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EXPLAINED CULTURE NEWS - Page 12

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma at a Republic Day function.

Why Meghalaya’s new state anthem has led to a controversy over the state’s Jaintia tribeSubscriber Only

January 31, 2024 09:59 IST

The anthem included sections in three languages – English, Garo and Khasi. Why has the absence of Jaintia or Pnar language led to a row? How has the government responded?

Constitution illustrations

From Ram to Akbar to Gandhi: Artwork on the Constitution, who painted themSubscriber Only

January 26, 2024 09:29 IST

Two copies of the Constitution, one in English and one in Hindi, are handwritten and bear the paintings. Why were these figures chosen and what did they symbolise for a newly independent nation? On Republic Day, we take a look at the history.

Thai Ramayana

How Ramayana became popular outside India, from east Asia to the CaribbeanSubscriber Only

January 25, 2024 20:41 IST

The story of Ram is popular from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand in Asia to Guyana in South America to Mauritius in Africa. How did the epic reach these countries, and what does it say about migration from India?

RamTemple

What is the Nagara style, in which Ayodhya’s Ram temple is being builtSubscriber Only

January 21, 2024 11:40 IST

One of ‘the two great classical languages of Indian temple architecture’, the Nagara style emerged in north India around the fifth century CE.

The posts on Thiruvallavur, shared by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi (left) and Chief Minister MK Stalin on X.

Why the Tamil Nadu CM and Governor’s posts on Thiruvalluvar Day sparked a row, againSubscriber Only

January 16, 2024 17:57 IST

CM Stalin's post showed the poet in white robes, while Governor RN Ravi shared a depiction of Thiruvalluvar in saffron robes. This is not the first time the issue has divided political figures in Tamil Nadu. Here’s why.

Jagannath temple

Ahead of Ram Temple consecration, Odisha to unveil its own ambitious project at Jagannath TempleSubscriber Only

January 16, 2024 11:11 IST

What is the Shree Mandira Parikrama project? What has the government planned for its inauguration? What else does the Odisha government have planned for transforming Puri into a world-class heritage city?

Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha Date and Time: Ayodhya Ram temple

Pran pratishtha at Ayodhya Ram temple today: What is this ceremony, how it is performedSubscriber Only

January 10, 2024 06:02 IST

Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha today: What is pran pratishtha, and how is it carried out? How can the worshipper impart prana, or life, to the worshipped? We explain

PM Modi in Lakshadweep

How Lakshadweep’s unique cultural landscape developedSubscriber Only

January 9, 2024 10:32 IST

The majority of Lakshadweep’s inhabitants are Muslims. But the Islam they practise is unlike that followed anywhere else in the country.

Clockwise: Black rice from Koraput, Kapdaganda shawl, Similipal Kai chutney and Lanjia Saura Painting.

From red ant chutney to black rice, the 7 Odisha products that have bagged GI tagsSubscriber Only

January 7, 2024 20:02 IST

A marker of authentic products, the GI tags also help protect the interests of the local growers and artisans by preventing duplicity of the products. Consumers, through the tags, can know which goods are certified. Here is a quick look at the products and what makes them distinctive.

Arun Yogiraj

Meet Arun Yogiraj, one of the three sculptors who made Ram Lalla’s idol for Ayodhya templeSubscriber Only

January 11, 2024 09:32 IST

Some BJP leaders have claimed that the statue made by Arun Yogiraj will be placed inside the Ayodhya Ram temple. Here's who Yogiraj is, and how he prepared Ram Lalla's idol.

Valmiki

Ayodhya airport named after Valmiki: 5 interesting facts about the poet-sageSubscriber Only

December 31, 2023 12:31 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maharishi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya on Saturday. Here is all you need to know about the legendary Indian saint, credited to having authored the Ramayana.

On the occasion of Veer Bal Diwas, children are seen participating in a tribute to Guru Gobind Singh's sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, in New Delhi, 2022.

