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23rd June 2018

What is the issue ?

Ambubachi Mela, a four day fair to mark the annual menstruation of the goddess at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is celebrated in June.

More about the festival :

Kamakhya, atop Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, is one of 51 shaktipeeths or seat of Shakti followers, each representing a body part of Sati, Lord Shiva’s companion.
The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses the yoni — female genital — symbolised by a rock.
The ritualistic fair celebrating the goddess’ period is one of the reasons why the taboo associated with menstruation is less in Assam compared to other parts of India.
The attainment of womanhood of girls in Assam is celebrated with a ritual called ‘Tuloni Biya’, meaning small wedding.

What is the issue ?

A first of its kind breeding centre is being set up in Baran district of Rajasthan.
A breeding technique developed in Abu Dhabi is being used for this Great Indian Bustard breeding programme.

About the Great Indian Bustard :

It is popularly known as 'Godawan' and is found largely in India's desert zone.
GIB numbers fell from 1260 in 1969 to 300 in 2008, there is a surviving population of less than 150 in India (120 being in Rajasthan).
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are the other states where GIB are present.
Classified as 'Critically Endangered' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972