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Rongali Bihu: Assam’s Vibrant Celebration of Spring, Renewal, and Cultural Joy.

By
Nirjala Gaud
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0

PC ( Assam Tourism, Alamy)

In the lush landscapes along the Brahmaputra River, where the scent of blooming Kopou orchids mingles with rain-kissed earth, Rongali Bihu also known as Bohag Bihu-pulses like the heartbeat of Assam. This joyous spring festival, marking the Assamese New Year in mid-April, welcomes the season of abundance, fertility, and new beginnings with rhythmic dances, soulful music, and timeless rituals.

The Seven Days of Vibrant Traditions

Rongali Bihu, often spanning seven days and called Haat Bihu, unfolds in a colorful sequence of rituals that honor nature, community, and life itself. It begins with Goru Bihu, a day dedicated to cattle-the lifeline of Assam’s agrarian society. Families lead their cows to the river, bathing them with turmeric and black gram pastes, chanting ancient rhymes, and offering pieces of bottle gourd and eggplant for health and prosperity.The next day shifts to Manuh Bihu, where people cleanse themselves, don new clothes, and pray for health and happiness in the coming year. Vibrant red-and-white Gamosa (traditional hand-woven towels) appear everywhere-symbols of respect and love exchanged among family and elders.

As the festival progresses into Kutum Bihu or Senehi Bihu, communities visit relatives and friends, sharing gifts and strengthening bonds. Women adorn their hands with Jetuka (traditional henna) for beauty and good fortune. Throughout the week, the air fills with the thump of the Dhol (drum), the piercing call of the Pepa (buffalo horn pipe), and the energetic Bihu Naas (dance). Young women in golden Muga silk Mekhela Chadors, adorned with red, yellow, green hues and Kopou phool (foxtail orchids) in their hair, perform sharp, lively movements that mimic sowing seeds and birds in flight. Feasts overflow with delights like crunchy Gila Pitha, coconut-filled Laru, and bowls of cold cream with puffed rice, turning every home into a hub of sweetness and shared joy.

Rongali Bihu: Assam's Vibrant Celebration of Spring, Renewal, and Cultural Joy.

Roots in Ancient History and Royal Patronage

Rongali Bihu traces its origins to ancient agrarian practices, possibly as far back as early fire sacrifices by Tibeto-Burman and Tai communities to ensure bountiful harvests. Over centuries, it evolved into a vibrant expression of indigenous culture. A pivotal moment came under Ahom royal patronage: In 1694, King Rudra Singha invited Bihu performers to the grand Rang Ghar amphitheater, elevating the dance from village fields to a formalized national symbol and blending it into courtly traditions. Early records, like a 1401 AD copperplate inscription from Chutia King Lakshminarayan mentioning land grants on the “holy occasion of Bihu,” highlight its deep historical significance.

A Festival That Binds and Boosts Assam

Beyond celebration, Rongali Bihu serves as a powerful force for unity and progress in modern Assam. It acts as a social equalizer, bringing together people across castes, religions, and ethnic groups-including Hindus, Muslims, and tribal communities-in shared merriment.
Economically, it fuels rural livelihoods: Demand surges for Gl-tagged Assamese Gamosa and exquisite Muga silk Mekhela Chadors, supporting handloom weavers and artisans. Markets buzz with sales of agricultural goods, traditional sweets, and musical instruments, while cultural tourism draws visitors, boosting hospitality and local economies. Rituals like Goru Bihu promote animal welfare, reinforcing the agrarian backbone. Above all, the festival preserves identity-passing down folk music, craftsmanship, language, and traditions to younger generations, ensuring Assam’s cultural heritage thrives. As the sun sets on the final day, the true color of Rongali Bihu shines through-not just in dyed silks or orchids, but in the collective joy of a community embracing spring’s promise: After every winter comes renewal, rhythm, and song.

