Connect with us

Events

Everything to know about the Cannes Film Festival 

Cannes Film Festival again has proved itself to be a world center of art and  creativity. Read the article to catch up with the updates.

The whole month was about people talking about films and art and that’s obvious as the Cannes Film Festival came with an opportunity for it. It’s that one event that seems unmissable for cinema enthusiasts. The prestigious festival of Cannes has also crossed the mark of 75 years since the first event was held in 1946. It’s that time of the year when art and cinema take the center stage and shine in their way. It’s the festival that makes sure that art finds a way to our minds and hearts and with having a list of brilliant films and documentaries screened this year, it did make a way to our heads and hearts. This year, Cannes celebrated art and artists in the most glamorized way possible. We had a number of Indian pieces that were screened at the festival and getting global recognition on such a platform has truly moved us all. Anurag Kashyap’s “Kennedy” also received a 7-minute long standing ovation at the event. Some of us might have recently discovered their love for art and cinema and want to know more about the Cannes Film Festival. Here we have tried to take you through a few things that you should know about the festival. 

Historical significance and how did it start? 

Art has always done the job of activism by acting as a mirror of society but did you know that the same thought gave birth to the most famous film festivals of all time? When the world was between wars, people in power used to try their best to have a grip on the media. The Cannes Film festival was started to oppose the idea of Venice Film festival that was being biased at that time by simply pushing and promoting the propaganda films that supported the Nazi ideologies. The Cannes Film festival which was known as the International film festival was started in 1939 but unfortunately it took several years before it could be held officially in 1946. Earlier, it was kind of an invite-only event, held to encourage and give recognition to filmmakers. Though it started in 1946, it wasn’t till the 1950’s when the festival actually started gaining international recognition when big stars started showing up at it. At that time, the networking between the filmmakers was held secret until the Cannes Film market became official in 1959.  But who came up with the idea of Cannes? The idea came from the French Association of Artistic Action Director (AFAA), Philippe Erlanger, and the film critics, Emile Vuillermoz and Rene Jeanne. 

Things to know about the Palm d’Or trophy

Palm d’Or (Golden Palm) was created in 1955 and is considered to be one of the highest honors to be earned by a filmmaker. It is also called the Grand Prix. Every year, the award is given to the winner and there are a lot of interesting things to know about it. At first, the organizers of the event invited a number of jewelers to finalize the design of the trophy out of which a Parisian jeweler, Lucienne Lazon won. The design of the trophy changed over the years. Since 1997, a Swiss company, Chopard, has been responsible for making the award which is made with 18-carat gold. Each year, the company makes two awards in case there are two winners.

Representation of Indian Films at Cannes 

The relationship between the Indian cinema and the Cannes festival started long before you can even imagine. It all started in 1946 when Chetan Anand’s “Neecha Nagar” shared the top award, Grand Prix du Festival International du Film, with David Lean’s “Brief Encounters” while Bimal Roy’s “Do Bigha Zamin” won the award in 1954. Mrinal Sen was the first ever Indian to be a part of the Jury at the festival in 1982. Over the years, names like Vidya Balan, Nandita Das, Sharmila Tagore, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Shekhar Kapur, and Arundhati Roy have also been a part of the prestigious jury of the festival. A number of films have been screened here and the list includes gems like Devdas, The Lunchbox, Bombay Talkies, Monsoon Shootout, Massan, Gangs of Wasseypur, All That Breathes etc. To show the tribute to the country’s 75 years of diplomatic relations, India was the ‘country of honor’ in the Cannes Market of Cinema last year. 

Winners at Cannes 2023 

French courtroom thriller, “Anatomy of a Fall” by Justine Triet took the Palme d’Or for best film at the Cannes Film festival 2023 which makes her the third woman director to win Cannes’ top honor.  

The best actor prize was received by Japanese acting legend Koji Yakusho for his phenomenal role in Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, where he plays the role of a toilet cleaner. Merve Dizdar received the honor of best actress for her role as Nuray, a rural school teacher. 

Aki Kaurismäki, a Finnish director won the Cannes jury prize for his romantic comedy “Fallen Leaves”.

