Festival Current Affairs 2024: Latest Current Affairs & GK

Festival in News 2024

Staying updated with the latest festival current affairs is crucial for anyone preparing for competitive exams. This blog post covers all the important festival-related events and updates for 2024, making it an invaluable resource for exams like SSC, Railway, UPSC, and all state-level exams. Whether you’re a student or a professional aiming to ace these competitive exams, our comprehensive coverage of festival current affairs will ensure you’re well-prepared with the most relevant and up-to-date information.

June – November 2024

In a move to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of the Yadav community, the Telangana government has declared Sadar Sammelan as the official state festival.

Read More about the Festival

Other One-liners

• State Government Signs Wales as Country Partner for 25th Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.

• Northeast to Host First-Ever International Science Festival 2024 (10th Edition)
  • The event will be held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati
  • Date: 30th November to 3rd December 2024
  • Initiative: Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Science, Government of India, and Vijnana Bharati
  • Purpose: Celebrate science, foster collaboration, and promote science for India’s well-being
  • Theme: “Transforming India into an S&T driven Global Manufacturing Hub”

• Country of Focus for the 55th Edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
  • Answer: B. Australia
  • Location: Goa

About Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav

• The official website for Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav has been launched, with one of the aims of the festival being to showcase the cultural richness of Northeast India.
• Website Link: Https://ashtalakshmimahotsav.com

• The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav celebrates the eight states of Northeast India, known as the ‘Ashtalaxmi’, symbolizing the eight forms of prosperity.

• This festival significantly contributes to India’s cultural, social, and economic fabric.

• It offers a unique platform to showcase the region’s vibrant textile industry, artisanal crafts, and distinctive Geographical Indication (GI) products.

✅ Read Also: IIT in News Latest IIT Current Affairs

April-May 2024

March 2024

✅ Read Also: Museum in News, Latest Top One-liners

February 2024

✅ Read Also: National Parks & Other Special Purpose Parks latest News

January 2024

Festivals list that have a theme 2024

India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023

• City: Faridabad
• Theme: Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal

27th National Youth Festival 2024

• City: Nashik, Maharashtra
• Theme: MYBharat – ViksitBharat@2047- By the Youth, For the Youth (Yuva ke liye, yuva ke dwara)

Get ready for the National Youth Festival 2024!

Presented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, this is a celebration of talent, creativity, and cultural diversity.

Save the date: 12th-16th Jan 2024

Register now at: https://t.co/3R4IgkpuZH#NYF2024 #YouthFestival pic.twitter.com/GWIeAE757r

— MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) January 8, 2024

International Camel Festival 2024

• District: Bikaner
• Theme: Icons of Bikaner (The theme specifically aims to promote the craftsmanship of locals)

9th Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

• State: Arunachal Pradesh
• Theme: Let Our Hornbills Remain Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh

Desert Festival 2024 (Maru Mahotsav)

• City: Jaisalmer
• Theme: “Back to the Desert”

Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024 (International Theatre Festival of India)

• Commences from: Mumbai’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)
• Organized by: National School of Drama
• Theme: Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam

These festivals have specific themes associated with them, adding depth and meaning to the celebrations.

Festival Current Affairs 2023

December 2023

November 2023

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

July 2023

June 2023

May 2023

April 2023

March 2023

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.

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.

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