Medieval Gajapathi Inscription Found in Guntur Temple

By
EBNW Story
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A fascinating slice of medieval history has come to light in Guntur, where a newly noticed Telugu inscription tied to the powerful Gajapathi rulers of Odisha has been found on a stone pillar at the historic Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Ramachandrapura Agraharam. The discovery sheds fresh light on the deep political, religious, and cultural ties that once linked coastal Andhra with the Odisha region during the late medieval era. Historians say such inscriptions act like time capsules, revealing how the Gajapathi empire administered distant regions while also supporting temple traditions.

A message from the time of King Purushottama Deva

Epigraphist Bishnu Mohan Adhikari reports that the inscription is carved on both sides of a stone pillar in the temple mandapa. The text mentions Kumaraguru Mahapatra, a steward serving under Gajapathi King Purushottama Deva, one of the most influential rulers of the 15th century.

This reference is significant because it confirms that the administrative network of the Gajapathi kingdom extended into parts of present-day Andhra Pradesh, demonstrating the reach and influence of the dynasty beyond Odisha.

Temple pillars with a journey through history

Local tradition adds an intriguing story to the discovery. According to temple accounts, the idol of Lord Narasimha at the Guntur temple was originally brought from Kondaveedu Fort during turbulent medieval invasions.

Temple priest Nadyala Yoganand explains that the stone pillars of the mandapa were also transported from Kondaveedu—reportedly after a divine instruction received in a dream. Interestingly, the Narasimha temple at Kondaveedu itself houses an Odia inscription from the Gajapathi rulers documenting donations made for ritual worship, suggesting a strong historical link between the two sites.

Insights into temple rituals and pastoral communities

The inscription originally belonged to a shrine dedicated to Lord Mulasthana Mallikarjuna of Kondaveedu before the structure was relocated. It contains detailed instructions for temple worship—stating that milk should be offered to the deity during evening rituals.

It also mentions that cows meant for ritual offerings must remain under the care of certain communities, such as Tammula and Ambicvaru, who may have been pastoral groups like the Koyas.

Notably, the name Kumaraguru Mahapatra appears in other inscriptions from the wider Kalinga region, including areas of today’s Ganjam and Visakhapatnam, indicating his administrative role across the Gajapathi territories.

Cultural bridge between Odisha and Andhra

Scholars note that inscriptions from Kondaveedu and Guntur together reveal the Hari–Hara tradition of worship, which blends devotion to Shiva and Vishnu. The Gajapathi rulers are known to have supported both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions in temples across their domains.

For historians, discoveries like this are invaluable. They not only map the political reach of medieval kingdoms but also illuminate how religious practices, cultural ideas, and administrative systems connected Odisha and coastal Andhra centuries ago.

NATO Explained: Origins, Purpose and Its Role in Today’s Global Security

By
Kanan Rathore
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the most influential military alliances in the world. Formed in 1949 after the devastation of World War II, the alliance was designed to ensure collective security among Western nations and to counter the growing influence of the Soviet Union during the early years of the Cold War.

What is NATO and Why Was It Formed?

NATO was officially established on April 4, 1949, when 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Canada, signed the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C.

The alliance was built on the principle of collective defence, meaning that an attack on one member country would be considered an attack on all. This principle is clearly stated in Article 5 of the treaty and remains the core foundation of NATO’s military cooperation.

Expansion and Changing Role

Over the decades, NATO has expanded significantly and today includes more than 30 member countries from Europe and North America. After the Cold War ended and the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, NATO began taking on broader roles such as peacekeeping missions, humanitarian interventions, and counter-terrorism operations across different regions.

NATO and the Russia–Ukraine Conflict

NATO has become central to global discussions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Although Ukraine is not officially a NATO member, the alliance has supported the country through military assistance, training, intelligence sharing, and economic backing.

At the same time, Russia has strongly opposed NATO’s expansion towards Eastern Europe, arguing that it threatens its strategic security, which has further intensified geopolitical tensions.

Why NATO Remains Significant Today

More than seventy years after its creation, NATO continues to remain highly relevant in global geopolitics. The alliance provides a platform for collective defence, strategic coordination, and military cooperation among its members. In recent years, leaders such as Donald Trump have repeatedly urged NATO countries to strengthen their defence spending and play a greater role in collective security.

