Art and Culture

 

Indian Art and Culture for Competitive Affairs

Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain Bag Best Global Music Album Grammy for ‘This Moment’

  1. Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti won the Grammy award for Best Global Music Album for their latest release, “This Moment.”
  2. The album “This Moment,” which was released in June last year, features eight songs by John McLaughlin, Zakir Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan.
  3. Zakir Hussain also received a Grammy in the Best Global Music Performance category for his contribution to Pashto, alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia.
  4. Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran Indian classical flute artist, won dual Grammys for his collaborative album “As We Speak” in the Best Contemporary Instrumental and Best Global Music Performance categories.
  5. The 66th Annual Grammy Awards 2024 took place in Los Angeles on February 5, 2024.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are prestigious honors bestowed by the Recording Academy, recognizing excellence in the music industry. Often called the “music Oscars,” they cover a wide range of genres and categories, from pop and rock to classical and world music.

History: Started in 1959, initially called the Gramophone Awards, and evolved into the Grammys over time.

Q: Which prominent Indian musicians, who are part of the fusion band Shakti, won the Grammy Award in the Best Global Music Album category for their latest album “This Moment”?

A) A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar
B) Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain (Correct)
C) Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy
D) Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal

Q: Which musical instrument does Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran Indian classical musician, play?

A) Sitar
B) Tabla
C) Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute) (Correct)
D) Harmonium

37th Surajkund Crafts Mela : from February 2nd to February 18th 2024

The 37th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2024 is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and heritage was inaugurated by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu on 2 February 2024.

Dates: The festivities span a fortnight from February 2nd (Friday) to February 18th (Sunday).

Venue: The enchanting fair takes place in Surajkund, Faridabad, a historic reservoir built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. The name “Surajkund” translates to “Lake of the Sun” in Hindi.

International Showcase: Artists from over 20 countries across South Asia, Africa, and Europe actively participate, making it a grand success. They use this unique platform to showcase their diverse cultures and talents.

Attractions: Visitors of all ages can enjoy a plethora of attractions, including: Traditional Folk Dances: Witness captivating folk dances that bring regional flavors to life. Musical Shows: Immerse yourself in melodious tunes and rhythmic performances. Puppet Skits: Delight in the artistry of puppetry, a time-honored form of storytelling.

About Surajkund Mela:

Situated between Lakkarpur and Baharpur villages near Faridabad, this picturesque fair aims to promote the talent and culture of local artisans. Each year, the Mela revolves around a theme based on an Indian state, influencing its architecture, spirit, and decor.

Q: Where is the Surajkund Crafts Mela held?

a) Surajkund, Gurgaon
b) Surajkund, Noida
c) Surajkund, Faridabad
d) Surajkund, Ghaziabad

Ans : c) Surajkund, Faridabad

Q: Who built the historic reservoir in Surajkund in the 10th century?

a) Akbar
b) King Suraj Pal
c) Tomar dynasty
d) Draupadi Murmu

Ans : c) Tomar dynasty

Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ramlalla held in Ayodhya 

Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ramlalla, took place on January 22, 2024, in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the rituals at the newly constructed temple, unveiling the Ramlalla idol in the sanctum sanctorum.

The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including UP Governor Anandiben Patel, CM Yogi Adityanath, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, industrialists, movie actors, and sports personalities.

Q: Who led the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ramlalla in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024?

a. UP Governor Anandiben Patel
b. CM Yogi Adityanath
c. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
d. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Ans : c. Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“Bharat Parv” from 23rd to 31st January at Red Fort, Delhi

The Ministry of Tourism is organizing the annual event ‘Bharat Parv’ as part of Republic Day celebrations at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of Red Fort, Delhi, from January 23rd to 31st.

  1. The event will include highlights such as Republic Day Parade tableaux, cultural performances by Zonal Cultural Centres, presentations by cultural troupes, food stalls representing all States and Union Territories, handicraft and handloom displays, and performances by the Armed Forces Band.
  2. Bharat Parv is open to the public, and entry is free.
  3. This year’s event involves the participation of 26 Central Ministries and Departments, showcasing citizen-centric schemes and initiatives like Mission Life, One District One Product, Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
  4. An experiential zone with the latest technology has been set up to promote Dekho Apna Desh.
  5. The event will feature a Food Court with stalls offering delicacies from different states and UTs, representing diverse culinary traditions.
  6. A Pan-India Crafts Bazaar will be established, featuring handicraft and handloom stalls.
  7. Thematic Pavilions representing more than 30 States/UTs will showcase diverse tourist attractions of the country.

Q: Where will ‘Bharat Parv 2024’ take place as part of the Republic Day celebrations?

  • A) India Gate, Delhi
  • B) Red Fort, Delhi
  • C) Rajpath, Delhi
  • D) Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Ans : B) Red Fort, Delhi

Odisha CM unveils “Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa” a heritage corridor around Puri’s Jagannath Temple

  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled the Shree Mandir Parikrama Prakalpa (SMPP) on January 17, 2024.
  • The SMPP is a massive peripheral development project around Puri’s 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple.
  • Mr. Patnaik arrived in Puri after three days of rituals performed at the temple, presided over by Puri’s titular king Dibyasingh Dev.
  • The Temple heritage corridor is designed to enhance the visual connection between devotees and the shrine.

Q: 12th-century Shree Jagannath Temple is located in which city and state?

a. Puri, Odisha
b. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
c. Jaipur, Rajasthan
d. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Ans : a. Puri, Odisha

Rituals Begins for Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lala Virajman Ahead of January 22 Consecration

  • Pran Pratishtha program for Ram Lala Virajman at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex begins on January 16, 2024.
  • The program continues until January 21, with the consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22.
  • The consecration event will have the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries.
  • The program starts at 12:20 and concludes by 1:00 pm on January 22.
  • Over 150 traditions, sects, saints, religious leaders, and distinguished dignitaries will be present during the ceremony.
  • The Pran Pratishtha ritual will be supervised by Laxmikant Dixit of Varanasi and performed during the Abhijeet Nakshatra.
  • The idol of Ramlala, weighing 150 to 200 kg, will undergo rituals involving water, fruits, and other offerings before the Prana Pratistha.

Q: When does the Pran Pratishtha program for Ram Lala Virajman at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex begin?

a) January 21, 2024
b) January 16, 2024
c) January 22, 2024
d) January 15, 2024

Ans : c) January 22, 2024

Festivals of harvest – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan and Magh Bihu celebrated in different parts of the country

Festivals of harvest – Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu were celebrated in different parts of the country on 15 July 2024. These festivals mark the end of winter and the onset of longer days. These festivals are celebrated with cultural diversity, featuring traditions like kite flying, bonfires, and delightful feasts across the country.

In Tamil Nadu, Thai Pongal, as it is called is the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, which is celebrated by Tamils living all over the World. The season is celebrated for three days. Today the people offer their harvest to the Sun in the morning.

Q: What is the significance of Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, and Magh Bihu festivals?

a) End of summer
b) Onset of monsoon
c) End of winter and onset of longer days
d) Celebration of spring

Ans : c) End of winter and onset of longer days

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