“Every now and then one paints a picture that seems to have opened a door and serves as a stepping stone to other things.”
Naya village in West Medinipur is a vibrant hub of Patachitra, a traditional folk art combining painting and storytelling. The potuas, skilled artists, create colorful murals on clay while singing Pater Gaan, narrating historical and contemporary themes. This unique culture attracts visitors, preserving the artistry and heritage of the region.
Airports evoke a unique introspection, marked by the transition between known and unknown. While waiting during a layover at Doha, the author reflects on a Warli art mural seen at Indira Gandhi Airport. This ancient art form, practiced by the Warli tribe, symbolizes ancestral memory and nature's sacredness. The mural serves as a cultural ambassador, reminding travelers of enduring stories and the traditions connecting them to India's heritage.
Mandala art is a captivating representation of the universe and the human psyche. It has a rich history dating back to ancient times, spreading across various cultures and religions. Mandala art comes in diverse types, each with its own significance, and serves as a therapeutic practice, promoting mindfulness and self-expression. This art form, whether created or admired, can inspire, heal, and bring inner peace.
During a pilgrimage to Shirdi with my mother, we took a detour to the Ajanta Caves, rather than Ellora, due to the rains. The stunning rock-cut caves, dating back to the second century BCE, showcased viharas, stupas, and prayer halls with exquisite paintings and sculptures. These ancient marvels, depicting Buddhist traditions and narratives, offered a glimpse into the rich cultural legacy of ancient India, reflecting exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant artistry.
While traveling from Ranchi to Delhi, the author observed a replica Adivasi hut adorned with Sohrai and Khovar paintings at Birsa Munda airport. Khovar, a historical mural painting tradition originating from the Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand, India, is used to decorate wedding rooms and is considered to bring good fortune. This distinct art form, now recognised by a Geographical Indication tag, reflects matriarchal roots and a deep bond with nature, even adapting to changing times by being created on paper and cloth.
Sohrai, a prominent festival in Jharkhand, transcends a mere harvest celebration for tribal communities, embodying gratitude to nature, cattle, and ancestors, while strengthening cultural ties. It begins with rituals led by the village priest, followed by vibrant celebrations showcasing Sohrai paintings, depicting life and nature. Key elements include music, dance, and community bonding, emphasizing interconnectedness. Recent initiatives preserve this heritage, ensuring recognition for artists and highlighting a tradition that harmonizes with the environment.
Returning from Gangtok after exams, I joined my mom in Kolkata for her medical checkups and a visit to the Kolkata Book Fair. The fair, one of the world's largest, featured a wide range of books and publishers. We spent over four hours exploring pavilions and indulging in culinary delights. The vibrant event left me longing for more time to delve into the literary and artistic wonders.
Wildlife SOS in alliance with Art Spice at The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa, New Delhi collaborated with Singapore-based artist Alpana Ahuja is hosting a month long exhibition titled ‘Ganpati to Gajah’, the first exhibition of an unconventional artist: a rescued Indian elephant named Phoolkali, at Art Spice gallery.
Gondal, a city in Gujarat, is known for its rich cultural heritage and impressive architecture, most notably majestic palaces and vintage vehicles. A part of the Kathiawar Agency under the Bombay Presidency, the roots of Gondal's history go back to the medieval period. Its most famous ruler, Sir Bhagwat Sinhji (1888-1944), was known for his progressive reforms. Today, the city is appreciated for its splendid palaces like Naulakha Palace, structures like the Huzoor Palace & Orchard Palace, and the Vintage Car Museum, all offering glimpses of the city's regal past.
