Culture of West Bengal – Exploring the Rich Tradition, Art, Music, Food and Festivals

By

-

September 14, 2020

Culture-of-West-Bengal — Chhau Dance – Wikimedia

West Bengal is a place that is very dear to the heart of all Indians. Though you might never have been to this place, the state would undoubtedly strike you as someplace you’ve known for a long time. The truth is that we’ve all been to this place through the works of Rabindranath Tagore. Haven’t we all traveled along with the Kabuliwalah, as he traveled through Kolkata and haven’t we all waited eagerly with Mini for his return each day?

Art-and-Culture-of-West-Bengal — Image – Prasanta Kr Dutta

Blessed with a rich heritage and mesmerizing beauty, West Bengal has secured itself a unique place in the history of India. Home to some of our country’s greatest intellectuals, such as Rabindranath Tagore, Toru Dutt, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, and many others, the state is a haven for literature and art lovers. Situated in the eastern part of India and blessed with a vibrant culture, Bengal is perhaps the most beautiful part of India. The state has succeeded in keeping alive its past and has treasured the symbols of its heritage with much reverence.

West Bengal is perhaps the wealthiest state in India with regards to its diverse culture, from it’s magnificent literature to the colorful and splendid festivals, the state is home to various interwoven traditions, existing in perfect harmony with one another. Hence, it is no wonder that the capital of West Bengal, Kolkata, is known as the “Culture Capital Of India.”

Bengali Literature

Rabindra-Sangeet-01 — Rabindranath Tagore – Wikimedia

Any discussion on West Bengal must undoubtedly begin with its splendid array of literature ranging from the folk tales of Thakurmar Jhuli to the poetry of the great Rabindranath Tagore. The state has contributed abundantly to both Bengali as well as world literature. It gave Asia its first Nobel prize when Rabindranath Tagore became the Nobel Laureate in literature in 1912. Literature has always been an essential part of the state, and its poetry has influenced people far and wide to take part in the Indian Independence movement. Today, Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, hosts the largest Book Fair in Asia, known as the International Kolkata Book Fair, and is attended by people from around the world.

Bengali Theatre & Cinema

Bengali Film Culture — Satyajit Ray – Wikimedia

Bengal has a long and ancient history of performing drama, from the Bangali folk theatre Jatras to the Satyajit Ray’s Movies, Bengali theatre has never failed to impress its viewers. Assumed to have originated in the 16th century, the Jatra (roughly translated as yatra, meaning journey) is well known for its distinct musical component and can also be characterized as a musical drama.

The Theatre of Bengal played a vital role during the Indian Independence struggle and helped arouse the spirit of nationalism in Indians and inspired them to join the struggle against the British rule. Bengal Film industry (Tollywood) also has to its credit several talented and widely acclaimed filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray, the first Indian to receive an honorary Oscar Award in 1992. Other innovative filmmakers include Rituparno Ghosh, Nandita Roy, and Aparna Sen, among others.

Bengali Fine Art

Jamini-Roy-Folk-Art — Boating by Jamini Roy – Courtesy The San Diego Museum of Art Collection

The state is also credited with being the pioneer of Modern art in the country. Through the paintings of Rabindranath Tagore, Abarentranath Tagore (‘Father of Modern Indian Art’), Jamini Roy, and Gaganendranath Tagore, India became acquainted with modern art. The Bengal School of Art, for instance, was started in Bengal as a rebellion against the academic art style, propagated by the European power. The school emphasized paintings that were based on Indian themes and celebrated the Indian tradition over the Western one.

Bengali Architecture

Kolkata Culture — Photo by Limax Lowlets on Unsplash

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is prominently known as “The City Of Palaces.” The buildings in the state show a homogenous mix of elements from various cultures, including British, Terracotta, Indo- Saracenic, and Islam. The state has to its credit several historical monuments that reflect the rich heritage and tradition of the country at large. The state had been the center of rule of different rulers belonging to different parts of the world.

The Park Street. — Image – Christopher Fynn via Flickr

Hence, the buildings in the state reflect the influence of diverse cultures in them. The most popular monuments include Rasmancha temple in Bishnupur, which is noted for its terracotta carved tiles and for its pyramidal shape, Hazarduari palace (which contains a total of thousand doors), Baraduari, Minar in Padua, Radhabinodhe temple in Birbum among others.

Bengali Traditional Dress

Traditional-Dress-of-West-Bengal — Image -Source

In West Bengal, women usually dress up in a uniquely draped saree with broad borders. There a variety of sarees prevalent in West Bengal including the Dhaka Jamnadi sarees, Garad-Koirad, Baluchari Sarees among others. Of these, the Garad-Koirad sarees are the most popular and are worn on religious occasions and at weddings. Men usually wear Panjabi and Dhoti, which is unique to Bengal.

Suggested Read – A Deep Dive into the Lal Par Saree from West Bengal

Bengali Music and Dance

The music of Bengal is a pleasure to listen to for anyone and everyone. It is indeed the jewel of Bengal’s heritage. The traditional Baul singing is perhaps the most popular of all. Mostly sung in praise of God with utmost reverence and focus, the singers can make anyone spellbound with their soothing music. During the performance, the performers shut out the entire outer world by closing their eyes and seem to be lost in a trance.

Gambhira, Kirtan, and Bhawaiya are the other kinds of folk songs. Chhau, a very prominent tribal folk dance form of West Bengal, narrates stories from Indian epics. The performers wear colorful and vibrant masks, which helps them to portray different characters and convey the stories effectively.

Bengali Handicrafts

There are a variety of handicrafts that are made in Bengal. Each village in the state has its own distinct handicraft, which is quite different from the other village. The most notable feature of the handicrafts is that apart from being a symbol of Bengals’ history and culture, they are also Eco-friendly. Some of them, like the Dokhra metal casting, is said to have been preserved for centuries and is said to be one of the oldest forms of metal casting. Bankura district boasts of highly decorated terracotta tiles present in certain temples. Though this art had been in existence since the time of the Harrapans, it was the artisans of Bengal who used them in buildings, thus, adding to the traditional and indigenous beauty of the structures.

Madurkathi, a handcrafted mat, is a vital part of Bengali culture, that every traditional house would undoubtedly possess one of. For them, the mat is a symbol of the hosts’ respect for their guests. Chhau masks, made exclusively for the Chhau dance are also worth mentioning. The masks are elaborately decorated with vibrant colors and are worn by artists in their performance.

Bengali Cuisine

The state is known for its unique and tasty cuisine. From the staple rice and fish meal to the really popular Bengali sweets, the state has a lot to offer. Throughout history, the state has always been under different rulers from different parts of the world, and these influences are not only evident in the architecture and culture of Bengal but also play an essential part in Bengali cuisine.

The most common staple of food is fish and rice, added to the fact that the rivers in the state are home to more than forty different types of freshwater fish. The dishes gain their flavor from five spices, Cumin, Fenugreek, Aniseed, Nigella, and Mustard seed. The most popular Bengali delicacies include Shukto, Aam Pora Shorbot, Luchi, Lau Ghonto, Bhapaa Aloo, Baigun Bajaa, among others. Jhalmuri is a very famous street food delicacy. Apart from this, Bengali cuisine is quite famous for its wide variety of sweets, which are quite popular all over the country; they include Rasmalai, Pantua, Roshogulla, Mishiti Doi among others.

