Art & Culture

New Delhi gears up for Master Creation-II, the government’s prestigious annual handicrafts exhibition at Dilli Haat. Featuring 120 master artisans, including Padma Shri and Shilp Guru awardees, the event promises a dazzling array of heritage crafts. Yet, behind the vibrant displays, questions about equitable representation and outdated participation rules loom large.

New Delhi plays host to a unique cultural dialogue as the ‘Barnali’ exhibition opens, showcasing the stunning parallels between Indian and Hungarian textile traditions. The display, a vibrant exploration of natural dyes like indigo, reveals a shared history of craft that connects two distant nations through the timeless language of colour and pattern.

In a firm diplomatic response, India has categorically dismissed Pakistan’s comments on the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, labeling the neighboring nation’s criticism as hypocritical and lacking “moral standing.” The exchange marks a new chapter in the complex dialogue between the two nations.

In a discovery that blurs the lines between ancient scripture and historical reality, a prominent indologist has reportedly pinpointed the location of Ayodhya’s legendary flag, a sacred relic said to have been lost following the great war of the Mahabharata. This breakthrough offers a tantalizing new chapter in India’s archaeological narrative.

In the heart of Kashmir, a centuries-old dance between artisan and wood continues. AlwaysFirst delves into the world of Walnut Wood Carving, a GI-protected craft where traditional tools like the ‘Sanglipen’ and ‘Choraswoul’ shape intricate masterpieces. We explore whether this heritage art can preserve its soul while embracing modern tools for survival.

In a pivotal move for India’s cultural economy, the Ministry of Textiles is convening a high-level national conference to redesign the support framework for the handicrafts and handloom sectors. The agenda? To boost market access, streamline governance, and ensure the benefits of central schemes truly reach millions of artisans and weavers on the ground.

The four-day ancient festival of Chhath Puja drew to a profound close this morning as millions of devotees, primarily across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, offered ‘Usha Arghya’—prayers to the rising sun. This grand finale, marked by unwavering faith and vibrant celebrations, illuminated riverbanks and water bodies across the nation.

AlwaysFirst reports: Novotel Guwahati GS Road officially ushered in the festive season with its vibrant Cake Mixing Brunch. The event at 188 Downtown restaurant saw the city’s socialites and patrons come together for a day of culinary tradition, live music, and community bonding, blending the season’s first aromas of joy and togetherness.

In a notable cultural gesture, former President Donald Trump was seen participating in a Diwali tradition, lighting a diya within the White House. The moment, shared widely online, was coupled with a message extending warm wishes for the festival of lights, highlighting a continued engagement with the Indian diaspora.

In a significant ruling just ahead of the festive season, the Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed its stance on firecrackers. The court has permitted a strictly regulated four-day window for the sale and use of only certified green crackers, aiming to balance tradition with environmental and public health concerns.