
Global Cultural Revivals: From Ancient India to Modern Sindh
From Tawi's banks to Sindh's soul
Culture's flame rekindled
In a world increasingly interconnected yet at risk of losing touch with its roots, cultural revivals are emerging as beacons of identity and continuity. From the banks of India's Tawi River to the ancient lands of Sindh, communities are rediscovering and reinvigorating their heritage.
In Jammu, India, the 'Suryaputri' Tawi aarti, set to commence on July 1, 2025, marks a significant step towards reviving the region's spiritual traditions. Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Commissioner Devansh Yadav announced that the daily ritual will take place at 7 pm on the riverbanks, aiming to reconnect citizens with their revered water body [4][5].
"The much-awaited Suryaputri Tawi Aarti will commence from July 1 and will be held daily at 7 pm on the banks of the river," Yadav stated, emphasizing the event's role in showcasing Jammu's cultural and spiritual heritage [4].
This initiative, organized collaboratively by various local departments and councils, also aims to facilitate the participation of Amarnath pilgrims. Special arrangements, including dedicated bus services, have been made to transport pilgrims from the base camp to the aarti site [6].
Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, the recent celebration of the Bengaluru Bandi Devara Utsava brought rural traditions into the urban landscape. The three-day festival, commemorating the birth anniversary of the city's founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, featured a grand procession of over 20 decorated bullock carts through iconic city routes [11].
On a national scale, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the country's ancient cultural foundations during the centenary celebrations of Jain spiritual figure Acharya Vidyanand Maharaj Ji. Modi asserted, "India is the most ancient living civilisation of the world due to the immortal ideas and philosophies of its saints and seers" [3].
The Prime Minister emphasized India's historical contribution to global peace, stating, "When for ages, efforts were being made to quell violence with violence, then India introduced to the world the power of 'ahimsa' (non-violence)" [3].
Beyond India's borders, concerns are rising about the preservation of Sindh's 5,000-year-old cultural legacy in Pakistan. Despite its rich history dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization, Sindh's cultural heritage faces challenges in modern times [12].
Cultural workers, bureaucrats, historians, and language technologists are working to keep this heritage alive. However, experts warn that without significant investment and vision, much of Sindh's cultural wealth may be reduced to museum exhibits, disconnected from the living experiences of its people [12].
As these cultural revivals unfold across the globe, they underscore a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. These efforts not only honor the past but also play a crucial role in shaping community identity and fostering a sense of continuity in rapidly changing times.