Art and Culture: Chapter - Religion, Pilgrimage and Festivals

Figure 4.1: Visual representation of India's ancient festivals, community gatherings, and spiritual heritage.

4. Religion, Pilgrimage and Festivals

KATEEL YAKSHAGANA MELA

Context: Karnataka High Court permitted the Kateel Durgaparameshwari Prasadita Yakshagana Mandali, an over-a-century-old Yakshagana mela in Dakshina Kannada, to resume its all-night performances[cite: 1].

More on news: The Court's decision mandates adherence to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, ensuring compliance with noise control regulations during the shows[cite: 1].

About Yakshagana (Song of Yaksha):

• Origin: The Kateel Yakshagana Mela is a traditional Yakshagana troupe and festival in the town of Kateel, Karnataka tracing back to the 11th to 16th CE; it includes stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata[cite: 1].
• Each troupe comprises 15 to 20 actors and a Bhagavatha, who is the master of ceremonies and main storyteller[cite: 1]. The Yakshagana troupes are known as 'melas'[cite: 1].
• Parthi Subba is considered the father of Yakshagana[cite: 1]. He composed around 18 Yakshagana prasangas (the text of verses)[cite: 1].
• Forms: Two major forms include the Moodalopaya Form, commonly performed in the eastern region, and the Puduvlopaya Form, more common in the western region[cite: 1].
• Performed by: Traditionally performed by men in all roles, these troupes now also include women[cite: 1].
• Musical Instruments: Chande (drums), Taala (mini metal clappers), Flute, Harmonium and Maddale[cite: 1].

JALLIKATTU

Context: The Jallikattu event featuring the traditional bull taming sport was held in Madurai[cite: 1].

About Jallikattu:

• Traditional Practice: It is an age-old practice wherein a bull is released into a crowd of people and participants of the event try to grab the large hump on the bull's back, attempting to bring the bull to stop[cite: 1].
• Historical References: Jallikattu is known to have been practised during the Tamil classical period (400-100 BCE) among the Ayar tribes who lived in the 'Mullai' geographical region of ancient Tamil Nadu[cite: 1].
• Location: It is celebrated mostly in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka as part of Pongal celebrations on Mattu Pongal day, in January[cite: 1].
• Bull Breed: Pulikulam or Kangayam[cite: 1].

CHITHIRAI FESTIVAL

Context: Thousands of devotees descended on the Vaigai riverbed in Madurai to witness the annual ritual of the Chithirai festival[cite: 1].

About Chithirai Festival:

• The Chithirai Festival falling at the beginning of April (Tamil month Chithirai) celebrates the celestial union of Lord Sunderswara (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi, considered to be Lord Vishnu's sister[cite: 1].
• The festival commences by hoisting a flag (Kodi Yetram) at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple[cite: 1]. The 'kodimaram' (flag pole) on which the flag is hoisted is decorated with beautiful flowers[cite: 1].

Meenakshi Temple of Madurai:

• Location: Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Madurai in Tamil Nadu[cite: 1].
• Presiding deity: The temple is dedicated to goddess Meenakshi[cite: 1].

TRADITIONAL NEW YEAR FESTIVALS

Context: The President of India greeted fellow citizens on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi also popular as Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba[cite: 1].

More on News: These festivals are celebrated in different parts of the country and spread the message of peace, harmony and tolerance to welcome the spring season and Indian New Year[cite: 1].

