Culture Shauk: India's Hobbies, Passions & Arts

In the bid for future generations to rediscover the glory of ancient India, the archaeological sites of Rakhigarhi, Sivasagar, Dholavira, Adichanallur and Hastinapur will be developed as iconic sites with on-site museums. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced that Rs 3150 crore will be allocated for the Ministry of Culture, under which the sites fall. Let’s find out more about the 5 sites in this episode of Culture ‘Shauk’ with Sunita Iyer.

Recently, a humble gesture by co-founder of software giant Infosys, Narayana Murthy, touching the feet of former Chairman of Tata group, Ratan Tata, went viral on social media. Narayan Murthy’s gesture came after he handed over Ratan Tata with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 11th edition of the TieCon Mumbai. While this heartwarming gesture won the hearts of several netizens, it has also brought focus on the age-old Indian tradition of touching the feet of our elders. Let’s find out more about this in today’s episode of Culture ‘Shauk’ with Sunita Iyer.

Assam’s fascinating tableau, which depicted the rich weave of handicraft, music, dance, life and its people, won the first prize at this year’s Republic Day Parade. With a theme of ‘Land of Unique Craftsmanship and Culture’, the tableau showcased several elements of the state’s rich culture. In this episode of Culture 'Shauk' with Sunita Iyer, let’s find out why Assam’s tableau at this year’s republic day parade won more than just the first prize.

In a bid to boost tourism in the country, the government has come out with a very creative approach which might cheer travel enthusiasts. The Ministry of Tourism has decided to reward travelers who visit at least 15 tourists spots in the country in a year with the Dekho Apna Desh campaign. Union Tourism Minister Prahalad Patel Singh said, "The tourism ministry will fund the travel expenses of tourists who visit 15 destinations in the country in a year and submit the photos on our website.” However, he clarified that the move should not be considered as a monetary benefit, but as an incentive.

Vasant Panchami refers to the religious Hindu festival of Saraswati Puja or Shree Panchami. It is a seasonal spring festival which is observed in many regions of the India. The festival also marks the start of preparation for Holika and Holi, which take place forty days later. Let’s find out more about the significance and importance of this festival in this episode of Culture Shauk with Sunita Iyer.

A fusion of music, dance and drama, folk theatre is a composite art form with deep roots in local identity and native culture. India has a long, rich and illustrious history of folk theatre. While some folk theatre forms like raslila, ramlila, dashavatar are recognized all over the country, there are some which remain largely unnoticed. Let’s find out more about some of the lesser-known Indian folk theatre forms in this episode of Culture 'Shauk' with Sunita Iyer.

On 21 January, 1972, the states of Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Re-organisation) Act, 1971. The three states attained Statehood after 24 years of India's Independence. In this episode of Culture 'Shauk' with Sunita Iyer, let's take a look at the rich culture of the three states.

Kokborok Day is a festival celebrated in Tripura to commemorate the development of the Kokborok language, which is the official language of the state. Observed every January 19, this day celebrates the initial recognition of Kokborok and an official language in 1979. Let's find out more about this festival in this episode of Culture 'Shauk' with Sunita Iyer.

India is a land of festivals. Every festival is celebrated with equal enthusiasm and fervor. Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, is one such festival. Why is the Pongal festival celebrated, how is it celebrated, what is its significance? Let us find out more in this episode of Culture ‘Shauk’ with Sunita Iyer.

Makar Sankranti, dedicated to the sun god, is one of the most ancient Hindu festivals celebrated across India with much fanfare. The festival marks the beginning of the auspicious period of Uttarayan. Flying kites, preparing traditional sweets with jaggery and sesame seeds and taking holy dip in rivers form an integral part of it, as does meeting with loved ones and exchanging greetings and sweets. In this episode of Culture 'Shauk' with Sunita Iyer, let’s take a look at the significance of the festival of Makar Sankranti and also find out why kite flying is an important part of the celebration.