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...

  INTRODUCTION :  Odisha is a state of rich culture and horary traditions . From Ancient time onwards ,Odisha had been a major center for different episodes of events . Whether it's the Great Kalinga war of Ashoka or the emergence of different forms of Brahmanical worship , Odisha has always played a major role in the synthesis. It's the home of Dravidians , Aryans and Tribal people making the culture of the state diversified and vibrant . Earlier , Odisha was known as "Utkal" which stands out as ‘The Land of Exciting Cultures',  thus justifying the vivid and affluent nature of the state . All the archaeological and historical evidence shows that the state came into the frame almost during the mid of 3rd CE BCE . So the antiquity of the state goes back to the time period of Mahajan padas and Maurya which shows that the state also had been actively involved in the field of trade and politics. All these features make it a prime zone for the development of multiple c...

  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...

The Lushai people, commonly referred to as the Mizo, trace their lineage back to the enigmatic Chhinlung civilization, rooted deeply within the verdant landscapes of Mizoram in India, as well as the neighboring enclaves of Northeast India. Within the fabric of their existence lies a tapestry woven with threads of antiquity, each strand bearing the weight of centuries past, manifesting in their exquisite artistry, traditional attire, culinary prowess, cultural practices, and the tapestry of festivals that adorn their communal calendar. Among their resplendent festivities, one shines with unparalleled brilliance – ‘Chapchar Kut’. This vibrant celebration is a symphony of colors, a dance of jubilation that reverberates through the hills and valleys, echoing the exuberance of a people deeply connected to their heritage. Its origins, steeped in the mists of time, are believed to date back to a bygone era, perhaps nestled between the years 1450 and 1600 A.D., when legends mingled freely wi...

  The Mahabharata, one of the two primary Smriti texts and Sanskrit epics of ancient India, recounts the events and consequences of the Kurukshetra War. Over time, various regional adaptations of this epic have emerged, with "Pandun ka Kada" standing as an example—a Mewati version of the Mahabharata ballads sung by the Meos. The Meo community, primarily inhabit in the Mewat region spanning parts of Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, embodies a distinctive identity characterized by a fusion of Hindu and Muslim ethos. "Pandun ka Kada," a mesmerizing performance by the Jogia and Meos of Mewat, weaves together a rich tapestry of over 2000 dohas (couplets). These poetic verses come alive during communal gatherings in village squares, the joyous atmosphere of weddings, the sacred rites of postnatal ceremonies, and the jubilation of festive occasions. In return for their captivating artistry, the Jogia and Meos receive a humble offering of grains and essential provis...

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...