Festivals of West Bengal

As a state which celebrates unity in diversity, the state has several religions and hence fosters a plethora of festivals all year round. The Durga Pooja, which celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, is one of the most colorful festivals in the state. Poila Bhoishak is another very popular festival that celebrates the Bengali New year. The day is quite special for the whole state and is celebrated with abundant joy, as it marks a new beginning. The state also celebrates Christmas and Eid-ul-Fitr, with as much pomp and joy.

How Hampta Pass Trek Refilled the Happiness in Me Post Lockdown

By

Caleidoscope

-

September 10, 2020

2

Being stuck indoors for months due to the coronavirus quarantine isn’t very pleasant. Our daily routine is disrupted, and we suddenly feel trapped. Honestly, I’m tired of all the negative news around me. I think we all are. So I thought of sharing my happiest moment that takes us as far away from Coronavirus as possible – to the outer world where we all yearn to be.

My trek to Hampta Pass was full of mixed emotions, but throughout the journey, this was one of the moments that I felt happiest. While trekking it was obvious that we would find nature’s awe-inspiring imagery, self-reflecting one. But being surrounded by that bliss with the people whom you met out of nowhere, were the ones who actually made you feel alive. And that too as effortlessly as they do in the movies – it just works.

Initially, I was slightly nervous if my condition was good enough for Hampta Pass, but I was also uber excited for my first real high altitude trek in the Himalayas. Waking up at 5, breakfast at 6 and beginning at 7 for the next campsite, was the new routine. The experience was so overwhelming that it just cannot be described in words. Our trek started from Jobra to the open grasslands of Chika to picturesque Balu-ka-Ghera where the wildflowers in pink and yellow were strewn all around.

Through the green valley, we made our way to the icy mountains and glaciers, Shea Goru, passing by Hampta Pass which had snow-capped mountains everywhere. I was constantly looking around me so that I don’t miss out on anything. From the lush green of Kullu, we descended to the deserted Spiti. We ended our trip with a drive to Chandratal Lake. Our campsite throughout had a beautiful company of narrow valleys, mountains towering on both sides, lovely meadows, and crystal clear water flowing just next to us.

The whole time I was just moving with my head down, heart-pounding, hustling through, I would rush to the end as a result of sheer doggedness but what I learned was not to forget to look up. It’s easy to become so single-mindedly focused on the destination that we miss the entire journey. The thing that I was constantly trying to do was to stop and look upwards. Take it all in. Sometimes this can be discouraging when you look ahead and see how far you have left to go. When that happens, turn around and look behind you. You’ll be astonished at how far you’ve come.

And I suppose that’s how it is with life. Maybe somewhere in me, I still yearn for that experience hoping that it would fill me up and bring a smile to my heart but till then I am okay to look back and be nostalgic about the past and prep myself for future adventures.

Author – Harshita Jaswani

Hi, this is Harshita Jaswani and I work for an advertising agency in the account management department. I thought of sharing my happiest moment hoping that lesson learned from that trek would calm someone’s heart as much as that experience did to mine.

I Snorkeled with Turtles, Chased Dolphins on a Jet Ski and Did Much More at Kandima

By

Vidhi Bubna

-

September 9, 2020

0

Looking for staycations to explore in Maldives, an island country with 99% water and only 1% land, we stumbled upon the paradise property called Kandima Islands. Much more than our wildest dreams, Kandima is a 3.2 kilometer speck of an island located at a 30 minute sea place journey away from the capital city of Male. A ladder sprawling from our aquavilla straight into the sea was a highlight of the trip. Crystal clear blue waters have never before been so accessible. I enjoyed a variety of watching and snorkeling with a variety of fish in their natural habitat right from my aquavilla. Baby reef sharks, catfish, pencil fish and various other species could be spotted right while I was snorkeling around my aquavilla.

It was my time away from the city. I lounged on the pool chairs on my beige wooden porch as I enjoyed a chilled glass of Prosecco. It being my first ever time trying it, I was quite surprised. I had expected to open a bottle of wine when the cork flew into the air to my surprise, on trying the drink right from the bottle and having it fizzle in my mouth, I realized Prosecco was something between champagne and wine.

Mumbai is not a city from where you can see clear waters because of the immense water pollution which reduces visibility. Looking at the seabed beneath the turquoise blue waters in Maldives was a fantasy come alive. Dolphins, in herds of hundreds were a short ride away from the property, waiting to be spectated in their natural habitat, coming out every once in a while to give us their greetings and do some flips in the air in numbers I had never seen before. The natural live act continued for an hour and a half, while our boat sailed along the Maldivian waves, mothers applied some sunscreen on their children, couples removed their selfie sticks to get a few pictures, the captain just looked around and made some calls to the other boats, the dolphins too jumped out of the water and played energetically all around our boat.

A few years ago, I had been trekking to a mountain in the Himalayas called Roopkund, having been impressed by the sheer height and natural beauty of the place, I had ever since developed a love for trekking. Diversity in the flora and fauna, wide variety and uniqueness of the skies, the camping and the cold had found a way to make me home. I experienced something similar in Maldives for depth when I was snorkeling amidst sea turtles, sting rays, sea cucumbers, nemo fish, multi colored coral reefs, catfish and a variety of beautiful sea creatures, it was home.

Jet skiing at Kandima just created another level of thrill for me, as I controlled the jet ski with my friend holding me behind, roaring with speed, I made eye contact with thrill and almost said “Today is the day I let go of my fears”. The Jet ski crossed baby making island, a bird nestling space where beautiful white birds inhabit the entire island and lay their eggs, soon I entered deep waters on the jet ski where I saw dolphins in the distance, jumping energetically out of the sea while I chased them while controlling my jet ski. Sadly, the guide on the leading jet ski ahead of us instructed me to turn back to the resort, I decided to play with the water and began turning my jet ski around in circles, which was totally safe but still scared my friend who was sitting behind.

At Kandima, I also had the luxury to walk on sprawling open beaches. During a peculiar night walk of mine, I glanced around the ocean to notice a glowing wave afar. I had previously researched a lot about phytoplankton activity which causes the waves to glow and its presence on several Maldivian islands. To me, the glowing light was irrefutably phytoplankton activity. However, most of the people I spoke to this about refused to believe me.

My evening routine involved lounging by the beach club or enjoying some food at Smoked, relatively relaxing compared to my wild adventures of the day. Breeze bar was one of my favorite spots with their wonderful live music which made me feel drunk on that alone. Kandima was truly my kind of place, as the sun rose, as the sun set.

If you want to know more, you can check out Kandima’s Website:

Maharashtra Culture: Exploring the Rich Tradition, Art, Music, Food and Festivals

By

Sherline Modak

-

September 7, 2020

8

The third-largest state of India, Maharashtra occupies a significant portion of the Deccan plateau and sits along the Konkan coast looking onto the Arabian Sea. The commercial and industrial pivot of the state lies in its capital city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. The most prevalent language of the state is Marathi, the literary endeavours of which has managed to survive despite the plundering and oppression caused during the British Raj.

The Maharashtra Culture is one of the most diverse and brilliant all throughout India. Today we explore the rich heritage, the occasions where the people come together, often regardless of religion and community, the aspects that are unique to the state and their significance in the country of India.

Maharashtra Traditional Dress

The Maharashtra traditional dress is suited to festive occasions as well as to the prevalent weather conditions. Rich in vibrant colours and unique designs, the women commonly wear the traditional nine-yard long saree called the ‘Nauvari’, along with a ‘choli’ or blouse as the top. These types of sarees have a unique pattern of draping that allows ease in movement, and thus also produces a recognised icon of the Maharashtrian culture. Stunning pieces of jewellery like the ‘nath’ or nose ring and adorning necklaces called ‘saaj’ are worn as accessories by the women.

Maharashtra-Traditional-Dress-02 — Image – Anant Nath Sharma via Flickr

The men, on the other hand, wear a shirt or kurta paired with the ‘dhoti’, usually made of cotton, which is draped around the waist and extends up to the ankles. Other than the cotton caps called ‘pheta’ or ‘pagadi’ which they put on their heads, a sleeveless jacket called ‘bandi’ is also occasionally worn. During festive seasons, the men wear Ackan, Churidar, and Pyjama.

Art and craft of Maharashtra

Being one of the largest cotton-producing states in the country, Maharashtrian artisans and craftsmen extensively use cotton for their fabric-based endeavours. The luxurious ‘Mashru’ and ‘Himroo’ fabrics are made from blending cotton and silk together in a special handloom machine. The Narayan Peth sarees originated in the district of Solapur and are woven from cotton and silk. These are decorated with small motifs across the body which present a striking contrast with its border.

Art and craft of Maharashtra 02 — Kolhapuri Chappal – Pratik Biyani via Flickr

The handmade leather slippers of Kolhapur have been a part of the traditional footwear since the thirteenth century. These ‘chappals’ boast of intricate designs that enhance its basic rustic style and are of immense durability. Kolhapur is also famous for its jewellery like the Saaj, Mohanmal, Bormal, and Putlihaar. In the Sawantwadi style of lacquer crafts, motifs of nature and mythology are deliberately painted on the surface of different objects like furniture, figurines, and showpieces.

Warli-Folk-Art-form-of-India-01 — Image – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra via Flickr

Unruffled by the hustle of city life and modernization, the Warli tribe of Thane district still thrives in the very core of nature. Their simplistic wall-paintings are rich with poetic and spiritual imagery, usually depicting the regular lives of the people. Employing basic shapes like triangles, circles, and squares, the artists symbolically represent aspects of nature and creative energy in these paintings which is globally known as Warli Paintings.

Architecture of Maharashtra

The first caves in Maharashtra that have historical records were found by Buddhist monks in the 2nd century BC during their search for an adequate and peaceful place to reside and meditate. The famous rock-cut carvings which comprise some of the oldest wall paintings are present in the Ajanta and Ellora caves. These Hindu cave temples are regarded as a cultural emblem all over India, and the world.

The Wada architectural style of housing and temple planning encapsulates the proud heritage, culture, and traditions that belonged to the dauntless and tumultuous reign of the Marathas. Shaniwar Wada and Lal Mahal in Pune are also prominent examples of Maratha architecture. Some of the most important fortresses in the state are Raigadi, Vijaydurgu, and Sinhagadi. During the reign of British Raj, Mumbai saw varying styles of architecture that were used to construct its historical structures and buildings, including Gothic, Victorian, Art-Decos, and Indo-Saracenic revival. These are seen in notable monuments like the Gateway of India and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Architecture-of Maharashtra 02 — Gateway of India – Pixabay

In a state where people of many religions and cultures thrive, the most notable places of worship include Kalaram Temple, Hazur Sahib, Mount Mary Basilica, St. Thomas Cathedral, Shri Siddeshwar Temple, Bibi Ka Maqbara and Mahalakshmi temple.

Cultural Festivals of Maharashtra

The people of Maharashtra celebrate the festivals that paint in varying and vivid colours the occasion of cultural tribute and merriment. The Maharashtra Day is celebrated on the 1st of May to mark the date when in 1960 the state acquired its status. Nag Panchami is celebrated on the fifth day of the holy month of Shravan where the snake god is worshipped as people offer milk and sweets, praying for the well-being of their family and good harvest.

Religion-in Maharashtra — Dahi Handi – Sandeepa Chetan via Flickr

The festival of Janmashti sees people gather up in all their excitement and joy to perform the tradition of breaking the Dahi Handi. Gudi Padwa is regarded as the most auspicious day to mark the first day of the Lunar Calendar. Narali Purnima marks the end of the turbulent monsoon and the beginning of the new fishing season. The fishermen decorate their boats and appease the sea-god with their offerings of coconut and prayers before embarking on their sail. Shivaji Jayanti is an important celebration which honours the heroic determination and victories of the Maratha warrior on his birthday.

Cultural-Festivals of Maharashtra-01 — Image – Sandeepa Chetan via Flickr

The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi that goes on for eleven days is arranged on the grandest scale in the entire state of Maharashtra, beginning with the worship of idols of Lord Ganesh in homes and large pandals, which are intricately decorated, portraying religious and social themes. During the harvest festival of Pola, bullocks, the primary helping force in farming, are worshipped.

Bail-Pola-Maharashtra — Bail Pola festival

The Ellora festival, organised by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, celebrates classical music and dance and the legacy of Indian art and cultural forms at one of the oldest and most historically significant sites in the country. Performers, artisans, and craftsmen from across the country visit this festival to put on display their talent as well as revel in that of others.

Some other notable festivals include the Bangana festival at Malabar Hills in Mumbai, Makar Sankranti, Bhau Beej, Mangala Gauri, Kojagiri Purnima, Vat Purnima, and Ashadhi Ekadashi.

Music, dance and poetry of Maharashtra

Cultural-Festivals of Maharashtra — Image – Ӊ€ỉ$ēɳßëЯG™ vis Flickr

At the heart of Maharashtra’s culture, the primary forms of music that emerged are folk music, the semi-classical natya sangeet or theatre music, and poetry by the saints. Folk music is enjoyed by people from various aspects of the community, each kind sung during certain occasions. The most popular of these are the ballads called Povadas, that sing of the valiant life of the Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Owi and are written in couplets. They adhere to the responsibilities and joys that women find in their routine lives and also the exciting Bhaleri that adds harmony to the different tasks performed during farming in the fields.

Marathi-Natya-Sangeet — Annasaheb Kirloskar – Image Source

The norm of playing songs on the stage during drama or theatrical performances was heralded by Annasaheb Kirloskar, the father of modern Marathi theatre, and came to be known as Natya Sangeet, or “music of drama”. Some of the poet-saints who preached about devotion and knowledge that brought the soul’s unification with God are Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Muktabai, and Soyarabai. Samartha Ramdas Swami’s revered compositions Manache Shlok and Dasbodh are regarded as powerful inspirations even today.