Vietnamese-born filmmaker, Tràn Anh Hùng received the best director award for a period foodie drama, “The Pot-Au-Feu”

Filmmaker Roger Corman and Quentin Tarantino presented the runner-up Grand Jury prize together to “The Zone of Interest”, which is a bracing holocaust movie from Jonathan Glazer

“Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell” by Vietnamese writer/director Thien An Pham, received the prize for the best first film while the prize for the best short film went to director Flóra Anna Buda for “27”

Also Check: Looking forward to a blend of fantasy and reality after watching the new trailer of the Barbie movie

Follow us for more @discultured

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Events

How Sacred Gatherings Are Becoming the New Social Scene for Gen Z, Millennials, and Modern Seekers

Modern bhajan club with fusion music

In an era where nightlife once revolved around loud clubs, expensive parties, and digital overload, a surprising cultural shift is redefining how people connect. Across urban hubs, wellness spaces, rooftop venues, and cultural festivals, Bhajan clubs, Kirtan nights, mantra circles, and spiritual social gatherings are emerging as the newest social trend.

From Mumbai to London, Delhi to Los Angeles, spiritual socializing is no longer limited to temples or traditional gatherings. It has evolved into a vibrant lifestyle movement blending music, mindfulness, fashion, community, and conscious living. What was once considered old-school devotion is now becoming modern, aesthetic, and socially magnetic.

The Rise of Spiritual Socializing in Modern Culture

Young people are increasingly seeking deeper, more meaningful experiences over superficial entertainment. Kirtan nights offer exactly that soulful music, collective chanting, emotional release, and a sense of belonging.

Unlike conventional party culture, these gatherings focus on inner peace, cultural roots, and emotional connection. The result is a powerful combination of spirituality and social wellness.

Bhajan clubs today often feature live fusion bands, candle-lit settings, ethnic dress codes, vegan food pop-ups, meditation zones, and even curated spiritual travel experiences. This blend of tradition with trend is making devotional spaces culturally cool again.

Modern bhajan club with fusion music

Why Bhajan Clubs Are Trending

1. A Break From Burnout Culture

With rising stress, anxiety, and digital fatigue, people are craving spaces that feel grounding. Bhajan and kirtan events provide a calming alternative where music heals instead of overwhelms.

2. Cultural Pride Meets Modern Aesthetic

Younger generations are reconnecting with Indian spiritual heritage in a stylish, contemporary way. Wearing handloom fashion, attending mantra festivals, and participating in sacred music circles is becoming both spiritually enriching and socially relevant.

3. Community Without Pressure

Unlike nightlife scenes often centered around status or indulgence, spiritual gatherings create authentic connection without social performance. People come to sing, meditate, network, and feel.

4. Influence of Wellness and Conscious Living

Yoga culture, Ayurveda, meditation apps, and spiritual influencers have all contributed to making spiritual socializing mainstream.

bhajans

Kirtan Nights: Where Music Meets Healing

Kirtan is especially resonating because it combines live music with emotional energy. Whether it’s traditional Hare Krishna chants, Sufi-inspired bhajans, or indie devotional fusion, these nights often feel like concerts with soul.

For many attendees, it’s not strictly religious it’s experiential. The repetitive rhythms, sacred sounds, and group participation can feel meditative, euphoric, and deeply therapeutic.

Fashion, Travel & The Spiritual Lifestyle Boom

This trend is also influencing fashion and travel industries.

Spiritual fashion including flowy ethnic wear, handcrafted jewelry, sustainable fabrics, and temple-inspired aesthetics is becoming increasingly popular.

Travel brands are curating retreats around spiritual festivals, river aartis, yoga villages, and kirtan experiences. Destinations like Rishikesh, Vrindavan, Varanasi, Bali, and Dharamshala are becoming social wellness hotspots for modern travelers.

Social Media’s Role in Making Spirituality Trendy

Instagram reels of ecstatic chanting, moonlit kirtans, aesthetic temple decor, and spiritual retreats have transformed devotional culture into shareable lifestyle content.

This visibility has made spirituality feel more accessible, fashionable, and community-driven especially for those who may never have engaged traditionally.

Is This Just a Trend or a Cultural Shift?

While some may see it as a phase, the rise of Bhajan clubs and spiritual socializing reflects something deeper: a generational desire for purpose, grounding, and authentic connection.

People are not abandoning social culture they are redefining it.

Where previous generations sought escape, this generation increasingly seeks alignment.

Bhajan clubs, Kirtan nights, and spiritual socializing are shaping a new social era where devotion meets design, mindfulness meets music, and culture meets connection.

This movement proves that spirituality is no longer confined to rituals it is becoming a lifestyle, a community, and for many, the new definition of modern social luxury.

As the world searches for deeper meaning, spiritual gatherings may just be the future of social culture.