Amid ongoing conflicts and shifting global alliances, NATO remains a key pillar of the Western security framework, demonstrating how international cooperation continues to shape modern defence and diplomacy.

Elite Warriors of the World: 10 Deadliest Special Forces Units

By
Kanan Rathore
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Special forces represent the most elite segment of a country’s military. Selected from the best soldiers and subjected to extremely demanding training, these commandos are capable of performing high-risk missions such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, covert infiltration, and strategic reconnaissance. What makes them particularly special is their rigorous selection process, specialised training, operational secrecy, and ability to carry out complex missions with small teams in hostile environments.

Why These Units Are Considered the Most Elite

The world’s top special forces stand out because of several factors. Their training often has very low success rates, sometimes with only a small fraction of candidates completing the programme. They are trained in multiple combat environments—air, sea, land, and urban warfare—and are equipped with cutting-edge technology and intelligence support. Most importantly, these units have successfully executed historic and high-risk missions that demonstrated their strategic importance.

1. Special Air Service – United Kingdom

Founded in 1941, the SAS pioneered modern special forces tactics. Known for its motto “Who Dares Wins,” it specialises in counter-terrorism and covert operations. The SAS carried out the daring Operation Trent in Afghanistan in 2001, targeting an al-Qaeda base.

2. United States Navy SEALs – United States

The Navy SEALs operate across sea, air, and land environments. Their most famous mission was Operation Neptune Spear, which led to the elimination of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

3. Sayeret Matkal – Israel

This elite reconnaissance unit is known for intelligence-driven operations. It gained worldwide recognition during Operation Entebbe in 1976, when Israeli commandos rescued hostages from a hijacked aircraft in Uganda.

4. Shayetet 13 – Israel

Israel’s naval commando unit specialises in maritime infiltration, sabotage, and counter-terrorism missions. Its training is considered among the toughest in the world.

5. Alpha Group – Russia

Part of Russia’s security apparatus, Alpha Group handles high-risk counter-terrorism operations. It has been deployed in major crises such as the Budyonnovsk hospital hostage crisis.

6. Delta Force – United States

Officially called the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta, this unit focuses on counter-terrorism and high-value target missions. Many of its operations remain classified due to their sensitive nature.

7. GIGN – France

The National Gendarmerie Intervention Group is famous for its precision in hostage rescue missions. It successfully ended the 1994 Air France hijacking in Marseille, showcasing its tactical expertise.

8. JW GROM – Poland

Formed in 1990, GROM is a highly respected NATO special operations unit that has participated in missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

9. GSG 9 – Germany

Created after the Munich Olympics massacre in 1972, GSG 9 is known for successful counter-terror operations such as Operation Feuerzauber in 1977.

10. MARCOS – India

India’s Marine Commandos are renowned for their extreme endurance training and amphibious warfare capabilities. They have taken part in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and security operations during the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The Edge of Modern Warfare

These units demonstrate how small teams of highly trained commandos can influence major security operations. Their discipline, skill, and ability to operate in secrecy make them among the most powerful military assets in the modern world.

The Traditional Indian Wisdom of Climate-Responsive Architecture

By
Kanan Rathore
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Long before the arrival of air conditioners and modern cooling systems, homes and buildings across India were designed to remain naturally comfortable even during intense summers.

Traditional Indian architecture developed over centuries with a deep understanding of climate, geography, and materials. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the humid coastal regions of southern India, houses were built using ingenious techniques that allowed them to stay cool without electricity.

Courtyards: The Heart of Natural Ventilation

The Traditional Indian Wisdom of Climate-Responsive Architecture

A defining feature of many traditional homes was the central courtyard, often called aangan. Seen in historic residences such as the Havelis of Rajasthan and the homes of Tamil Nadu, courtyards allowed hot air to rise and escape upward while drawing cooler air into surrounding rooms. This created continuous natural airflow and reduced indoor temperatures. The courtyard also acted as a shaded communal space for daily household activities.