Music, dance and poetry of Maharashtra — Lavani Dance – Ramesh Lalwani via Flickr

Some of the indigenous dance styles of the Maharashtrian culture are the energetic Lavani dance with its intricate leg movements, the Tamasha form of folk-theatre which was made popular by the Mahar and Kothari communities, the joyous dance form of the Koli fishing community specially performed during the Narali Purnima festival, and Dindi which was popularised by the devotional sect of the Varkaris.

Maharashtrian food

Maharashtrian-local-food — Image – Michael Foley via Flickr

The diversity of Maharashtrian cuisine reflects the multitude of cultures that teem the entire state. Among the wide variety of dishes that appeals to the milder as well as spicier taste buds, the most well known are Vada Pav, Bhel Puri, Sabudana Khichdi, Puran Poli, Kanda Poha, Ragda Pattice, and Misal Pav. Indigenous seafood dishes that are prepared by the fishing communities include the Prawns Koliwada, Maklea cha Kheema (a preparation of squid), and Kolumbi cha Ambat (a preparation of prawns) amongst many others of the Koli community.

Maharashtrian food Vada Pav — Vada Pav – Ranjitha Deepesh via Flickr

The simple and quick cooking styles of the Pathare Prabhus have produced the special Sambar masala which compliments the flavour of the dish depending on the amount used. Towards the interior of the state away from the coastal areas, meat, especially mutton and chicken, are more prevalent, with the dishes getting richer and heavier in flavour.

Maharashtrian food — Modak – Sudhamshu Hebbar via Flickr

While the Brahmin community has brought brilliance and popularity to vegetarian dishes, the foreign influences of the Mughals and the Arabs are also present in the gastronomical heritage of the state. Desserts and sweets that are traditionally popular include Shrikhand, Basundi, Aamras, and Modak while Kairi Cha Panha and Soi Kadhi are some of the most refreshing drinks.

Tourism in Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar Maharashtra — Mahabaleshwar

Maharashtra is replete with locations and sites that not only narrate tales of exquisite culture but also serve as gateways to art and nature. The green landscapes, often dotted with age-old fortresses and clear lakes, are sights worthy to be beheld and learnt the history of. Such are the splendid hills of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Lonavala, Igatpuri, and Matheran.

Famous-Historical-Places-in-Mumbai-Gateway-of-India — Image – Pixabay

The capital city of Mumbai, where the Gateway of India, the Marine Drive, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus are located, is the financial and entertainment centre of the state. Pune, the second-largest city, also boasts of many historical sites like the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Shaniwar Wada, Shinde Chhatri, National War Museum, Saras Baug, and Parvati Hill.

Tourism-in Maharashtra — Ajanta – Olivier via Flickr

As UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta and the Ellora caves are known for the oldest rock-cut sculptures and wall paintings and contain several Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples. Named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the city of Aurangabad is home to the Daulatabad Fort and the Bibi Ka Maqbara among other heritage locations. The port city of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast offers beaches, historical monuments as well as temples for the earnest tourist to visit. Shirdi, Nashik, and Ganpatipule are some of the most visited holy sites by pilgrims and devotees.

Religion in Maharashtra

The state of Maharashtra is a microcosm of India itself, harbouring a religious diversity comprising Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs. It’s not a fact of wonder that places of worship that accord to the customs and beliefs of each religion are found throughout the state.

Many flock to Mumbai from other states, cities, and towns alike to join the land of glamour and fame of India’s biggest film industry, Bollywood, that has even extended its roots into overseas cinema.

Languages of Maharashtra

Marathi and Hindi are the primary languages that are spoken in Maharashtra with English also being used in the urban areas. The Marathi dialect varies from one district to another. Pardhi and Keikadi are examples of local tongues that owe their sustenance to the older years of Marathi language. Konkani and Vardahii are two of the major dialects that are spoken in certain regions of Maharashtra. There are thirty-eight other languages that are spoken by small communities separated from the mainstream, like that of the Adivasis, the tribals, and the nomadic.

Occupation in Maharashtra

Maharashtra occupies the topmost position among the industrial contributors to the country’s economy, yet the agricultural sector is the most dominant in the state, serving as a source of livelihood to thousands of farming families. Along the coastal lines, the fishing communities are as much of an imperative. People engage in services in Government jobs and proletarian professions like mechanics, shopkeepers, transport vehicle drivers, and construction workers.

Best Indoor Flowering Plants That Are A Must Keep

By

Caleidoscope

-

September 2, 2020

0

Have you seen some households that keep flowering plants in their living rooms or bathrooms or selves? Don’t they add up to the grace? Indoor plants are not that hard to maintain like the plants that you grow in the garden. Here are a few plants that you can keep in your bedroom or living room. Don’t worry as you don’t have to go out in this pandemic situation, searching for these flowering plants or seeds. You can order online from Interflora and use trending Interflora promotional codes to get exciting offers on your purchase.

Hibiscus

Also known as China Rose, these flower plants can be found in tropical areas. Many people tend to grow this plant in their gardens, but you can grow this flowering plant indoors too. This vibrant coloured plant not only adds up to the grace but also brightens up your mood. This flowering plant doesn’t need much care, all you need to keep the soil moist throughout the summer season and water it less during the winters.

African Violets (Saintpaulia)

Better known as African Violets. One of the best choices for indoor flowering plants! Unlike many other plants, it doesn’t need much time to germinate and you can see it bloom throughout the year. But there are a few things that you must keep in mind when you stay African Violets in your room. Firstly, cold water can be very harmful to them and secondly, do not allow the old leaves to collect in the pot as they can ruin your plant.

Geranium

These beautiful flowering plants come in different kinds of colour! You don’t have to worry much about caring for this particular flowering plant. All they need is managed watering and a proper pot to keep it! You also have to make sure that this plant gets an adequate amount of sunlight. Better to keep it near the window or by the balcony, because if you keep the plant in a cold and damp place, it will die out soon.

Orchid

Yes, you heard me right. This elegant flower can be grown indoors. All you need is be a little bit careful when it comes to maintaining this sleek beauty; instead of watering them directly, try keeping them moist using a water sprinkler or a spray. You can sprinkle water in the roots and the flower itself but avoid putting water in the above two inches of the plant.

Jasmine

This is as beautiful as the princess, Jasmine! Apart from being beautiful, this flower is the best choice if you want to keep your room scented up all the time. Jasmine is known for its lovely smell. This flowering plant can be grown in the garden as well as kept indoors. All you have to make sure is that the jasmine plant gets the proper amount of sunlight and ample water. You can get the seeds of this plant from Easyflowers and by using the trending EASY FLOWERS Discount code, you can get great deals on your purchase.

Peace lily

Last but not the least, if you want one of its kind flowering plants for your indoors, the Peace Lily should be your first choice. This majestic white coloured spoon structured flower comes with almost zero maintenance. Having this plant in your drawing room doubles the beauty of your place. This plant needs a proper amount of light and moist soil to grow. Once these conditions are met, you can sit back and relax as they stay up years with this little or minimal care!

Teal Lush – Renew Your Gifting Experience In Luxury

By

Prarthana Asija

-

September 1, 2020

0

Teal-Lush-founder-Gurleen-Gala — Gurleen Gala founder Teal-Lush

Gurleen Gala, a senior designer in one of the leading Decor Company of India has been serving the platter of hampers for a year now. Teal Lush celebrates its first year anniversary today and we at Caleidoscope couldn’t have been happier to cover her story. We reversed the roles: she gets served an article that speaks for her.

Born and brought up in Patna, Gurleen moved to Bombay some 14 years ago to pursue her higher education. Despite her well paying job, she wanted to renew the childlike, innocent happiness of gifting. She curated her dream in an Everything Beautiful sort of a way. Here are the excerpts from my conversation with her.

How did you come up with the name ‘Teal Lush’?

Both these words ‘Teal’ and ‘Lush’ have individual connotations as well as make sense when put together. Teal is a shade that is a mixture of the colours blue and green. These days, the shade is trendy in the fashion industry. The colour breathes homeliness. Similarly, lush is synonymous to luxury but it also holds the meaning of a thick green garden. I wanted to name my brand with the products that it will pass on. I wanted it to have my favourite colour in it with the luxury it would possess. It would not be scarce but abundant with hues and richness as the name clearly justifies.

Also, I’d like to clarify that Teal Lush isn’t just a pastime for me. I am dedicatedly and compassionately involved. I have studied and done quality research before getting into the lifestyle of hampers. The hampers that I send out take care of three things: the presentation, the quality and the quantity. I consider the fact that if I am charging a specific amount for these hampers, I would want that my customer derives the pleasure in receiving it by covering his/her ROI. So there is always room for more! That is why I believe that my customers deserve the ‘lush’ in my products. This justifies the presence of lush.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Teal Lush (@teallush) on May 2, 2020 at 4:48am PDT

Now, talking about my choice behind the word Teal, my ‘Planters’ are all hand painted. I am a person who sees colours everywhere and that is why there is no monotony in my planters. I like colours, brightness, vibrancy, tints. I really love the concept of my planters. My signature planter is called the ‘Good Vibes Planter’ which people love, immensely adore and buy predominantly. And this gives me good vibes too. 🙂

Super! Do you have a partner or are you the sole entrepreneur?

I am the sole director, founder, proprietor- all of the these!

However, I often credit my family for their undying moral support. TBRH: this isn’t out of a sheer crediting process, I would like to thank them for their constant backing and validation.

My husband has been the packing force along with my family who supported my stubbornness of refinding hampers in a luxurious way. I really wouldn’t have done this without them.

What is the story behind the coming up of Teal Lush?

Terracotta and hampers went hand in hand for me. I will explain thoroughly why I liked the idea of curating hampers in two different stories:

Firstly, the origin of gifts plays an important role. When I was young, the happiness I felt when I gave gifts to my friends was two-way. The entire process from buying a gift, wrapping it up and then presenting it to them was very innocent and special. I felt the sweetness and the selflessness soaring high. Apart from that, not just the act of gifting, but the fact that my friends received it with such gratitude made me feel alive. The smile that formed on their face was not because of what was inside, which obviously they wouldn’t have known as it was wrapped but the mere feeling of receiving something made them happy. Different kinds of connections took place at that very moment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Teal Lush (@teallush) on Mar 8, 2020 at 6:14am PDT

The premier act of me decorating it till the final act of receipt by person has been very important to me. I got into hampers because I wanted to keep it personalised: to be able to narrate emotions. My hampers are full of gratification that one does not need an exchange of words while sharing the gift. Also, when a person decides to customise the hamper, they get to choose every product according to the likings of the person they are gifting it to. Even though I am not there to witness the exchange, I secure second hand indulgence when people share the images of their loved ones. This is how the gifting purpose got its life.

Secondly, the reason behind the choice of terracotta is that it has always been close to my heart. Nowadays, Diwali has come under the scandal format of dos and do-nots. However, when I was young and stayed in Patna, in the land of sacrosanct Ganga, diyas were handmade using the alluvial soil of Ganga. The diyas are disfigured but that never stopped the celebration. Despite that, you pour oil and make the wick stand in the diya and the process is a sacred act in itself. Back then, it was always my responsibility to light up diyas during Diwali. That nostalgia of living close to Ganga’s soil always brings back all the propitious memories.

Now that I am based in Bombay, I thought of refinding the terracotta days. Time and again, I spotted miniature pots with Warli painting in malls and fests. Moreover, it was something that I found cute. Here’s a secret: I was a collector of these miniature pots (giggles)! No doubt they looked immensely beautiful, but when I reflected on their use besides their showpiece quality, I did not find any. As the miniature artform was only for decoration, I contemplated on how I could increase its usefulness. Then bloomed the idea of Planters. We all have plants at our home, even for adding to the mere decorations of the interiors. So why not add something that would add beauty as well as appear useful? My planters also sow the idea of greenery and lush.

“Let’s make the world a very beautiful, colourful and a green place.”

Even the hashtag that I use for my brand is #EverythingBeautiful which defines the purpose of these planters. It took me a lot of thought to come up with the hashtag as it would not need me promoting it. Rather, the hashtag works for me now. No one was really dedicatedly pursuing the idea of colourful planters in India. I wanted to do this not just for namesake but for the satisfaction that it generated for me. I saw a budding business opportunity in this prospect and asked myself: why not? I was quite skeptical of what it would become as I did not have much confidence in it initially. But with the birth of planters, the sales soured high and I was overwhelmed with all the enthusiastic support.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Teal Lush (@teallush) on Dec 19, 2019 at 11:01am PST

I would like to narrate a story of one of the exhibitions I was selected for. In March 2020, Artistree approached me during the National Women’s Day week. They promote small women entrepreneurs by giving them a platform to exhibit their work. Now this was purely selection based. And I didnt want to look like a fool with my non-artsy hampers. Planters were my strength and they distinguished me from others. Where hampers were curated, planters were created.They auditioned nearly 70-80 women, selected merely 20 and guess what? I made it! Each of them were dedicatedly talented in what they did and I somewhat did not feel very capable standing there. I remember their exact words: “We may not be sure about others, but you are definitely coming on the exhibitional board with us.” I was moved! My husband supported me throughout. He kept on reasserting that I must not fret. So I set up my table with the bare minimum planters that I had brought and next thing I knew was that I was coming over! Those 3 days were better than the whole of 2020! I went with a lot of stock only to return empty handed. I felt self-sufficient then not just in selling my planters but also spreading a social message of greenery. Now, that is an achievement. Then came in enquiries and queries and my business bloomed.

Corporate life is indeed stressful. But among the papers, when you see a colourful planter on your desk, it soothes you. The importance of the colour green is universal: you see green in hospitals all the time which has healing and therapeutic properties. And hence plants are a good source of intaking greens through visuals. So I kept a plant on my desk too, only to hear people say that they wanted one for their workstation! Therefore installing a succulent or a cactus on your desk is a good source of stressbuster. This is how my business got their greens from.

Would you like to mention the challenges that came in your way?

