Tag: Cultural Heritage

Human Interest

Maharaja Padmanabh Singh: Where Royalty Meets Modern Influence

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Crowned at just 12, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur stands as a remarkable figure where India’s royal past meets global modernity. Born in 1998 to Princess Diya Kumari and Narendra Singh, he descends from the illustrious Jaipur royal family, whose lineage traces back centuries. While royal titles hold only ceremonial value in modern India, Padmanabh has given new life to his family’s legacy through his ventures in sport, heritage, and fashion.

Educated at Mayo College, Millfield School in England, and later in Rome, Padmanabh developed an international perspective early on. His passion for polo, a Jaipur royal tradition, has taken him to global tournaments, including representing India at prestigious events such as Hurlingham in England. His athletic discipline and charisma have made him a familiar name both on and off the field.

Beyond the polo grounds, Padmanabh Singh has captured the imagination of fashion and luxury circles worldwide. He has modeled for global brands, graced international magazine covers, and carved a niche as a symbol of Indian elegance in contemporary style. Yet, he remains deeply rooted in Jaipur, actively promoting heritage conservation, tourism, and cultural awareness.

With family assets reportedly valued at around ₹20,000 crore, including the iconic Rambagh Palace, City Palace, and other heritage properties, his influence extends into hospitality and cultural entrepreneurship. His mission reflects a modern take on royalty — one that honors history while embracing progress, innovation, and inclusivity.

Padmanabh Singh continues to balance global visibility with local responsibility, ensuring that Jaipur’s royal legacy thrives in the 21st century. Whether on horseback in a polo match, attending an international gala, or restoring heritage landmarks, the young Maharaja embodies the spirit of modern Indian nobility — regal, responsible, and forward-looking.

Events in Goa

Goa Illuminates with Tradition and Devotion at Tripurari Poornima Celebration in Sanquelim

Tanisha Cardozo

Vithalapur in Sanquelim transformed into a glowing canvas of devotion, colour, and cultural splendour as Goa celebrated Tripurari Poornima 2025. The annual festival, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), Department of Art and Culture, and Department of Information and Publicity, drew immense participation from local communities, artists, and visitors from across India and beyond.

The festivities began with a sacred procession dedicated to Lord Shrikrishna, followed by the graceful Palkhi of Shree Vitthal Rakhumai, filling the air with devotional fervour. Cultural performances portraying Goa’s folk traditions received resounding applause, as dancers and musicians showcased the state’s vibrant artistic identity.

The evening’s highlight, the traditional Boat Show, illuminated the waters with dazzling, artistically crafted boats, symbolising Goa’s deep connection with its rivers and maritime heritage. The captivating reenactment of ‘Tripurasur Vadh’ brought to life the sacred legend of the festival, followed by the release of ‘Saranga’ that lit up the night sky in a breathtaking spectacle.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, addressing the gathering, praised the community for preserving Goa’s traditions through creativity and devotion. He announced that the top three winning boats will be preserved and displayed at cultural venues such as Ravindra Bhavan and Kala Academy, offering visitors a glimpse of Goa’s unique craftsmanship. He further encouraged youth involvement in culture, innovation, and research as part of Goa’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Goa @2037.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Shri Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted how Tripurari Poornima enriches Goa’s tourism offerings by connecting travellers to the state’s riverine heritage and spiritual essence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting authentic, community-driven cultural experiences.

Other dignitaries, including Dr. Premendra Shet, Shri Kedar J. Naik, and Dr. Chandrakant Shetye, lauded the festival’s role in uniting communities and uplifting local talent. The GTDC enhanced the site’s beauty through art and aesthetic improvements, ensuring a welcoming and immersive ambience for visitors.

The Department of Information and Publicity also set up an exhibition showcasing Goa’s infrastructure achievements and cultural milestones, adding depth to the visitor experience.

Tripurari Poornima 2025 stood as a shining testament to Goa’s rich traditions, spiritual depth, and collective pride. With every illuminated boat, every song, and every smile, the festival reaffirmed that Goa’s cultural spirit continues to inspire joy, unity, and creativity for generations to come.

International

Italy to Host First-Ever Concerts and Theatre Performances Inside the Colosseum

Tanisha Cardozo

Italy is preparing to welcome the world to a unique cultural experience inside the Colosseum, one of history’s most iconic landmarks. For the first time in modern history, concerts and theatre performances will take place within the ancient arena, offering visitors an entirely new way to engage with the monument.

Simone Quilici, the Colosseum’s newly appointed director, emphasized that these events will be intimate and culturally focused, featuring classical, acoustic, and jazz performances rather than loud pop shows. The aim is to celebrate the Colosseum’s historical significance while providing audiences with a meaningful, immersive artistic experience.

The plan has been met with both excitement and caution, as experts carefully weigh the impact of such events on the preservation of the centuries-old structure. From gladiator battles in ancient times to modern melodies today, the Colosseum is stepping into a new era where history and culture harmoniously converge. This initiative promises to deepen appreciation for Italy’s heritage while giving visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience within its legendary walls.

