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Beethoven

How Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ became the ‘Anthem of Europe’Subscriber Only

June 16, 2024 13:16 IST

Since 1972, the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony has been the official anthem of the European Community and its successor: the EU. Here’s why.

Jyotirmath entrance. The town is being renamed to Jyotirmath and was earlier called Joshimath.

Explained: Cultural significance of Uttarakhand’s Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli, now to be renamedSubscriber Only

June 18, 2024 07:03 IST

Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli have sites of religious and cultural importance. Here is a brief history of their recent names and why the renaming matters.

Last known photograph of Franz Kafka, most likely taken in 1923.

What explains Franz Kafka’s cultural relevance a century after his death?Subscriber Only

June 3, 2024 12:05 IST

Franz Kafka is one of the best-known German-language authors in the world. He passed away on June 3, 1924, at the age of 40. Kafka's stories mostly revolve around human experiences, poetically describing the feeling of being lost, alone and helpless in this world.

Anish Kapoor

Anish Kapoor and his art: What makes him the most successful Indian artist aliveSubscriber Only

May 31, 2024 19:14 IST

Anish Kapoor has topped the Hurun India Art List of most successful Indian artists alive for the sixth consecutive year. Here is an introduction to him and his work

Payal Kapadia, second from right, winner of the grand prize for 'All We Imagine as Light,' poses with Kani Kusruti, from left, Chhaya Kadam, and Divya Prabha at the 77th international film festival on May 25, 2024.

India’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ wins Grand Prix: What is the Cannes Film Festival, and how did it begin?Subscriber Only

May 27, 2024 15:31 IST

With artists from India winning major awards at the Cannes Film Festival, considered globally as one of the most prestigious events related to cinema, here is how it all began with an unlikely origin in the World War 2 era.

Actor Kani Kusruti (second from right) posing with a watermelon clutch while arriving for the screening of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ at the Cannes Film Festival. She can be seen with the cast and crew of the fim. (Reuters/Sarah Meyssonnier)

Watermelon at Cannes: How the fruit became a Palestinian symbolSubscriber Only

May 24, 2024 17:13 IST

Indian actor Kani Kusruti, of ‘All We Imagine As Light’ fame, appeared on the Cannes red carpet with a watermelon clutch. Here is what this symbolises.

Illustration from the Ramcharitmanas.

Ramcharitmanas included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Regional Register: Its significanceSubscriber Only

May 16, 2024 19:09 IST

Officials behind the nomination process have told the Indian Express that the three texts were picked due to their enduring worldwide appeal.

Hybe Chairperson Bang Si-Hyuk (left) and ADOR CEO Min Hee-Jin during her recent press conference.

Explained: Controversy and drama at Hybe, the K-pop company behind BTSSubscriber Only

May 26, 2024 07:57 IST

The South Korean company has emerged as a major entertainment giant in the last few years, as Korean cultural exports have made their mark globally. Why does the company's public spat with a top executive of a subsidiary matter for the industry at large?

Met Gala

Met Gala 2024: What is the event and why is it such a big deal?Subscriber Only

May 7, 2024 21:39 IST

Why do the rich and famous don clothes around a pre-decided theme for a party, and what do they do at the party? Who funds the extravaganza, and where does the money it raises go? We take a look.

The Booker Prize trophy.

Why the Booker Prize’s links to slavery have come under criticism, againSubscriber Only

May 2, 2024 11:58 IST

The founders of the Booker Group enslaved more than 200 people in Guyana, in the 19th century, and were deeply tied to the oppressive slavery and indentured labour-based economies of the colony.

A cannibal feast on Tanna, Vanuatu, c. 1885–1889.

Behind cannibal stereotype: Why Joe Biden’s comments offended Papua New GuineaSubscriber Only

May 2, 2024 09:22 IST

The people of New Guinea have long tried to shed the cannibal label. While there have been documented cases of cannibalism among tribes on the island, the use of the stereotype has as much to do with European ideas on race and civilisation.

LORDBYRONSNAPESRK

Influencing Severus Snape to SRK, why Lord Byron still captures our imaginationSubscriber Only

April 20, 2024 15:14 IST

Romantic-era poet Lord Byron, known for creating complex and contradictory characters, continues to captivate our imagination. On his 200th death anniversary (April 19), we take a look at the persisting imprint that he left on world culture.

Maryam, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjabi identity, Pakistan’s Punjab province, Punjabiyat, Indian express explained, explained news, explained articles

Punjabiyat: How Punjab can be bridge for national reconciliation between India and PakistanSubscriber Only

April 21, 2024 13:01 IST

The shared Punjabi identity has been invoked on several occasions by politicians on both sides of the border to advocate closer bilateral ties, most recently by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, chief minister of Pakistan’ Punjab province in a speech at Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib.