Also Read: Travel Destinations Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Continue Reading

Events

Top 10 Best Dressed Female Politicians in the World

Sanna Marin modern political fashion style

In today’s modern political landscape, style is more than just appearance it’s a powerful form of communication. The world’s most influential women leaders are not only shaping policies but also redefining fashion in politics. From tailored power suits to culturally rooted ensembles, these women command attention with both their words and their wardrobe.

Giorgia Meloni

Italy’s Prime Minister is known for her polished and sophisticated style. She often opts for well-tailored blazers, neutral tones, and minimal accessories exuding quiet confidence and authority.

Giorgia Meloni modern political fashion style

Jacinda Ardern

Even after stepping down, Jacinda Ardern remains a global fashion inspiration. Her understated elegance, monochrome outfits, and effortless styling reflect authenticity and relatability.

Jacinda Ardern a global fashion inspiration

Kamala Harris

Known for her iconic pantsuits and pearls, Kamala Harris blends professionalism with modern relatability, making her a global style icon.

Kamala Harris blends professionalism with modern relatability

Sanna Marin

Sanna Marin continues to influence global fashion with her minimalist yet bold styling, redefining contemporary political aesthetics.

Sanna Marin continues to influence global fashion

Nirmala Sitharaman

Known for her graceful sarees, Nirmala Sitharaman represents Indian tradition with a modern touch. Her wardrobe reflects simplicity, authority, and cultural identity.

Nirmala Sitharaman represents Indian tradition with a modern touch.

Hina Rabbani Khar

Known globally for her luxury handbags and refined outfits, she is one of the most stylish politicians from Pakistan.

most stylish politicians from Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz

Maryam Nawaz is admired for her elegant traditional wear and graceful public appearances.

Maryam Nawaz

Kaja Kallas

Kaja Kallas is known for her sleek, modern European style favoring clean lines and contemporary silhouettes.

Kaja Kallas

Mette Frederiksen

Her Scandinavian minimalism, neutral tones, and sharp tailoring reflect understated elegance and leadership.

Mette Frederiksen

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

AOC brings boldness to political fashion with statement outfits and relatable styling that resonates with younger audiences.

AOC brings boldness to political fashion with statement outfits

The best dressed female politicians in the world are proving that leadership and style go hand in hand. Whether through traditional attire or modern power dressing, these women are setting global fashion benchmarks while leading nations and inspiring millions.

Also Read: Minimalism vs Maximalism: What’s Trending in Lifestyle (2026)

Continue Reading

Beauty

Harsh Chaudhary & Tarushi Dobhal Crowned Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2026

Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2026

Dehradun, April 12, 2026 — The grand finale of Mr & Miss Uttarakhand 2026 was held with great enthusiasm at Hotel Regenta, drawing participants and audiences from across the state. The event was presented by Maya Devi University and organised by Himalayan Buzz in association with Dharma Creation.

Tarushi Dobhal was crowned Miss Uttarakhand 2026, while Harsh Chaudhary secured the title of Mr Uttarakhand 2026, emerging as the top talent of the evening. Vanshita Kandpal and Lokpal Pokhriyal were honoured as Miss Uttarakhand Model of the Year and Mr Uttarakhand Model of the Year, respectively.

In the runners-up categories, Neha Mahara and Prakash Rana were declared 1st Runners-up, while Shivam Bhatt and Lata Koranga earned the titles of 2nd Runners-up.

Tarushi Dobhal Miss Uttarakhand 2026

The competition saw participation from across Uttarakhand, with 36 finalists selected through auditions conducted in Dehradun and Haldwani. Contestants underwent professional grooming sessions and took part in various sub-contests, showcasing their talent, confidence, and personality. Several subtitles and awards were also presented during the event.

The judging panel comprised notable personalities, including Kshitiz Doval (Founder of UNHU), Tushar Shahi (Mr Uttarakhand 2026), Rahul Gupta (Founder of Vastukar Associates), Seema Kashyap, and Lavanya Ahuja (Founders of The Frontrow Couture), along with restaurateur Aneesh Virmani and Aniruddha Raithwan (Founders of AAR Hotels).

During the event, Dr Tripti Juyal Semwal, Vice President of Maya Devi University, addressed the audience, highlighting the institution’s vision and its commitment to empowering youth through platforms like this.

This edition marked the 10th anniversary of Mr & Miss Uttarakhand by Himalayan Buzz, celebrating a decade of promoting talent, fashion, and youth empowerment across the region.

Also Read: Top Fashion Trends 2026 You’ll See Everywhere

Continue Reading

Trending