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Arts and Culture - General Knowledge Questions
A)
Kerala
B)
Tamil Nadu
C)
Uttar Pradesh
D)
Odisha

Correct Answer :   Odisha

Odisha is called the Land of Lord Jagannath because it is home to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an important deity. Explore more about the land of Lord Jagannath in this article.

India is home to many spiritual and cultural traditions, with each state having its unique identity. Among them, one state is famously known as the Land of Lord Jagannath. This state is Odisha, which holds a special place in Indian spirituality and history. Let us explore more about this state and its deep connection with Lord Jagannath.

Indian States and Union Territories :
India has 28 states and 8 Union Territories. States have their own governments, while Union Territories are directly governed by the Central Government. Each state and territory has its unique culture, language, and traditions, making India a diverse and vibrant country.

The Indian state of Odisha is famously called the “Land of Lord Jagannath.” This name comes from its deep connection to Lord Jagannath, a revered deity in Hinduism. Odisha’s culture, history, and festivals revolve significantly around this divine figure.

Why is Odisha Known as the Land of Lord Jagannath?
Odisha is called the Land of Lord Jagannath because it is home to the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major Hindu pilgrimage site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an important deity. Odisha’s annual Ratha Yatra festival further highlights its deep cultural and spiritual connection to Lord Jagannath.

What is Odisha Known for?
Odisha is known for its:
* Ancient Hindu temples that showcase stunning architecture.
* Tribal cultures that add to its rich heritage.
* Beautiful coastline with serene beaches.

The capital city of Odisha is Bhubaneswar, often referred to as the “Temple City of India.”

The Famous Jagannath Temple :
One of the most significant landmarks in Odisha is the Jagannath Temple in Puri. This ancient temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
* The temple stands over 200 feet tall and is an excellent example of Kalinga architecture.
* It holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees who visit it every year.

The Grand Rath Yatra Festival :
Odisha is famous worldwide for the annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), held in June or July.

* During the festival, the image of Lord Jagannath is taken out of the temple and placed on a giant chariot.
* Devotees pull this chariot to the Gundicha Temple, where the deity stays for eight days.
* The event attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from across the globe, making it a vibrant and spiritual celebration.

A)
Kolkata
B)
Bhubaneswar
C)
Hyderabad
D)
Ahmedabad

Correct Answer :   Bhubaneswar

The 5th National EMRS Cultural & Literary Fest and Kala Utsav - 2024 is scheduled to take place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, hosted by the Odisha Model Tribal Educational Society.

This prestigious event will be held at Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities.

The festival's theme, "A Tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda & Tribal Freedom Fighters," commemorates Birsa Munda's 150th birth anniversary, highlighting his significant contributions to India's freedom struggle.

This event aims to promote tribal culture, literature, and arts, fostering unity and appreciation among participants and attendees.

A)
Manipur
B)
Tripura
C)
Assam
D)
Meghalaya

Correct Answer :   Manipur

Manipur's Meitei community celebrates Ningol Chakkouba, a significant festival promoting family unity and togetherness.

Married daughters return to their maternal homes for feasting, gift exchanges, and reunions.

Traditions include sons inviting sisters a week in advance, highlighting the festival's emphasis on strengthening familial bonds.

Although celebrations extend beyond Manipur, uniting Manipuri communities across India and abroad, the state remains the epicentre of this joyous festival.

Ningol Chakkouba's significance transcends cultural boundaries, showcasing Manipur's rich heritage and resilient community spirit.

A)
Manipur
B)
Nagaland
C)
Mizoram
D)
Meghalaya

Correct Answer :   Manipur

The "Mera Hou Chongba" festival is celebrated annually in Manipur to promote unity and strengthen bonds among the state's indigenous communities, particularly during times of ethnic tension.

This festival is a key cultural event in Manipur, observed on the 15th Lunar day of Mera Month, with celebrations held in important locations such as Sana Konung and Kangla Uttra in the capital city of Imphal. It aims to foster harmony between the hill and valley communities of the state.

A)
Gujarat
B)
Karnataka
C)
Tamil Nadu
D)
Maharashtra

Correct Answer :   Maharashtra

The Banjara Virasat Museum, located in Pohardevi, Washim, Maharashtra, was inaugurated by the Prime Minister to showcase the Banjara community's rich heritage through 13 galleries.

This museum honours the community's spiritual leaders, Sant Sevalal Maharaj and Sant Ramrao Maharaj.

Notably, Sant Sevalal Maharaj's final resting place or Samadhi is also situated at Pohradevi in Maharashtra's Washim district, known as Banjara Kashi. This initiative highlights the government's efforts to preserve and promote India's diverse cultural heritage.

A)
Manipur
B)
Meghalaya
C)
Assam
D)
West Bengal

Correct Answer :   Assam

Assam has been granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags for eight traditional products, including distinctive rice beer variants deeply rooted in Bodo culture.

The GI tags recognize the cultural heritage and traditional knowledge of the Bodo community.

Products like Bodo Jou Gwran, with its high alcohol content and traditional brewing methods, have gained national and international recognition.

This milestone preserves Assam's cultural identity and promotes its unique products, contributing to the state's economic growth and cultural preservation. The GI tags also safeguard the intellectual property rights of local artisans and brewers.

A)
Kolkata
B)
Mumbai
C)
New Delhi
D)
Bengaluru

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

Nadi Utsav 2024, which celebrates the importance of India's rivers, was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on September 19th.

This fifth edition of the festival carries the theme ‘Rivers in Reverse: Making of a Lifeline’, emphasizing the critical components of a river and its surrounding culture.

The event aims to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of rivers, showcasing the connection between waterways and the communities that depend on them.

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, the IGNCA Member Secretary, played a key role in the festival's organization.

A)
Chennai
B)
Bangalore
C)
Hyderabad
D)
Visakhapatnam

Correct Answer :   Visakhapatnam

The 19th Divya Kala Mela was inaugurated in Visakhapatnam, showcasing a diverse array of products created by 100 Divyang artisans from 20 states.

This event aims to promote financial independence and inclusion for Divyang entrepreneurs through concessional loans and assistive devices supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The fair features handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural performances, making it a vibrant platform for empowering Divyang artisans and encouraging local entrepreneurship.

The event underscores the commitment to fostering an inclusive society and enhancing economic opportunities for all participants.

A)
Bihar
B)
Assam
C)
Odisha
D)
West Bengal

Correct Answer :   Assam

The Assam government is preparing for an impressive Jhumur dance performance involving 8,000 tea tribe artists.

Jhumur is a traditional dance linked to the tea tribe communities in Assam, performed mainly during the Autumn season.

This dance, characterized by rhythmic movements and accompanied by musical instruments like the Madal, flute, and Taals, reflects the everyday life and emotions of the community.

This grand event highlights the cultural significance of Jhumur in Assam's heritage.

A)
USA
B)
France
C)
Mongolia
D)
United Kingdom

Correct Answer :   USA

On July 26, 2024, India and the USA signed their first-ever Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi.

This agreement aims to combat the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the USA and aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, highlighting a significant step towards protecting India's cultural heritage.

The agreement restricts the importation of specific archaeological and ethnological materials into the USA and facilitates their repatriation to India if seized, reflecting a commitment to cultural heritage preservation and aligning with India’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy.