Indian Tourists Spark Outrage with Ganga Aarti Abroad
7.12.25
The recent viral post 'Ganga Aarti on Canadian riverbank' has left a section of the internet furious, with many calling it "insulting". The image shows a group of Indian tourists performing a Ganga Aarti ceremony on the banks of a Canadian river, sparking outrage among some who feel that it is disrespecting the cultural significance of the ritual in India. The post has been widely shared and discussed on social media platforms, with many users expressing their disappointment and frustration at what they perceive as cultural insensitivity.
IPRS Brings Music to Leh-Ladakh's Pahari Goat Festival
7.12.25
The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) has expanded its outreach to Leh-Ladakh by hosting the Pahari Goat Festival 3.0, a two-day event that brings together emerging and established artists from hip-hop, folk, and regional music genres in the Himalayan region. IPRS curators Kalsang Tsering "Trepz" and Kalden Regzin have been instrumental in creating this platform for cultural exchange and creative expression.
Jacqueline Maley Critiques Tech-Driven Art Installations
7.12.25
Jacqueline Maley argues that works of art should be bold in their expression and not shy away from contemporary issues, but disagrees with categorizing certain installations as art due to their reliance on technology and assembly of objects rather than traditional artistic skills.
Jakarta to Host Shanghai Exhibition in Reciprocity
7.12.25
Jakarta Deputy Governor Rano Karno plans to organize an exhibition in Shanghai, China, as a reciprocal gesture for the ongoing event co-organized with the Shanghai Art Collection Museum. The plan is feasible but requires rigorous preparation by the Jakarta government. A sister museum partnership between Jakarta and Shanghai aims to facilitate collection exchanges, with the ongoing "Miles Apart, Close at Heart" exhibition serving as a foundation. The event promotes peace and openness, echoing the maritime journeys of Admiral Cheng Ho, a Muslim admiral from China widely recognized in Indonesia.
Jane Birkin, a British actress and singer, died at her home in Paris aged 76. She was known for carrying a distinctive hand-woven straw basket bag, which she designed with Hermès' Jean-Louis Dumas after spilling her belongings on a flight in the 1980s. The iconic bag became one of the world's most exclusive luxury items, with a long waiting list and high price tag. Birkin abandoned the bag due to its weight, but it remains a beloved symbol of French style.
Japanese Collector Wins Record-Breaking Birkin Auction
7.12.25
A Birkin handbag prototype sold at Sotheby's auction house in Paris for €8.58 million, surpassing eight rival bidders and setting a new record price for a handbag at auction. The buyer was a private collector from Japan, who outbid other rivals to secure the coveted item. This sale reflects the current trend of "boom boom" fashion, where luxury brands are embracing more ostentatious designs. The original Birkin bag has changed hands twice since its 1994 auction, with proceeds going to an AIDS charity, and is typically priced at around $10,000 for modern-day models.
Jennifer Lopez Shines at Marenostrum Festival in Spain
7.12.25
Jennifer Lopez, 55, performed at the Marenostrum Fuengirola festival in Malaga, Spain, showcasing her dancing skills and flaunting her curves in a silver sequinned leotard. The singer-songwriter revealed she wrote her new song about her ex-husband Ben Affleck while suffering from insomnia, stating it came to her when she was awake all night.
The Jerusalem Film Festival is set to take place amidst growing international condemnation over Israel's actions in Gaza, where over 57,000 Palestinian people have died. The festival aims to promote freedom of artistic expression and open dialogue, with a focus on reconciliation and peace. This year's edition will screen around 80 features, including Israeli Competition titles such as Nandauri and The Sea, which tells the story of a Palestinian boy desperate to see the sea for the first time in his life. Festival organizers Mahadav-Levin and Sigoli have thanked international film professionals who support their efforts to use cinema as a bridge between communities.
Kate Middleton's Red Dress Honors French Guests at Banquet
7.12.25
Kate Middleton's red dress at the French state banquet was not meant to upstage Queen Camilla, but rather a deliberate choice to honor the French guests, as all royal women, including Camilla, wore white. The Princess of Wales opted for a bold yet tasteful design by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, making a stunning appearance despite being aware of protocol and avoiding drawing attention away from the senior members of the royal family.