National

Ayodhya Prepares for a Grand Deepotsav 2025 with 2.8 Million Lamps and a 32-Foot Pushpak Viman

Tanisha Cardozo

Ayodhya is preparing for one of the grandest Deepotsav celebrations ever witnessed, as the temple town gears up to illuminate 56 ghats along the Sarayu River with a stunning 2.8 million earthen lamps. Scheduled for Deepavali 2025, this year’s Deepotsav promises to be a spiritual and visual extravaganza, blending devotion, tradition, and community participation.

A striking feature of the festivities this year will be the installation of a 32-foot-tall Pushpak Viman at Ram Ki Paidi. This massive structure, inspired by the celestial vehicle of Lord Ram as described in the Ramayana, will showcase key scenes from the epic in a way that brings mythology to life. It offers a unique, immersive experience for pilgrims and visitors, adding a new cultural dimension to the festival.

To bring this event to life, more than 33,000 volunteers—including students, teachers, and residents—have come together to prepare the ghats and streets of Ayodhya. From arranging lamps to assisting with safety protocols, their collective spirit reflects the deep pride the city holds in celebrating Ram’s return to Ayodhya, now symbolically reenacted each year through Deepotsav.

The event is not only spiritual but meticulously organized. Volunteers are issued ID cards and festival T-shirts, and access to the ghats is tightly controlled to maintain safety. Food safety teams are also deployed to ensure hygienic conditions for visitors. Local administration is leaving no stone unturned to make this celebration safe, inclusive, and memorable.

In line with the broader cultural ethos, saints and local leaders are promoting Swadeshi products this year, urging people to light locally made earthen lamps and support artisans. As Saint Diwakaracharya Ji Maharaj noted, “Shri Ram has been seated in the grand Ram Temple after 500 years, and this Diwali promises to be truly remarkable.” He emphasized using indigenous products and highlighted the massive community effort that makes Deepotsav special—not only for Ayodhya, but for all of India.

Adding to the spiritual energy, Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Ji Maharaj described the traditional rituals marking the start of Deepotsav. From the Swasti mantras to the lighting of the first diya for Lord Ram and the Saryu River, each act is steeped in symbolism and reverence. Diyas are also lit for Hanuman Ji, Mata Adi Shakti, Sita Ji, and the Ram Darbar, marking a complete spiritual circle that defines the essence of Deepavali.

As thousands prepare to witness the light of millions of diyas dancing on the waters of the Sarayu, the celebration in Ayodhya stands as a glowing tribute not only to Lord Ram but to the collective spirit of a city deeply connected to its roots. Deepotsav 2025 is not just a festival—it is a living narrative of culture, community, and unwavering devotion.

National

Sawantwadi’s Ganjifa Art Honored on National Postage Stamp and First-Ever Round Postcard

Tanisha Cardozo

The centuries-old tradition of Ganjifa art from Sawantwadi has achieved national recognition with the release of special postage stamps and India’s first-ever round-shaped postcard by the Indian Postal Department. The featured artwork, centered on the Dashavatara — the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu — highlights the intricate beauty and cultural richness of this folk art form, which dates back to the 16th century.

This proud moment was marked by a ceremony in Mumbai, followed by a heartfelt felicitation event at the historic Sawantwadi Palace. Present at the celebration were King Khem Sawant Bhosale, Queen Shubhada Devi Bhosale, Crown Prince Lakhamraje Bhosale, and Princess Shraddharaje Bhosale, who came together to honor the Ganjifa artists whose dedication has kept this heritage alive.

Sixteen artists — Mohan Kulkarni, Sadashiv Dhuri, Pandurang Dhuri, Ramchandra Thakur, Varsha Londhe, Vishwanath Kulkarni, Ladu Thakur, Gayatri Kulkarni, Sukanya Pawar, Gauri Parker, Arya Devrukhkar, Sonali Kumbhar, Yash Dhuri, Bhuvan Halskar, Nikita Arabekar, and Sachin Kulkarni — were felicitated for their invaluable contributions.

Queen Shubhada Devi Bhosale emphasized that this recognition is a tribute to the legacy of Raja Shivramraje Bhosale and Rajmata Satvashila Devi Bhosale, whose efforts in preserving Ganjifa art have borne fruit on a national and now international level. She appealed for continued royal and government patronage to ensure that Ganjifa remains a living tradition for future generations.

Princess Shraddharaje Bhosale praised the depiction of the Dashavatara on the round postcard, stating it serves as both cultural education and artistic inspiration for the younger generation. This initiative, she added, has elevated Sawantwadi’s folk traditions to a global stage.

Veteran artist Mohan Kulkarni spoke emotionally about this long-awaited recognition, calling it a profound honor for Sawantwadi’s artistic legacy and for the dedicated community of Ganjifa painters.

The event also saw support from Shri Pancham Khemraj College, whose professors and faculty expressed their pride in seeing the cultural heritage of Sawantwadi celebrated at such a level. Principal Dr. D.L. Bharmal, Prof. G.M. Shirodkar, Dr. Satish Sawant, and Jayprakash Sawant were present along with non-teaching staff.

This recognition marks not only a milestone for Ganjifa art but also a shining example of how royal patronage, government support, and community dedication can revive and sustain traditional art forms in modern India.