Millions across India celebrated Durga Puja and Navratri with great fervour on Friday, marking the end of the nine-day festivities. The celebrations, steeped in tradition and cultural significance, culminated with ‘kanya bhoj,’ puja, and havan on ‘Navami,’ the final day.
The Indian government has bestowed classical language status on five more Indian languages: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. This recognition aims to preserve the rich heritage of these languages and bolster their cultural significance.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished Chinese tradition, celebrates the harvest season and the beauty of the full moon. Held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, it falls between mid-September and early October. The festival features vibrant lantern displays, delicious mooncakes, and family gatherings, showcasing the cultural significance of togetherness and harmony.
Onam is a ten-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India, with its roots deeply entwined with the arrival of the mythical King Mahabali. This festival is filled with vibrant traditions, from the intricate flower arrangements called ‘Pookalam’ to the grand feast known as ‘Onam Sadhya.’
Saudi Arabia is set to transform Riyadh’s art scene with its own version of the Louvre, featuring a collection of world-class masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi. This ambitious project aims to solidify Riyadh’s status as a major cultural hub and attract global attention.
A group of talented Chinese youth showcased the ancient Diancha and Zhucha tea ceremonies at the 4th Incheon Youth International Exchange Event in South Korea, marking the first time these traditional rituals have been presented on an international stage. This performance highlighted the artistry and cultural significance of Chinese tea culture and served as a powerful symbol of international exchange.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has launched its pavilion at the Seoul International Book Fair, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and promoting collaborations with South Korea. The pavilion features diverse activities, including panel discussions, performances, book displays, and culinary experiences.
The Dragon Boat Culture Festival in Zigui County, Yichang City, Hubei Province, China, commemorates the renowned Chinese poet and minister Qu Yuan. This year’s festival featured an innovative artistic portrayal of ancient sacrificial rites, merging local landscapes with virtual reality to showcase ancient songs. The festival included the opening ceremony, a CCTV special program, and the Dragon Boat Festival Cultural Month, filled with traditional activities such as dragon boat races, folk performances, and a Chinese-style fashion fair. Qu Yuan’s legacy as a native of Yichang and the significance of the Dragon Boat Festival in his honor were highlighted.
Art of Heritage, led by HRH Princess Nourah Alfaisal, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage. With a collection of over 57,000 artifacts and initiatives like Yadawi, the organization aims to empower artisans, revive endangered crafts, and connect the past with the present. Princess Alfaisal believes that the loss of heritage crafts poses a threat to national identity and emphasizes the importance of creating new markets and training programs to support cultural practitioners.
Moving to a new country can be an exciting and eye-opening experience. For those who have relocated to the United States, there are certain aspects of American culture that stand out as particularly endearing. From the enthusiastic school spirit to the generous portions of food, and the friendly and outgoing nature of strangers, there are countless reasons why expats have fallen in love with American society.