There were certain sets of challenges. When I started my business, I had delivered my baby some 5 months ago. During my maternity leave, I had ample time to reflect on my business prospects. This just pushed me to do what I wanted to do. But the impediment of how I would manage with my little baby was something I didn’t let take over me. I studied about how this could be done, and undertook trips to Delhi and Kolkata. That time my mother and my brother accompanied me through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazaar. Not to miss the constant support from my father and my sister who never missed their chance to mention that they were proud of me even on my little successes. I didn’t want to miss any day of my maternity holiday so i sneaked out time from these trips only so i could feed my child. I’d call every challenge a lesson learnt.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Teal Lush (@teallush) on Mar 28, 2020 at 10:17am PDT

Do you deliver pan India?

Yes, also internationally.

What are the dimensions of these planters? Also, what does a regular hamper include?

The following are the sizes of the planters:

2 inches (the size of your little finger)
3 inches (the size of your ring finger)
4.5 inches, and
6 inches

A regular hamper incorporates grooming products, food items, stationery, a planter, teas/coffee, etc and this purely depends on the interests of the buyer.

Most of the hampers go out of the city, so I try to keep the decoration minimal with less pop-ups but I do not sacrifice on the overall look of the hamper.

How much does a regular hamper cost?

A regular hamper starts from Rupees 2000. A planter starts from Rupees 350 and goes up to Rupees 1000.

What is in store for us as customers in the future?

As Diwali season is knocking on the door, I am planning to do some ready to go Diwali hampers. One can just come and pick them up. And of course, cute, little planters with new paintings are on their way too.

A piece of advice you would like to give someone who is still unsure whether their business prospect will be successful or not?

Don’t think, just do it. You have the power. You will face challenges, but once you get into this, these will be lessons you’d cherish. Be stubborn, everyone will flow in the flow you are in.

Gurleen Gala can be reached on her Instagram page as well as on her number. Surprise your loved ones with her loving hampers. We wish her all the best!

https://www.instagram.com/teallush
+91-8779985001

The Where, What, and How of Finding a Safe and Hygienic PG/Hostel in Indore

By

Cscope Staff

-

September 1, 2020

0

Indore is fast-growing into one of the most preferred cities for migrants moving to explore better lifestyle prospects. With quality educational institutes and rising new-age businesses in the city, it is becoming a lucrative city for many, resulting in a growing demand for rental spaces and PGs, and hostels as people seek quality, convenient yet pocket-friendly places to stay in. Most people want to stay close to their workplaces/educational institutions when they move to the city. Prime locations across the city have become densely populated, so finding an ideal PG in Indore that ticks all boxes in terms of convenience, pricing, and location, can be a task. Taking everything into account, you should check out managed accommodation operators like Stanza Living, as they have great accommodations in major areas of the city.

Let’s have a look at how to go about finding a safe and hygienic PG Hostel in Indore:

Where to Find a Safe and Hygienic PG/Hostel in Indore?

Indore is a huge, bustling, growing city with upcoming residential areas. List down specific regions in the city that you’d want to live in and select the one that meets all of your requirements. Also, as the pandemic is going on, make sure you select the area wisely, that is safe and isn’t in the containment list. The region you pick should be near your workplace serving the objective of not having to travel a ton – wasting time, money, and energy on commute. Furthermore, ensure that the area you select is well connected with emergency facilities, markets, public vehicle, etc so you are well-covered for all lifestyle needs. Taking everything into account, managed accommodations offer amazing hostels in Indore in all the high-profile areas of the city including Vijay Nagar, Bhawar Kua, Mahalaxmi Nagar, Rau, etc. They are moderate and especially equipped, you can look at them on the web too and book an all-inclusive living experience that is safe, hygienic, and convenient.

What to Look for in a PG/Hostel Accommodation in Indore?

Here comes the subject that is most noteworthy – What kind of house do you need? There are people who can adjust well with a few others, in a room, and can live in a place that just fulfills basic necessities, while there are those who prefer living on their own and need a well-appointed place with the best of amenities. While this is a completely individual decision, one shouldn’t have to compromise or adjust just to fit into a budget. Also, when you factor in that fulfilling daily living needs could actually lead to spending more time, energy, and resources, it doesn’t seem like a very wise decision to go with a place that only offers you the bare-bones in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Considering we are facing a pandemic and hygiene is a top priority, finding a place that ensures high-quality amenities, prioritizes hygiene and sanitization practices abides by government healthcare advisories is imperative. At the same time, considering we are confined to our residences and sourcing daily amenities or running the household on one’s own can be a challenge, opt for a place that ensures all daily necessities from cooking to cleaning, laundry to maintenance are easily accessible.

How to a Safe and Hygienic PG/Hostel in Indore?

Now, that the when and where are sorted, we are on the last factor in our list and that is ‘how’ to find a safe and hygienic PG. Gone are the days when individuals used to visit door to door to check houses. Nowadays, the managed accommodation providers are there at your service! They assist you in finding your ideal fit that can more than beat the best PG in Indore. From virtual tours to on-ground teams that support you on all your queries, house hunting has never been easier. Further, you can also find reviews online and speak to current residents to get a true picture of the offerings. They also sign a transparent contract so you are assured that you will get everything that is included in the agreement.

Now that you have professionally managed accommodation providers like Stanza Living, house hunting has become easy, safe, and hassle-free.

Curators Of Clay – Contemporary Indian Ceramics Personified For You

By

Prarthana Asija

-

August 31, 2020

2

Rohit Kulkarni and Bhairavi Naik, the two Kumhaars are from Pune and Bombay respectively. While Rohit has a degree of Masters in Communication, Bhairavi has a Masters degree in Bio Chemistry and an MBA. Rohit was a Creative Director at Disney-UTV Motion Pictures and Bhairavi was Vice President at Saatchi & Saatchi.

But they were probably just a bit nuts (as Rohit confesses)! Despite their established positions and well-paying jobs, they quit their fancy ass jobs to become full time potters! They loved their jobs; they just loved clay more! Rohit states that unfortunately there is no mic drop moment or life changing experience but their inclination and fascination towards hand pottery is what makes them aesthetically the best potters!

I engaged in a conversation with Rohit to know about their several clay ventures:

What is the story behind the setting up of Curators of Clay?

Bhairavi and I used to do pottery as a very indulgent hobby for years. We were sharing a studio in Bombay where we moonlighted as potters on weekends and evenings after work. We were both individually contemplating setting up something to do with pottery. Soon, we figured that our aesthetics were the same and we had a similar idea of what we wanted to do. We felt maybe it would be sensible to try and make a go of it with a partnership. That’s how Curators of Clay (CofC) came into being.

Where did you two study pottery?

Bhairavi had done a beginner course at the Raheja Institute in Bombay and is a self taught artist. I started learning with Vinod Dubey in Bombay, post which I went off to Andretta in Himachal to train under Sardar Mansimran Singh aka Mini. Honestly, we have no professional training as artists.

What are the pottery products that you offer?

We make functional glazed ceramics such as gorgeous plates and bowls, jugs for milk and water, bottles, teapots, platters, tumblers, jars with lid- and all of this is microwave and dishwasher friendly.

Do you also provide workshops to students?

Nope, we don’t teach. Mainly, because we don’t have the bandwidth and if we do, we would want to teach properly.

What is a memory of and around clay that you would like to share?

For both Bhairavi and me, working with clay is about a lifestyle – it lets us work with the seasons actually acknowledging each one with its pros & cons. Both of us realised in the first year of this that gosh, we never really noticed the seasons in our earlier jobs – except of course, stressing about getting traffucked in Bombay monsoons! Currently – we can’t get enough of our studio through the year. Even in the brutal summer months when we complain about the heat, we would still prefer being in the outdoorsy-ness of our studio rather than inside a cubicle.

How did you find your solace away from clay amidst the melancholic days of lockdown?

We were quite lucky. We don’t work in the city, so in the first few strict weeks of the lockdown we didn’t go to the studio apart from a few visits to check on the trees, plants, guppy fish etc. But we were able to resume work as our studio is in a rural area, plus at that time there was just literally one of us working at the studio at any given point in time. Bhairavi stays in an apartment complex in a suburb of Pune so she had to deal with no househelp. I was even luckier since my home in Pune is an independent one and so it was less affected by these community restrictions.

Bhairavi is a certified gardener so she spent her time doing a lot of gardening stuff on her terrace. I got back into a hobby I pursued in my youth – which is called Planted Aquariums. Additionally, both of us read a fair bit. I also dabbled with Linocut Printing. The lockdown was awful for our business but not so bad on our individual personal fronts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @curatorsofclay on Oct 10, 2019 at 3:34am PDT

Do you employ sustainable practices at work? If yes, how do you contribute to your surroundings?

We’re brutally honest about this. Technically ceramics isn’t sustainable. Ceramics uses clay, water and, in most cases, fossil fuel (or wood), all of which are limited resources. Of course, there’s an argument to be made that it’s less harmful than other materials like plastic – but for us, the key objective here is to stay honest and not mislead, misinform or misrepresent what we do for a living and how we do it.

We remain focussed on on minimising our impact on the environment. For instance, we don’t spend unnecessarily on creating branded packaging – all our boxes and packing materials are recycled from other local businesses, and we will keep exploring ways to do better.

And what is in future for us as an audience at CofC?

Well, we hope that the audience ensures there’s a future for CofC by supporting us! We have plans to set up a beautiful space at the studio to retail our work from. It’ll reduce our dependence on courier services. And it can actually be a #VocalForLocal initiative! Also, we really like the idea of having a bricks and mortar space which will reflect our aesthetic and allow us to showcase the lifestyle we live in.

We are a small studio and we have no plans of becoming a factory of any sort. We just want to be known for making the beautiful-est, sexiest contemporary Indian ceramics. Bhairavi would like nothing better than to be known for the beautiful bottles she likes making. And she looks forward to being able to take her role as chief gardener to the next level at this retail / experiential space we are planning at the studio.

I would like nothing better than to make gorgeous teapots – which are my fave form and lead a selectively reclusive life known by the work we craft and by our beautiful signature aesthetic. Neither of us is arrogant enough to believe that we can save the world or change it. But we’ll do everything we can to selfishly keep our corner in the world beautiful, peaceful and very, very happy!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @curatorsofclay on Apr 8, 2020 at 10:07pm PDT

What is a piece of advice that you would like to give to young potters who are embarking their journey of play with clay?

We hate to sound like uncles & aunties but we would really want to see young folks committed to whatever they want to do. It doesn’t matter if one is just exploring as long as one does it earnestly and honestly.

This random woke-ness is boring. If anyone wants to be a potter, we only ask that they give it time and effort. Firstly, chase the craft. Secondly, pursue excellence and happiness. Literally everything else will follow. And thirdly, question everything, including our advice!

Where can one buy COC products from? Is it available pan India?

Typically our bread and butter were the restaurant commissioned projects that we had done and then we would craft a completely different batch to put to our website for direct retail sale. And that’s why our retail collections were not as frequent.

Now, we are hoping to sell more to direct consumers, so we’re looking at crafting at least two new collections every month. We will update the same on our website soon! Since we do everything ourselves and everything is hand crafted from scratch, we can’t really be like a factory! And I really wanna stress this that we are the actual karigars ourselves. You can keep an eye on our website for the next upcoming batch.

www.curatorsofclay.com

The Beautiful Sand Art in India Will Leave You Amazed!

By

Tasneem Sariya

-

August 27, 2020

2

Sand-Art-India-01 — Image – Sudarsan Pattnaik FB Page

Most people might believe writing in stone is better because of its longevity. Those writings on sands are washed away, probably erasing the memory and its significance. However, with sand artists and sand arts increasingly showcasing their skill, the poetry crafted is definitely here to survive the sands of time.

We all have at some point or the other indulged in sand play. As kids and adults, either by building sandcastles or randomly zigzagging lines on sand. In fact, a visit to the beach is seldom complete without some retrospective ‘sand’ time. It could be passing the sand through our fingers, digging our feet into it, or making mini-mountains for really no reason. The feel and touch of the sand can surely elevate the spirit and its softness and fluidity give a sense of flow and movement. And hence it is no surprise that sand has inspired artists and creative minds all over the world. Sand art has many different techniques and aspects to it. And though the art form has its presence in many parts of the world, Indian sand artists are definitely making a place with their skill and creativity on both the national and international stage.

What is Sand Art?

According to online definitions, sand art is the ‘practice of modeling sand into artistic forms’. These forms include sand sculptures, sand brushing, sand painting, and sand bottles. Each of these forms has its own charm and value.

Sand sculptures – A sandcastle is a basic sand sculpture. However, artists that make huge sand sculptures on beaches require a bottomless plastic or wood form, into which the sand is poured and mixed with a lot of water. The process is repeated until the sand is totally compact. Similarly, these forms are placed above the base, and sculpting begins from the top, continuing downwards after the top form is removed. Sand sculptures can be made from any type of sand, including quarry and beach sand. However, clay and silt can also be used, so that it’s easier to mold and make the sculpture stand.

Sand sculptures, unlike stone or bronze sculptures, cannot last for years. In fact, most sand sculptures last only for a few months at most. Several sand sculpting competitions are also held in various places all over the world. One of the finest sand sculptors of India, who has won many accolades and competitions held across the world, is Sudarsan Pattnaik.

Sand painting – Sand Painting is when colored sand mixed with various pigments are poured onto a surface. The surface can either be fixed or unfixed. Native Americans, Indigenous Australians, and Buddhist Tibetans have mastered the art of sandpainting, which is also often known as dry painting.

Sand-Painting-India — Sand Painting by Nitish Bharti

Sandpainting has a very rich history and is said to have originated in Native America. Most famous in the Navajo Nation that occupies parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico in the USA. The Navajo sandpaintings are ritualistic and rooted deeply in tribal traditions, customs, and beliefs. The Buddhists in Tibet compose mandalas made from sand painting. This is again a spiritual process where the lamas usually begin the painting ceremony by drawing the outline of the mandala. As days pass the colored sand is layered and poured from the traditional chak-pur or funnel.

Sand brushing – Sand brushing is the art of ‘brushing’ away the sand grains while creating shapes. It is commonly done in areas where the sand is fine and dry. Animal and human figures and shapes are usually made using this sand art form.

Sand drawings – These are popular in the South Pacific regions where the sand is volcanic in nature. Artists use a finger to create lines and create abstract art.