Thick Walls and Natural Building Materials

Traditional houses were constructed with thick stone, mud, clay bricks, and lime plaster, all of which have strong thermal insulation properties. These materials absorb heat slowly during the day and release it gradually at night, keeping interiors significantly cooler. Lime plaster, commonly used across India, also reflects sunlight and allows walls to “breathe,” helping regulate humidity and temperature.

Jaalis and Intelligent Airflow Design

The Traditional Indian Wisdom of Climate-Responsive Architecture

Architectural elements such as jaalis—decorative stone or wooden lattice screens—played a key role in cooling buildings. Structures like the famous Hawa Mahal demonstrate this principle beautifully. The tiny openings allowed wind to pass through while filtering harsh sunlight, creating a cooling effect inside the structure.

High Ceilings, Verandahs, and Sloping Roofs

The Traditional Indian Wisdom of Climate-Responsive Architecture

Traditional homes often featured high ceilings, allowing hot air to rise above living spaces. Wide verandahs and shaded corridors prevented direct sunlight from hitting the walls, reducing heat absorption. In many regions, sloping tiled roofs with air gaps beneath them helped release trapped heat and allowed better ventilation.

Cooling Through Water and Greenery

The Traditional Indian Wisdom of Climate-Responsive Architecture

Water and greenery were also important elements of traditional cooling systems. Stepwells, ponds, and fountains helped cool the surrounding air through evaporation. Historic structures like Baoris illustrate how water bodies were integrated into architecture to regulate temperature. Large trees planted around houses provided shade and helped maintain a cooler microclimate.

Daily Practices That Enhanced Cooling

Apart from architecture, everyday practices also helped maintain cooler homes. Floors were often coated with clay or lime mixtures, and khus (vetiver) screens were hung on windows and sprinkled with water to create a natural air-cooling effect. Thick cotton curtains and bamboo blinds were also used to block harsh sunlight.

A Sustainable Lesson for Modern Times

Today, as cities rely heavily on air conditioners and face rising energy consumption, architects are rediscovering the wisdom of traditional Indian design. The climate-responsive techniques used in heritage homes offer sustainable solutions for modern architecture, proving that centuries-old knowledge can still guide the way toward cooler and more environmentally friendly living spaces.

Spring in Udaipur: Is March-April a Good Time to Visit the City of Lakes

By
Kanan Rathore
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0


As winter fades and the intense summer heat has not yet arrived, March and April are among the best months to explore Udaipur, famously known as the “City of Lakes.” With pleasant weather, colourful festivals, and scenic landscapes, spring transforms this historic destination in Rajasthan into an ideal getaway for travellers.

Pleasant Spring Weather

During this time of the year, Udaipur experiences comfortable temperatures ranging from around 20°C to 32°C. The mornings and evenings remain especially pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, boat rides, and leisurely walks through the old city. Compared to the peak summer months, spring offers a far more enjoyable climate for exploring outdoor attractions.

Major Attractions to Explore

Udaipur is known for its majestic palaces, serene lakes, and rich heritage.

Visitors can begin their journey at City Palace, Udaipur, one of Rajasthan’s grandest palace complexes overlooking Lake Pichola.

A boat ride on the lake offers breathtaking views of the iconic Taj Lake Palace and the historic Jag Mandir island palace.

Nature lovers can spend peaceful evenings at Fateh Sagar Lake, a favourite spot for sunset views and lakeside cafés.

The beautifully landscaped Saheliyo ki Bari garden, built for royal ladies, is another must-visit attraction known for its marble fountains and lotus pools.

Tourists can also explore the historic Bagore Ki Haveli , which hosts traditional Rajasthani cultural performances in the evening.

For panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding hills, visiting the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, is highly recommended.

Another scenic location is Doodh Talai , where visitors can enjoy ropeway rides and sunset viewpoints.

Art enthusiasts can also explore Shilpgram , a rural arts and crafts village that showcases traditional Rajasthani culture and handicrafts.

Festivals and Cultural Experiences

Spring is also a festive season in Udaipur. The vibrant Gangaur Festival, dedicated to Goddess Gauri, features colourful processions, folk music, and traditional rituals. Around the same time, the Mewar Festival, organised by the Rajasthan Tourism, celebrates local culture through folk dances, music, and decorated boats on Lake Pichola.