Still from the Netflix biopic 'Amar Singh Chamkila', featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Parineeti Chopra.

Biopic ‘Amar Singh Chamkila’ released: Meet the ‘Elvis of Punjab’, who was killed at the age of 27Subscriber Only

April 15, 2024 08:57 IST

From 1979 to 1988, Chamkila ruled the music landscape in Punjab with songs that were a commentary on village life, drug abuse, guns, extra marital affairs, dowry, alcoholism and matters of Punjabi masculinity, among others.

Good Friday.

Why Good Friday is observed, and why its date changes every yearSubscriber Only

March 31, 2024 19:51 IST

The story of Jesus Christ focuses on the ideals of sacrifice and forgiveness. The day is an occasion of remembrance and holds deep significance for Christians around the world.

bhang, holi

On Holi, a brief history of India’s love affair with bhangSubscriber Only

March 26, 2024 11:06 IST

According to some records, bhang has been in use for thousands of years and finds mention in ancient texts such as the Vedas. In Ayurveda, bhang is believed to cure not only physical ailments but also anxiety.

Artisan Amzed Khan gives final touches to a Gulaal Gota ahead of Holi in Jaipur, shaping it with a 'phunkni'. Used in the Hindu festival, they have always been made by Muslim artisans in the city.

Explained: On Holi, a look at Jaipur’s traditional celebrations with ‘Gulaal Gota’Subscriber Only

March 22, 2024 21:30 IST

A Gulaal Gota is a small, lightweight ball made of lac that is filled with dry gulaal and thrown at people during Holi. What is its history and why is it unique to Jaipur?

Frida Kahlo

Documentary Frida out: Five things you should know about Frida Kahlo, revolutionary artist and feministSubscriber Only

March 21, 2024 08:27 IST

Frida Kahlo's intensely personal works drew from Mexican culture, folk art and her own struggles with love and health. They also represented her rejection of conservative values. Here's a brief account of her life and some of her famous paintings.

Ludwig Göransson poses with the Oscar for Best Original Score for "Oppenheimer" in the Oscars photo room at the 96th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 10, 2024.

What makes Ludwig Göransson, the Oscar winner for ‘Oppenheimer’, a distinctive composer of our timeSubscriber Only

March 13, 2024 19:25 IST

This was Göransson’s second Oscar after ‘Black Panther’ in 2018. Why does his work stand out, and how has he become the new sonic maverick for music in films?

Oscars

Meet Raj Kapoor, today’s Oscars showmanSubscriber Only

March 11, 2024 17:46 IST

The executive producer and showrunner of the 96th Oscars ceremony was India-born Raj Kapoor, who has been associated with the show for several years now. Here's what else he has been doing.

Cillian Murphy, winner of the Best Actor Oscar for "Oppenheimer", joins Emma Stone, winner of the Best Actress Oscar for "Poor Things", Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner for "The Holdovers", and Robert Downey Jr., Best Supporting Actor Oscar winner for "Oppenheimer", in the Oscars photo room at the 96th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 10, 2024.

Why are the Academy Awards called Oscars – from a librarian to an actress, the claims behind the nameSubscriber Only

March 11, 2024 16:30 IST

Several stories have originated about the source of the name "Oscar" over the years. We look at the three claims often repeated, and why they have not been confirmed as facts.

Oscars

How the Oscars became the biggest film awards on EarthSubscriber Only

March 11, 2024 11:07 IST

Oscars 2024: Why are the Oscars watched eagerly across the world and often seen as the pinnacle of achievement for those in the film industry? Is it a result of rapid globalisation or something more?

Vaikundar

Who was Ayya Vaikundar, and why TN Governor calling him ‘Sanatan Dharma saviour’ sparked a rowSubscriber Only

March 7, 2024 11:30 IST

Ayya Vaikundar is revered as a social reformer and the founder of the Ayyavazhi sect. Through his teachings, he had waged a war against caste discrimination and social inequalities.

silver filigree

What is Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work, which recently received GI tagSubscriber Only

March 7, 2024 11:24 IST

A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities. The Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited had applied for the tag for Cuttack's 'rupa tarakasi' work.

Majuli masks

GI tag for Majuli masks of Assam: History, cultural significance of the centuries-old art formSubscriber Only

March 7, 2024 11:25 IST

The masks have been made in Assam's sattras, or monasteries, since the 16th century. Now, efforts are on to give them wider exposure and a commercial boost.

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