24

Why in news? • About 3500 women from Telangana tried forming the largest number of humans in a flower formation on the eve of Saddula Bathukamma. About Saddula Bathukamma • Bathukamma is a state flower festival celebrated by the Hindu women of Telangana. It is celebrated for nine days during Druga Navratri. • The 9-day festivities culminate on "Saddula Bathukamma" festival on Durgashtami. • This unique festival celebrates the inherent relationship between earth, water and the human beings. During the entire preceding week, women make ‘boddemma’ (a deity of Gowri – mother Durga – made with earthly mud) along with Bathukamma and immerse it in the ponds. This helps reinforce the ponds and helps it retain more water. • Bathukamma is a beautiful flower stack, arranged with different unique seasonal flowers most of them with medicinal values, in seven concentric layers in the shape of temple gopuram. In Telugu, ‘Bathukamma' means ‘Mother Goddess come Alive’ where Goddess Maha Gauri - ‘the Life Giver’ is worshipped in the form of Bathukamma

Answer 25

Why in news? • The Central government has exempted two organizations namely: Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math to come under EPFO coverage. Swami Vivekananda • He is credited with introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world as well as raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to the world stage during the late 19th century. • His writings and speeches evoked not only agitated mind of Indians but also enkindled love for the motherland. He established motherland as the only deity to be worshiped in the mind and heart of countrymen. • His speech at Chicago in 1893 established him as the greatest figure in the Parliament of World Religions and India as the Mother of religion. About Ramakrishna Movement • The Ramakrishna Mission and the Ramakrishna Math form the core of Ramkrishna movement (also known as Vedanta movement) • The Ramakrishna Math was founded by Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a priest from Calcutta at Belur. • The Ramakrishna Mission was established by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Ramakrishna Pramhansa, in 1897. • Pramhansa recognized the oneness of all religions and said that there are many ways to God and salvation which was all preached by Swami Vivekananda.