Festival	Features
Chaitra Sukladi	- It marks the beginning of the new year day according to the Hindu Calendar (Vikram Samvat) in parts of North India[cite: 1]. - It falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, the first month of the Hindu calendar[cite: 1].
Ugadi	- It is celebrated by the peoples of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra, marking the beginning of a new lunar year[cite: 1]. - It derives its name from the Sanskrit words "yuga" (age) and "adi" (beginning)[cite: 1].
Gudi Padwa	- It is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar[cite: 1]. - The word Gudi Padwa is made of two words - Gudi refers to the 'flag' (garlanded with flowers, mango, and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel) and padwa comes from the Sanskrit word 'Pratipada' which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight[cite: 1]. - It is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh[cite: 1].
Cheti Chand	- It is celebrated as Jhulelal Jayanti by the Sindhi community to commemorate the birth anniversary of Uderolal/Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis[cite: 1]. - This marks the beginning of the Sindhi New Year. As per the Hindu calendar, it is primarily observed on the 2nd day of Chaitra Shukla Paksha. Chaitra month is called 'Chet' in Sindhi[cite: 1].
Navreh	- Navreh is derived from Nav-varsh of Sanskrit. It is the lunar new year that is celebrated in Kashmir[cite: 1]. - It falls on the first day of the Chaitra Navratri[cite: 1].
Sajibu Cheiraoba	- It is the Manipuri New Year festival of Meiteis (an ethnic group in Manipur) which is observed on the first day of Manipur lunar month Shajibu[cite: 1]. - The festival marks the beginning of a new agricultural cycle[cite: 1].
Vaisakhi	- Vaisakhi, also known as Baisakhi, is a vital sikh festival in Punjab[cite: 1]. - It marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh and celebrates the harvest season, cultural heritage, and Khalsa Panth formation by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699[cite: 1].
Vishu	- Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated as the New Year Day in Kerala[cite: 1]. - On this day, people worship Lord Vishnu and his incarnation, Lord Krishna[cite: 1].
Bishub (Pohela Boishakh)	- It is also known as Poila Boishakh and is celebrated marking the first day of the Bengali New Year[cite: 1]. - It is celebrated in West Bengal and Bangladesh[cite: 1].
Bohag Bihu	- It's Assam's harvest festival and also marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year[cite: 1]. - Bihu dance performances, feasting, and community gatherings are common during celebrations[cite: 1].
Puthandu	- It marks the start of Tamil Nadu's New Year, celebrated as a festival by Tamil people worldwide, usually in mid-April[cite: 1]. - People make Kolam, intricate floor designs, cook a special dish called Mango Pachadi, and visit temples[cite: 1].

MAHAVIR JAYANTI

Context: Recently, the Vice-President of India greeted the people on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti (April 21st, 2024)[cite: 1].

About Mahavir Jayanti: Mahavir Jayanti, also known as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and the last Tirthankara of Jainism[cite: 1].

Contribution of Lord Mahavir:

• Lord Mahavir is renowned as a teacher who propagated Dharma in Jainism[cite: 1].
• Core teachings: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment), which later became the fundamental principles of Jainism[cite: 1].

About Jainism:

• Jainism came to prominence in the 6th century B.C. The word 'Jain' is derived from Jina or Jaina which means the 'Conqueror'[cite: 1].
• Tirthankaras: Tirthankaras are revered spiritual teachers in Jainism who guide souls towards liberation[cite: 1]. They are believed to have attained perfect knowledge and enlightenment (Kaivalya), showing the path to salvation[cite: 1].
• There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism[cite: 1]. The first Tirthankara is Lord Rishabhanatha, and the 24th and final Tirthankara is Lord Mahavira, who is considered the most recent and the one who revitalised Jain teachings[cite: 1].
• Concept of God: Jainism believes in God (perfect being) but does not believe in God as a creator[cite: 1].
• Three Jewels or Triratna: Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana) and Right Action (Samyak Charitra)[cite: 1].
• Five Doctrines of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-injury to living beings), Satya (do not speak a lie), Asteya (do not steal), Aparigraha (do not acquire property) and Brahmacharya (observe continence)[cite: 1].
• Major Sects: There are 2 major sects under Jainism[cite: 1].
  • Digambaras: Monks of this sect believe in complete nudity[cite: 1]. Male monks do not wear clothes while female monks wear unstitched plain white sarees[cite: 1]. They follow all 5 vows but believe that women cannot achieve liberation[cite: 1]. Bhadrabahu was an exponent of this sect[cite: 1]. Major Sub-Sects: Mula Sangh, Bisapantha, Terapantha, Taranpantha or Samaiyapantha[cite: 1]. Minor Sub-Sects: Gumanapantha, Totapantha[cite: 1].
  • Shwetambara: Monks of this sect wear white clothes[cite: 1]. They follow only 4 vows (except brahmacharya)[cite: 1]. They believe women too can achieve liberation[cite: 1]. Sthulabhadra was an exponent of this sect[cite: 1]. Major Sub-Sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi, Terapanthi[cite: 1].
• Patronage: Jainism flourished under the patronage of Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela of Kalinga, the royal dynasties of South, the Ganga Dynasty, the Kadamba Dynasty, the Chalukya Dynasty, and the Rashtrakuta Dynasty[cite: 1].
• Contribution of Jainism:
  • Language and Literature: They helped in the growth of Prakrit and Kannada language[cite: 1]. Kalpasutra was written by Bhadrabahu and contains biographies of Tirthankaras[cite: 1]. Teachings of tirthankara before Mahavira were known as Purva[cite: 1].
  • Philosophy: Promoted concepts of Syadvada (theory of relativity of knowledge), Anekantavada (multiplicity of truths) and Karma[cite: 1].
  • Art and Architecture: Statue of Gomateshwara (Shravanabelagola), temples of Khajuraho (Parsvanatha, Adinatha, and Shantinatha temples), Mt. Abu (Dilwara Temples), Tiger cave of Udayagiri and Indra Sabha of Ellora are significant contributions[cite: 1].
  • Basadis: Jain monastic establishment or temples in Karnataka[cite: 1].
  • Manastambha: Located at the temple's front, it features an ornamental pillar structure with Tirthankara images atop, facing all four cardinal directions, holding religious significance[cite: 1].
  • Economic Ethos: Jain merchants promoted ethical business practices and philanthropy[cite: 1].

Knowledge Nugget: About Jain Councils

- First Jain Council: It was convened at Patliputra (present day Patna) in the beginning of the 3rd Century B.C. and was presided over by Sthulbhadra[cite: 1]. Patron: Chandragupta Maurya[cite: 1]. Purpose: Preservation of Jain scriptures following a famine in Magadha[cite: 1]. Result: Sthulabhadra divided the Jaina canon into 12 'angas' or sections[cite: 1]. This was accepted by Svetambaras[cite: 1]. The Angas are written in Ardhamagadhi Prakrit[cite: 1]. The monks of the south disagreed with this compilation, and the first split in Jainism began[cite: 1]. Twelve Angas: Acaranga, Sutrakritanga, Samavayanga, Thananga, Bhagavati, Jnatadharmakatha, Upasakadasa, Antakritdasa, Anuttaraupapatikadasa, Prasna Vyakarana, Vipaka Sutra, and Dristivada (the 12th anga is lost)[cite: 1]. The Acharanga sutta (code of conduct) and Bhagavati sutta (Jaina doctrines) are the most important[cite: 1].

- Second Jain Council: It was convened at Vallabhi (Gujrat) in 512 A.D. during the reign of the Maitraka Dynasty and was presided over by Devardhi Kshmasramana[cite: 1]. Patron: Svetambara monks under the leadership of Devardhi Kshamashramana[cite: 1]. Purpose: Compilation and codification of Jain texts in a systematic manner[cite: 1]. Result: New additions were made in the form of 'Upangas' or minor sections[cite: 1].

Difference between Jainism and Buddhism:

- God's Existence: Jainism recognised the existence of God while Buddhism did not[cite: 1].
- Varna System: Jainism does not condemn the varna system while Buddhism does[cite: 1].
- Belief System: Jainism believed in transmigration of soul i.e., reincarnation while Buddhism does not[cite: 1].
- Path Followed: Buddha prescribed the middle path while Jainism advocates the extreme path, even completely discarding the clothes i.e. life of austerity[cite: 1].

NOWRUZ

Context: Google celebrated 'Nowruz Day' on 19 March, 2024 with a specially designed Google Doodle[cite: 1].

About Nowruz Festival:

• Nowruz, the Parsi word for "new day," marks the beginning of the Iranian or Persian New Year[cite: 1].
• History: It is an ancient festival with roots in Zoroastrianism and begins on the vernal equinox, which falls around March 20th or 21st each year[cite: 1].
• The United Nations celebrates the International Day of Nowruz on March 21st[cite: 1].
• UNESCO Intangible List: Nowruz was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016[cite: 1].
• Significance: It symbolises the renewal of nature and the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere[cite: 1].

PARUVETA FESTIVAL

Context: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is making efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for the annual 'Paruveta' festival[cite: 1].

About Paruveta Festival:

• It is also known as the 'mock hunting festival' and is celebrated at Sri Narasimha Swamy Temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh[cite: 1].
• Origin: According to the legend, Lord Vishnu, upon his incarnation as a man-lion (Narasimha) in Ahobilam, married Maha Lakshmi, who was born as a tribal girl named Chenchulakshmi[cite: 1].
• The Chenchu tribes revere Ahobila Narasimha as their brother-in-law and express their devotion through the 'Narasimha Deeksha,' during which they wear yellow robes, adorn a 'Tulasi Mala,' and observe celibacy[cite: 1].
• While Paruveta rituals are commonly observed in many temples during Vijayadasami or Sankranti, at Ahobilam, it is conducted for a 'mandala' (forty days)[cite: 1].
• It symbolizes communal harmony as it is celebrated by all sections of people, irrespective of their caste and religion[cite: 1].

About Chenchu Tribes:

• Region: The Chenchu tribes primarily inhabit the hills of southern India, mainly in Andhra Pradesh, with smaller communities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha[cite: 1].
• Native language: Chenchu, belongs to the Dravidian language family[cite: 1]. Many also speak Telugu[cite: 1].
• Traditional livelihood: Wandering and food-gathering[cite: 1]. They now work as farmers or forest labourers[cite: 1].
• Habitat: They live in hive-shaped houses made of wattle thatch[cite: 1].
• Society: Consists of clans, local groups, and families. They are an exogamous and patrilineal society[cite: 1].

About INTACH: The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) was founded in 1984 in New Delhi with the vision to spearhead heritage awareness and conservation in India[cite: 1].

MORODHARO

Context: Excavation in Lodrani, Kutch, searching for buried gold, uncovers fortified Harappan-era settlement[cite: 1].

About Morodharo:

• Located in the Kutch District of Gujarat[cite: 1].
• Fortified settlement dates back to the Harappan era, ranging from the mature (2,600-1,900 BCE) to late (1,900-1,300 BCE) phases[cite: 1].
• Artefacts: Unearthed Harappan pottery includes perforated jar sherds, reserved slipware, and terracotta cakes, similar to those found in Dholavira[cite: 1].

ABHAYA MUDRA & BUDDHIST MUDRAS

Context: In his maiden speech the Opposition leader of Lok Sabha, invoked the Abhaya Mudra[cite: 1].

Mudras in Buddhism: Mudras are symbolic hand gestures or positions used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Indian spiritual practices[cite: 1]. They are believed to have a powerful influence on the mind and body[cite: 1].

Abhaya Mudra: Gesture of Fearlessness

• Hand Position: The right hand is raised to shoulder height, with the palm facing outward and fingers pointing upwards[cite: 1].
• Finger Variation: Occasionally, the index, second, or third finger may touch the thumb, while the remaining fingers are extended upward[cite: 1].
• Double Abhaya Mudra: In some cases, both hands are raised in this posture[cite: 1].
• Symbolism in Buddhist tradition:
  • Enlightenment: It symbolizes the security, serenity, and compassion that arise from the Buddha's Enlightenment[cite: 1].
  • Fearlessness and Protection: The "gesture of fearlessness" symbolizes the Shakyamuni (Buddha) taming a mad elephant, representing his ability to grant fearlessness and protection to his followers[cite: 1].

Mudra Type	Description and Meaning
Dharmachakra Mudra	Represents continuous flow of energy. The mudra also symbolises kalachakra, which refers to the time cycles[cite: 1].
Dhyan Mudra	The gesture of meditation, of the concentration of the good Law and the sangha[cite: 1].
Varada Mudra	The "generosity gesture" signifies offering, welcome, charity, giving, compassion and sincerity[cite: 1].
Bhumisparsa Mudra	A hand gesture believed to have been adopted by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) at the moment of his enlightenment, with the Earth serving as his witness[cite: 1].

SAMMAKKA-SARALAMMA JATARA (MEDARAM JATRA)

Context: Every two years, millions of worshippers gather from across India to celebrate the grand Sammakka Saralamma Jatara festival in Medaram, Telangana[cite: 1].

About Festival:

• Medaram is a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the Mulugu district[cite: 1].
• Location: Medaram village, Mulugu District, Telangana[cite: 1].
• Frequency: Celebrated biennially (every two years) and lasts for four days[cite: 1].
• Historical Significance: India's largest tribal festival, honouring Sammakka and Saralamma, tribal deities, who resisted Kakatiya dynasty's oppressive taxes (12th century) and sacrificed their lives, demonstrating tribal devotion[cite: 1].
• Deities Honored: Includes Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididdaraju, Govindarajulu, and Nagulamma[cite: 1].
• Offerings: Devotees offer jaggery, sarees, rice, and other items[cite: 1].
• Rituals: Holy bath in Jampanna Vagu, a tributary to River Godavari[cite: 1]. Sammakka is brought from a nearby hill called Chilukalagutta[cite: 1].
• The festival is celebrated by the Koya tribe, India's second-largest tribal community[cite: 1].

About Koya Tribe:

• The Koyas are a multi-lingual, multi-racial tribal community in India residing in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana[cite: 1].
• They are physically classified as Australoid and follow a patrilineal and patrilocal family system called "Kutum"[cite: 1]. The nuclear family is predominant[cite: 1].

BUDDHA'S RELICS

Context: 4 bone fragments of Lord Buddha, also known as Kapilvastu Relics, presently kept in the National Museum, were taken to Thailand after 1995[cite: 1].

About Relics:

• Definition: Relics are sacred objects associated with holy individuals recovered from their tomb or cremation (body parts or items touched)[cite: 1]. According to Mahavastu, "when the relics are seen, the Buddha is seen."[cite: 1]
• For the first time, the relics of two chief disciples of Buddha, Sariputta and Maha Moggallana from Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh, are also being ferried along[cite: 1].
• Life of Buddha: Born as Siddhartha to King Suddhodhana and Queen Mayadevi around 563 BCE in Kapilavastu (modern-day Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh)[cite: 1]. Attained enlightenment under a Pipal tree[cite: 1]. Key pilgrimage sites: Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar[cite: 1]. Died in Kushinagar at 80[cite: 1].
• Distribution of Relics: Relics were divided into eight parts and distributed among Ajathsatru of Magadha, the Licchavis of Vaishali, the Sakyas of Kapilavastu, Mallas of Kushinagar, Bullies of Allakappa, the Mallas of Pava, the Koliyas of Ramagrama and a Brahmana of Vethadipa for erecting stupas[cite: 1].
• Two more stupas came into existence over the urn and embers[cite: 1].
• Redistribution: Ashoka (272-232 BCE) later collected a major portion and redistributed them to 84,000 stupas[cite: 1]. Saririka stupas are those erected over bodily relics[cite: 1].

GORSAM KORA

Context: The Gorsam Kora festival is held in Zemithang valley along the Nyanmjang Chu River[cite: 1].

About Gorsam Kora Festival:

• Location: Held at Gorsam Chorten, a 93-feet-tall Stupa built in the 13th Century CE by Lama Pradhar, older than the Tawang Monastery[cite: 1].
• Significance: Celebrated on the last day of the first month of the Lunar calendar where devotees circumambulate the stupa[cite: 1]. The Zemithang Valley historically provided refuge to the 14th Dalai Lama during his escape from Tibet in 1959[cite: 1]. It reflects the traditions of the Monpa tribe[cite: 1].
• Key Features (2024): Organized as a Zero Waste Festival by the local community of Zemithang[cite: 1]. It highlights the cultural ties between Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan[cite: 1].

About Monpa Tribe:

• Monpas inhabit the high altitude Tawang district and mountain passes of Bomdila in West Kameng district (Arunachal Pradesh)[cite: 1].
• Society is patriarchal[cite: 1]. They are skilled in wood carving, Thangka painting, carpet making and weaving[cite: 1].
• Losar (Tibetan New Year) is the main festival[cite: 1]. Choskar is their unique harvest festival[cite: 1]. They believed in the native animistic Bon religion before converting to Tibetan Buddhism[cite: 1].

KARAM PARVA

Context: Tribal populations in several states celebrated the harvest festival of Karma or Karam Parv[cite: 1].

About Karam Parv:

• Karam is a harvest festival of grains celebrated in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Odisha, focusing on the Karam tree[cite: 1].
• Origin: The Oraon/Kurukh people linked it to the agricultural cycle during autumn rains with the pahan (priest) praying for harvests[cite: 1]. It is popular among Munda, Ho, Oraon, Baiga, Kharia, and Santhal people[cite: 1].
• Symbolism of Karam/Kadam Tree: Traditionally seen as a symbol of Karam Devta/Karamsani (God of strength, youth, and vitality)[cite: 1].
• Rituals: Young women sow seven types of grains in river sand[cite: 1]. A branch is worshipped with hibiscus flowers and later immersed in a river[cite: 1]. Branches from Chirchitti and Sindwar trees are also planted in fields for natural pest control[cite: 1].