Offbeat Places to Discover

Beyond the popular attractions, travellers can explore quieter spots such as Bahubali Hills for stunning sunrise views over the lakes and Badi Lake, a serene location surrounded by hills and ideal for nature lovers.

A Perfect Spring Getaway

With pleasant weather, cultural festivities, and stunning lakeside scenery, Udaipur in spring offers an unforgettable travel experience. Whether exploring royal palaces, enjoying boat rides, or witnessing vibrant local traditions, a visit to this charming city during March–April promises the true essence of Rajasthan’s beauty and heritage.

Sacred Shaktipeeths: The Legend, Significance and the 51 Holy Shrines

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

Across the Indian subcontinent, the worship of the Divine Mother occupies a central place in Hindu spirituality. Among the most sacred sites dedicated to the Goddess are the Shaktipeeths, revered temples believed to embody the eternal power of Shakti. These shrines hold immense spiritual significance, and during Navratri, thousands of devotees undertake pilgrimages to these holy places to seek blessings, offer prayers, and celebrate the power of the divine feminine.

What Are Shaktipeeths?

The term Shaktipeeth literally means “seat of divine power.” These sacred temples are believed to mark the places where parts of the body of Sati, the first consort of Shiva, fell on earth. Each Shaktipeeth is therefore associated with a specific body part or ornament of the Goddess and is considered a powerful centre of spiritual energy.

Spread across India as well as neighbouring regions such as Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, these shrines represent the widespread devotion to the Mother Goddess in different cultural and regional traditions.

The Story Behind the Shaktipeeths

The origin of the Shaktipeeths is rooted in a well-known legend described in several Hindu scriptures. According to the story, Sati was the daughter of King Daksha. Daksha once organised a grand yajna but deliberately did not invite Shiva, whom he disliked. Unable to bear the insult directed at her husband, Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire.

Grief-stricken and furious, Shiva carried Sati’s body across the universe and performed the cosmic Tandava, the dance of destruction. To restore balance to the universe, Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into pieces. These body parts fell at different locations across the subcontinent, and each site became a sacred Shaktipeeth.

Over centuries, these places evolved into important pilgrimage centres where devotees worship the Goddess in various forms.

A Note on the Number of Shaktipeeths

Different Hindu texts mention different numbers of Shaktipeeths. Some traditions refer to four Adi Shaktipeeths, while others mention 18 Maha Shaktipeeths, 51 Shaktipeeths, or even 108 sacred sites.

The list of 51 Shaktipeeths is commonly associated with the Tantra Chudamani and later Shakta traditions. However, historians and scholars note that the names of some temples and the body parts associated with them may vary across scriptures and regional traditions. Therefore, the following list reflects one of the most widely referenced traditional compilations.