Veer Bal Diwas: Recalling the ‘supreme sacrifice’ of Guru Gobind Singh’s sonsSubscriber Only

December 26, 2023 17:04 IST

In January 2022, the Centre announced that December 26 would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons. Here is what led to their deaths in the early 18th century, following attacks from the Mughals and hill kings.

plum cake

How a cake without plums became ‘plum cake’ and India’s ultimate Christmas treatSubscriber Only

December 25, 2023 18:07 IST

Here is a quick look at the history of plum cake in India, and its variants.

Christmas in India

Expert Explains | Beyond Santas and holly: how Christmas is celebrated in homes across IndiaSubscriber Only

December 24, 2023 19:43 IST

From rangolis to regional songs to local treats, different regions in India have their own distinct way of celebrating and spreading Christmas cheer.

santa claus history

The many origins of Santa Claus, from Christian saints to Nordic evil spiritsSubscriber Only

December 25, 2023 18:45 IST

How did the grandfatherly figure of Santa Claus come to be linked with Christmas and with the tradition of gifting? Here, we take a look at the legends, the economics, and the politics around him.

Christmas tree

How did the tradition of the Christmas tree emerge?Subscriber Only

December 25, 2023 18:43 IST

The tradition of having a Christmas tree isn’t Biblical. It’s a modern invention that originated in Germany. Here is its story.

Crossword

How the crossword puzzle was born, 110 years agoSubscriber Only

December 22, 2023 10:27 IST

Much like video games helped people get through the pandemic, crosswords gained prominence during tough times during the first half of the previous century.

Bradley Cooper in Maestro

Who was Leonard Bernstein, the celebrated conductor in ‘Maestro’?Subscriber Only

December 22, 2023 10:39 IST

The story of the widely influential and multifaceted musician Leonard Bernstein, the first American conductor to receive international acclaim, is now streaming on Netflix.

punaura dham temple

Bihar to develop Sita’s birthplace: An expert explains the history and mythology of MithilaSubscriber Only

December 21, 2023 13:39 IST

Acharya Kishore Kunal, ex-chairman of the Bihar State Board of Religious Trust, quotes the Valmiki Ramayana and other sources to trace Ram and Sita's Bihar links.

Prussian blue, colour blue in art

A brief history of colour blue in artSubscriber Only

December 18, 2023 15:31 IST

The history of blue in art is intertwined with changes in culture, trade, and scientific technology. Here are the key highlights of the colour's story.

GTAVI

Grand Theft Auto VI: Why there is such a hype around the upcoming GTA gameSubscriber Only

December 10, 2023 08:30 IST

The trailer for "Grand Theft Auto VI" has already broken records, even though the game only comes out in 2025. What is so fascinating about the series?

Archie Logo

Meet Archie and Gang: History of the all-American comic book, now a Netflix filmSubscriber Only

December 8, 2023 11:31 IST

Arguably the most successful non-superhero comic book ever, Archie debuted in 1941. In an era of superhero comics like Captain America dominating the scene, how did Archies come about?

La Fiancée Hesitante

Why a 19th century painting of a ‘reluctant bride’ is trending on social mediaSubscriber Only

November 30, 2023 10:16 IST

While Auguste Toulmouche is not as celebrated as several of his contemporaries outside of France, his 1866 artwork has found sudden resonance with women worldwide. Here's why.

Paul Lynch

Paul Lynch wins the 2023 Booker: Ireland’s long tryst with the prizeSubscriber Only

November 30, 2023 10:18 IST

Since the inception of the Booker Prize in 1969, the Irish have indeed been the light in its literary sky. Here's how Paul Lynch, this year's winner, adds to the tradition.

Parthenon Sculptures

What are the Elgin Marbles, at the centre of the row between Britain and Greece?Subscriber Only

December 2, 2023 13:16 IST

Over the years, Greece has repeatedly asked for the sculptures’ permanent return to Athens, but Britain and the British Museum have refused to do so. The latest controversy involves the British and Greek prime ministers, and King Charles.

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