CULTURE

GS I-Culture Context: Several Indian heritage sites, including Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, and Rani-ki-Vav, have recently gained attention. Santiniketan Overview: Santiniketan is a residential educational institution and cultural hub rooted in ancient Indian traditions. It embodies a vision of global unity, transcending religious and cultural divides. Significance: Represents an exceptional Indian …

GS I-Culture Context: Recently, six cultural and natural heritage sites from India have been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List, bringing the total number of Indian sites on this list to 62. Understanding UNESCO’s Tentative List: What is it? The Tentative List serves as a preliminary inventory of sites that a …

GS1 CULTURE:  Herath is the Kashmiri Pandit community’s unique celebration of Mahashivratri, starting on the 13th day of Phalgun (February/March) and lasting until the new moon. The term “Herath” comes from “Har-Ratri,” meaning “night of Hara” (Lord Shiva), symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati. Historical & Cultural Significance …

GS1 CULTURE:  New regulations implemented by China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs in late 2024 aim to control Tibetan Buddhist practices. Effective from January 1, 2025, these rules integrate Tibetan Buddhism into Han Chinese culture, enforcing political loyalty in religious institutions. About Tibetan Buddhism: Spread to Tibet by the 9th …

GS-1-Culture The Maha Kumbh Mela is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from 13th January to 26th February 2025. What is the Kumbh Mela? The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four sacred locations in India: Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayagraj. Each …