The 51 Shaktipeeths and the Body Parts of Goddess Sati

Amarnath – Jammu & Kashmir – Throat
Katyayani – Mathura, Uttar Pradesh – Hair
Vishalakshi – Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Earrings
Lalita Devi – Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – Fingers
Jwala Devi – Kangra, Himachal Pradesh – Tongue
Tripurmalini – Jalandhar, Punjab – Left breast
Savitri – Kurukshetra, Haryana – Right ankle
Magadha (Patan Devi) – Patna, Bihar – Right side of body
Dakshayani – Burang, Tibet – Right palm
Mahishasuramardini – Kolhapur, Maharashtra – Third eye
Bhramari – Nashik, Maharashtra – Chin
Ambaji – Banaskantha, Gujarat – Heart
Gayatri (Manibandh) – Pushkar, Rajasthan – Wrist
Ambika – Bharatpur, Rajasthan – Left foot
Sarvashail – Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh – Left cheek
Sravani – Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu – Back and spine
Kamakhya – Guwahati, Assam – Yoni (genital organ)
Kalighat – Kolkata, West Bengal – Toes
Taratarini – Odisha – Breasts
Vimala – Puri, Odisha – Feet
Kankalitala – Birbhum, West Bengal – Pelvis
Bahula – Ketugram, West Bengal – Left arm
Vibhash – Tamluk, West Bengal – Left ankle
Yogadya – Khirgram, West Bengal – Toe
Ratnavali – Bangladesh – Right shoulder
Jessoreswari – Bangladesh – Palms
Sugandha – Bangladesh – Nose
Chandranath – Bangladesh – Right arm
Hinglaj Mata – Balochistan, Pakistan – Brahmarandhra (top of head)
Guhyeshwari – Kathmandu, Nepal – Hips
Tripura Sundari – Tripura – Right foot
Ramgiri – Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh – Right breast
Kalmadhava – Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh – Right arm
Mahakali (Harsiddhi) – Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh – Upper lip
Jalandhar Peeth – Punjab – Breast
Kangra (Bajreshwari) – Himachal Pradesh – Chin
Naina Devi – Himachal Pradesh – Eyes
Chintpurni – Himachal Pradesh – Feet
Mansa Devi – Haridwar, Uttarakhand – Hair
Purnagiri – Uttarakhand – Navel
Vindhyavasini – Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – Back
Maihar – Madhya Pradesh – Necklace
Chamundeshwari – Mysuru, Karnataka – Hair
Srisailam (Bhramaramba) – Andhra Pradesh – Neck
Jogulamba – Telangana – Upper teeth
Kanchi Kamakshi – Tamil Nadu – Skeleton energy
Kanyakumari – Tamil Nadu – Spine
Shrinkala – West Bengal – Abdomen
Jayanti – Meghalaya – Left thigh
Kurukshetra Bhadrakali – Haryana – Anklet
Viraja – Odisha – Navel


A Living Tradition of Faith

The Shaktipeeths form a sacred spiritual network that stretches across South Asia, symbolising the eternal presence of the divine feminine. Each shrine reflects centuries of mythology, faith, and cultural heritage.

For devotees, visiting these temples—especially during Navratri—is not merely a pilgrimage but a profound spiritual journey, honouring the eternal power and grace of the Mother Goddess.

Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 Begins Today: A Spectacular Celebration of Spring in Srinagar

By
Kanan Rathore
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The much-awaited Kashmir Tulip Festival has begun today, March 16, 2026, at the famous Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, marking the arrival of spring in the picturesque Kashmir Valley. Known as Asia’s largest tulip garden, the venue transforms into a colourful paradise every year, attracting thousands of tourists from India and around the world.

Festival Dates and Timings

The garden officially opened to visitors on March 16, 2026, and the tulip season is expected to continue until late April, depending on weather conditions and bloom cycles.

The garden remains open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore the vibrant terraces of flowers.
The peak bloom period usually occurs during the first two weeks of April, when the majority of the tulips are fully open and the valley showcases its most colourful landscapes.

A Sea of Tulips and Floral Varieties

Spread across nearly 30 hectares at the foothills of the Zabarwan Mountains overlooking Dal Lake, the garden hosts an extraordinary display of over 1.7 million tulips across more than 70 varieties.

Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 Begins Today: A Spectacular Celebration of Spring in Srinagar


Visitors will witness a stunning range of tulip types, including:

•Single Early Tulips
•Triumph Tulips
•Darwin Hybrid Tulips
•Parrot Tulips
•Fringed and Double Late varieties

Along with tulips, the garden also features other spring flowers such as daffodils, hyacinths and ranunculus, adding further colour to the landscape.


Highlights of the Festival

Beyond the breathtaking floral displays, the festival also celebrates Kashmiri culture and tourism. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk performances, local handicraft exhibitions, and stalls serving Kashmiri cuisine. The event aims to promote spring tourism and showcase the natural beauty of the valley.


Symbol of Spring in Kashmir

Launched in 2007, the Tulip Festival has grown into one of Kashmir’s biggest seasonal attractions. With snow-capped mountains in the background, Dal Lake nearby, and millions of blooming flowers, the festival offers a truly unforgettable visual experience.

As spring unfolds across the valley, the Kashmir Tulip Festival 2026 once again invites visitors to witness one of nature’s most colourful celebrations in the heart of the Himalayas.

