Stories

Phad painting, an ancient art form dating back 700 years, originates from Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Rajasthan. This traditional scroll painting uniquely blends visual art with performance, narrating the sacred tales of local deities through intricate and colorful illustrations. The Joshi family, belonging to the Chipa caste of Rajasthan, has been the sole custodian of this vibrant tradition, ensuring its legacy continues uninterrupted for centuries. The essence of Phad lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its dynamic storytelling. The paintings are not mere static images; they come alive through the performances of Bhopa, the priest-singers, and their wives, Bhopi. These performances are accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful strains of the Ravanhatta, an ancient bowed instrument. As dusk falls, these portable temples are unfurled, and the tales of deities such as Devnarayanji, a reincarnation of Vishnu, and the valiant local hero Pabuji, are narrated, captivating audiences t...

  Traditions and history form an integral part of folklore, representing the essence of our ancestors' past and serving as the foundation of cultural heritage. The oral transmission of these customary practices has been a longstanding tradition, passed down from generation to generation. However, with the evolution of time, there has been a shift towards recording folklore more frequently, reflecting changing societal norms and technological advancements. Gangaur is one of such kind festival related with a regional folklore and legacy of the performing community. With its diverse range of customs and civilizations, India is a country of festivals that emote passionate devotion and brilliant colours over its landscapes. Ganguar, or Gangaur, is a festival deeply ingrained in the cultural tapestry of Rajasthan, India, where its vibrant celebrations resonate across the landscapes, infusing the air with an unparalleled fervour. Rooted in ancient Hindu mythology, Ganguar finds its orig...

Pithora paintings, a cherished artistic tradition originating from the Rathwa and Bhil tribes of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, have been meticulously preserved through generations. Initially emerging as cave art, these intricate paintings eventually adorned the main walls of households, with the most sacred space reserved for depictions of Pithora, the deity associated with food grains. This revered deity, considered the principal god by the tribes, lent profound significance to the partition between the kitchen and the hall where the paintings were housed. Characterized by the portrayal of seven horses, Pithora paintings hold symbolic value, with some historians attributing the horses to represent the seven hills surrounding the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border region. The term "Pithora" derives from the name of the folk deity revered by these tribes, believed to embody an aspect of Lord Shiva. Situated within India's rich cultural tapestry, Pithora painting stands as a v...

Image credit: Dibyendu Mrugaraj The month of Poush (December-January) is the time for winter revelries for the people of West Bengal. The last day of this month, called Poush Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is the time to celebrate the harvest of ‘Aman’ crops and various communities have their own colourful customs. It is during this time the Kudmi community residing in the ‘Rarh’ region of West Bengal celebrate Tusu Parab or Makar Parab, which is also one of their biggest festivals. Celebrated mainly in the Purulia district and also parts of Bankura and Birbhum district, it is a folk festival which goes on for a month starting on the last day of Agrahayan month and concludes on the last day of Poush. The Kudmi are an agrarian community, and most of their festivals are centred on the harvest of crops, especially paddy. Common belief says that the word ‘Tusu’ originated from the Bangla word ‘tush’ which means the husk of paddy, which is an important component of the rituals of this festi...