News In Shorts

Geographical Indication (GI) certificates awarded to Banarasi Shehnai and Banarasi Tabla.

About Banarasi Shehnai

• It is an Indian wind instrument similar to the oboe in tone and has seven holes on its staff in place of keys.
• Its music is associated with the temple music of the country
• It is considered auspicious to play the Shehnai on occasion of most Indian weddings.
• It gained global recognition through the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan.

About Banarasi Tabla

• Benares tabla gharana was developed a little over 200 years ago by the legendary Pandit Ram Sahai .
• Banaras Gharana is recognized as one of the six principal tabla gharanas in Indian classical music.
• Noted tabla player Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj belonged to the Banaras gharana of Hindustani classical music.

Kannadippaya has become the first tribal handicraft from Kerala to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. 

About Kannadippaya

• It is a beautifully woven mat, also known as "mirror mat" due to its unique reflective pattern.
• Made from the soft inner layers of reed bamboo, the mat stands out for its unique properties — providing warmth during winter and cooling effect in summer.

Traditional harvest festivals are being celebrated in different parts of India.

• Marking the 1st day of the New Year, they are a way of thanksgiving for the abundant harvest at the coming of spring. 

Traditional harvest festivals in India

• Baisakhi (Punjab): Marks the beginning of harvesting of Rabi crops. Bhangra and Gidda dances are performed.
• Vishu (Kerala and Tamil Nadu): Marks the traditional spring equinox when day and night are equal.
• Poila Boishakh (West Bengal): Traders begin the new financial year by opening fresh account books, known as Haal Khaata.
• Others: Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu (Assam), Puthandu (Tamil Nadu), Makar Sakranti (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana), Lohri (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, J&K), Pongal (Tamil Nadu)

President of india presents padma awards 2025 at the civil investiture ceremony-I.

About Padma Awards

• Among the highest civilian honours in India.
• Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
• Three categories:
  • Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service
  • Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a higher order
  • Padma Shri: For distinguished service
• Recognizes achievements in all fields where an element of public service is involved.
• History and Suspension:  Instituted in 1954; not awarded during 1978–79 and 1993–97.
• Selection Process:
  • Recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister every year.
  • Public nominations allowed, including self-nominations.
• Not a title: Cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the awardee’s name.