MAHA KUMBH MELA 2025

Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated and launched multiple development projects worth around Rs 5500 crore at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh for Maha Kumbh 2025 preparation[cite: 1].

Key Highlights of PM Address: Sah'AI'yak, a multilingual AI-powered chatbot, was launched to assist devotees in 11 Indian languages[cite: 1]. Major temple corridors like Bharadwaj Ashram and Akshayvat were inaugurated[cite: 1].

About Maha Kumbh Mela:

• It is a sacred pilgrimage celebrated four times over 12 years[cite: 1]. In 2025, it takes place from January 13 (Paush Poornima) to February 26 (Maha Shivratri)[cite: 1].
• Historical Background: Rooted in Hindu mythology, it commemorates the Samudra Manthan (ocean churning), with nectar falling at four locations[cite: 1]. It is believed Lord Vishnu disguised as the enchantress 'Mohini' whisked the Kumbh away from demons[cite: 1].
• Supported by royal dynasties including Cholas, Vijayanagar, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals (including Akbar)[cite: 1]. Described by Xuanzang in the 7th century[cite: 1]. Organized structural lineage was transcribed by philosopher Adi Shankaracharya[cite: 1]. Recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage[cite: 1].

HORNBILL FESTIVAL

Context: The 25th Hornbill Festival was celebrated in Nagaland[cite: 1].

About Hornbill Festival: First held in 2000, known as the "Festival of Festivals", it showcases the 14 recognized Naga tribes in Nagaland to promote inter-tribal interaction[cite: 1]. Theme for 2024: Cultural Connect[cite: 1].

About Hornbill Bird: Called "Farmers of the forest" for aiding seed dispersal[cite: 1]. Key species include the Great Indian Hornbill (state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh), Rufous-necked Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Narcondam Hornbill (endemic to Narcondam Island)[cite: 1].

THRISSUR POORAM FESTIVAL

Context: Supreme Court stays Kerala High Court's restrictions on parading of elephants[cite: 1].

About Thrissur Pooram Festival:

• It is an annual Hindu temple festival held in Thrissur, Kerala, occurring in the Malayalam month of "Medam" (April-May)[cite: 1].
• Origin: Initiated by Raja Rama Varma, famously known as Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin (1790-1805) in 1797 as an alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram[cite: 1].
• Purpose: Ten temples come together to pay homage to Lord Shiva at the Vadakkunnathan Temple[cite: 1]. Known as the Mother of All Poorams[cite: 1].
• Highlights: Elephant Parades (Kudamattom Ceremony) featuring golden headgear (nettipattam), Ilanjithara Melam traditional music, and a spectacular fireworks display[cite: 1].
• About Sakthan Thampuran: Born in 1751, considered the architect of Thrissur city[cite: 1]. He relocated the capital from Thrippunithura to Thrissur, developed infrastructure, and formalized ties with the British East India Company via the Powney Treaty[cite: 1]. He ended the influence of Yogiatirippads and took over temple management[cite: 1].

High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 4 Focus)

Q1. With reference to the structural differences between Jainism and Buddhism based on traditional doctrines, consider the following statements:

1. Buddhism explicitly condemns the varna system, whereas Jainism does not strictly condemn it.
2. Both religious traditions completely discard the concept of the transmigration of souls and reincarnation.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: A. Statement 1 is correct because Jainism does not condemn the varna system, unlike Buddhism[cite: 1]. Statement 2 is incorrect because Jainism explicitly believes in the transmigration of the soul (reincarnation), whereas Buddhism does not adhere to a permanent soul concept[cite: 1].

Q2. The grand Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara (Medaram Jatra), recognized as India's largest tribal festival, is primarily celebrated by which of the following tribal communities?

Correct Answer: B. The Medaram Jatra festival is celebrated biennially in Telangana by the Koya tribe, which is India's second-largest tribal community[cite: 1].

Q3. With reference to the historic Thrissur Pooram festival of Kerala, consider the following statements:

1. It was systematically structured and introduced in 1797 by Raja Rama Varma, popularly known as Sakthan Thampuran.
2. The festival is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple to pay collective homage to Lord Vishnu.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: A. Statement 1 is correct as Sakthan Thampuran initiated the festival in 1797[cite: 1]. Statement 2 is incorrect because the ten participating temples assemble to pay homage to Lord Shiva at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, not Lord Vishnu[cite: 1].