Oscars 2026: Major Wins, Big Moments and the Complete Winners List

By
Kanan Rathore
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The 98th Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, were held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, United States. Organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony honoured the best films and performances released in 2025. The event was hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien.

The night’s biggest winner was the film One Battle After Another, which won six awards including Best Picture and Best Director, while Sinners followed with multiple major wins including Best Actor.

Major Award Winners

●Best Picture: One Battle After Another

Producers: Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, Paul Thomas Anderson

●Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

●Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan – Sinners

●Best Actress: Jessie Buckley – Hamnet

●Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn – One Battle After Another

●Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan – Weapons

Screenplay and Music Awards

●Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler – Sinners

●Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another

●Best Original Score: Ludwig Göransson – Sinners

●Best Original Song: “Golden” – from KPop Demon Hunters

Technical and Craft Awards

●Best Cinematography: Autumn Durald Arkapaw – Sinners

●Best Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen – One Battle After Another

●Best Production Design: Tamara Deverell & Shane Vieau – Frankenstein

●Best Costume Design: Kate Hawley – Frankenstein

●Best Makeup and Hairstyling: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey – Frankenstein

●Best Sound: F1 – Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta

●Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash – Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, Daniel Barrett

International, Documentary and Animation

●Best International Feature Film: Sentimental Value (Norway)

●Best Documentary Feature: Mr. Nobody Against Putin

●Best Animated Feature: KPop Demon Hunters

●Best Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls

●Best Live Action Short Film: The Singers and Two People Exchanging Saliva (tie)

Highlights of the Night

The ceremony celebrated both established and emerging filmmakers, with “One Battle After Another” dominating the night and “Sinners” receiving the highest number of nominations (16). The event also introduced a new category for Best Casting, awarded to casting director Cassandra Kulukundis for One Battle After Another.

The 98th Academy Awards once again showcased the diversity and creativity of global cinema, honouring outstanding achievements across acting, directing, storytelling, and technical craftsmanship.

Assembly Elections 2026 Announced: Full Schedule, States Voting and Key Details Explained

By
Kanan Rathore
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0

The Election Commission of India has officially announced the schedule for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections, setting the stage for a major democratic exercise in the country. Elections will be held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. With millions of voters participating, these elections are expected to significantly shape the political landscape of these regions for the next five years.

What Are Legislative Assembly Elections?

Legislative Assembly elections are held to elect representatives for a state’s Vidhan Sabha, the lower house of the state legislature. Citizens vote for candidates from different political parties in their constituencies, and the party or alliance that wins a majority forms the state government. The elected representatives then choose the Chief Minister who leads the government.

2026 Election Schedule

According to the schedule announced by the Election Commission:

●Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will vote in a single phase on April 9, 2026.

●Tamil Nadu will go to the polls on April 23, 2026.

●West Bengal, due to its large size and security considerations, will vote in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026.

Counting of votes for all states and the Union Territory will take place on May 4, 2026.

Together, these elections cover hundreds of constituencies and over 17 crore registered voters, making it one of the most significant electoral exercises of the year.

Election Commission’s Preparations

Announcing the schedule, Gyanesh Kumar, Chief Election Commissioner of India, said the Commission is committed to ensuring free, fair and peaceful elections across all states. Security forces, polling personnel and election observers are being deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the polls.He also emphasised voter participation, encouraging citizens—especially young voters—to actively take part in the democratic process.

Model Code of Conduct in Effect

With the announcement of the election dates, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the poll-bound states. This means governments cannot announce new schemes, projects or policy decisions that could influence voters during the election period.

Why These Elections Matter

The states going to the polls in 2026 are politically significant, representing diverse regions of India—from the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to the eastern state of West Bengal and the northeastern state of Assam. The results will determine the political direction and governance priorities in these regions for the coming years.

As campaigning begins and political parties prepare their strategies, the 2026 Assembly elections once again highlight the scale and vibrancy of India’s democratic process. Millions of voters will head to polling booths in the coming weeks to shape the leadership of their states.

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