Sand animation – The newest form of sand art to foray into the field is sand animation. A lovely display of a series of images; the artist’s hands alone creates the art. The sand is applied to a surface and the performer uses either a lightbox or overhead projector. The animation is often accompanied by music and a live audience too.

The Role of Technology in Sand Art

Sand-Arttist-India — Guinness Record for world’s tallest sand castle at Puri beach Sudarshan Pattanaik – Wikimedia

Almost all sand arts are primarily done by hand. Some sculptures may require very basic tools but it is the hands of the artist along with the sand that creates magic. However, due to the very nature of its main ingredient or component, sand arts are hard to withstand the test of time. And thus, one has to acknowledge the role of technology in the spread of sand art. Today, sand artists can click and upload their creations or videos of their animations and their work can easily survive through the years. The longevity of the art is thus propelled by technology which helps it to remain in existence even when the art itself has washed away.

Social media also plays a big role in generating awareness and pushing sand artists and their creative skills at the forefront for a larger audience to see and acknowledge. Thus, though sand arts have been known to exist in ancient times, technology has a definite role to play in its growing popularity today.

Sand Art in India – Sudarsan Pattnaik

Sand-Painting-India-Sudarsan-Pattnaik — Image – Sudarsan Pattnaik FB Page

Sand art in India has catapulted and made a place in the hearts of the people. There are primarily two reasons for which sand art is increasingly becoming popular in the country. One is because of the likes of some exceptionally talented sand artists, such as Sudarsan Pattnaik whose sand sculptures have become a medium of expression and creativity. The other is, of course, the use of technology.

Several sand artists from India are using sand art to create not only aesthetic illustrations but also to express and opine about current social, cultural, and political happenings. A look at Sudarsan Pattnaik’s many works throws light on the artist’s genius. But it also makes it clear that sand art is just not about beautiful figures and castles. His sand sculptures cover a wide range of topics, including pollution, COVID pandemic, saluting police officers, etc. His sand sculptures also center around landmarks, such as the soft landing of Vikram lander on the moon, elections, or commemorating deaths of personalities, such as Sushma Swaraj. In fact, one of the most recent of his works is his tribute to MS Dhoni on the announcement of his retirement. He, of course, holds the record for the tallest sandcastle of the world, in the Guinness World Record at the Puri beach. He has also been awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.

Sand Art Venues in India

Sand-Art-India — Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum

Where some forms of sand art can be done anywhere, such as sand animation, sand sculptures are usually done on beaches. In India, the two major sand art destinations are as follows:

Puri Beach – The Puri beach in Odisha has become the altar and hub for sand sculpture in India. Sudarsan Pattnaik hails from Odisha and it is here that he showcases his sand arts. He has also opened the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute in Puri. This open-air institute is one of the first in India to train budding sand artists.

Mysore Sand Sculpture Museum – Located in Mysore, this museum is one of its kind. It is home to several sand models and was founded by M N Gowri. M N Gowri is one of the finest female sand artists of India who has been working on sand art for several years now.

Sand Art Festivals

Besides talented artists and technology, sand festivals can also be credited for highlighting sand arts. Across the world, sand festivals and competitions are regularly held, where sand artists from all over the globe compete and showcase their skills. Some of the prestigious sand festivals and competitions include the Sand Sculpting Festival in Victoria, Australia, the Goa Sand Art Festival in India, the Indonesia Sand Sculpture Festival and also sand festivals held in Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, and the USA.

Sudarsan Pattnaik has won many of these competitions, including becoming the first Indian to win the Italian Golden Sand Art Award. He has won accolades in many sand sculpting competitions in Russia, Denmark, Bulgaria, and many more.

Sand Artists in India

Sudarsan Pattnaik, of course, stands out as one of the leading sand artists in not only India but also the world. However, there are many other sand artists in India, such as Ranjan Kumar Ganguly, Badal Barai, Vivek Patil, Manas Kumar Sahoo, Ronnie Chibber, Nitish Bharti, Manisha Swarnkar, Venugopal, Narayan Sahu, and many more. Most of the younger brigades of artists are exceptionally well versed with sand animation and many more are increasingly finding recognition on social media or throughout media outlets, such as talent shows, etc.

The sand art forms are thankfully finding recognition as authentic and aesthetic artistic expressions. Sand artists, like other creative minds, are using their skill and imagination to talk about important matters, to address and spread harmonious messages, and using art as means to express, educate and inform people about various issues. However, unlike other major art forms, such as paintings or performing arts, sand art still has a relatively long road to cover in terms of coverage, acknowledgment, and promising new talent. But the future of sand art and its various forms looks exceptionally bright.

Andretta Pottery – Where India Was Introduced To Pottery

By

Prarthana Asija

-

August 24, 2020

1

Even a blind man can appreciate the beauty of pottery

– An old Chinese saying

Today, pottery is an established art form in India. If pottery exists today, it is all because of the wear and sweat of one man- Mr. Gurcharan Singh. He is the reason behind its naissance and survival.

I was in conversation with the successors of the Master Potter Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Mansimran Singh a.k.a Minni and Shubham Sankhyan who took me back to the early days of pottery where it was still a neglected art form. I was startled by the events that had led to the institutionalisation of pottery in India. It was only after the creation of Delhi Blue Pottery Trust that pottery, as an urban art, culture and profession, found meaning.

What is the history surrounding Andretta Pottery?

My father Gurcharan Singh was born in 1896, in Srinagar. He had a major in geology which led to his qualitative understanding of ores and minerals. He worked under his father’s old friend, Sardar Ram Singh Kabli, in Delhi who owned a pottery called ‘Delhi Pottery Works’. At first, he was apprehensive to work there; but little did he know that this would become his passionate profession and he would establish the foundation as well as an apex body for studio pottery in India.

The pottery was located on the outskirts of Delhi, where Safdarjang Airport is located today. His visit to Japan to study industrial ceramics stirred his passion to popularize art pottery in India. Although he knew this involved considerable self-sacrifice, he was determined to go ahead. No doubt this involvement and assiduity for pottery earned him the title of Father of Studio Pottery in India.

The first sense of achievement came his way when he started the establishment in the 1950s after Partition. His return to Delhi from Kashmir ignited the launch of the famous Delhi Blue Art Pottery. Over a period of time, he felt the need to get out of Delhi. The reason that caused this inter-state migration was the unchecked and heinous pollution in the capital but also his love for the countryside. He, then, applied to the Central Government for some grants and aid to set up a studio. He received some seed grants from the government to set up a Rural Marketing Center in Andretta, Himachal Pradesh. Better late than never, the State Government and the Punjab government recognised his work and asked him to set up a Pottery Research Laboratory. The Partition repercussions were gigantic, but he knew that he wanted to make pottery available to everyone at affordable prices.

In 1983, Mansimran, (Gurcharan Singh’s son) and his wife Marry decided to permanently settle in Himachal Pradesh: they started by building the shed to set up Andretta Pottery. They started the Andretta Pottery and Crafts Society, and got engrossed in carrying forward the lineage of pottery by training the local potters. Even though the roots in Andretta were laid in 1961, it was only 1983 onwards that it became an artist’s hub.

This widespread unfurling of pottery won my father some of the most prestigious awards: a silver plaque by the All India Ceramic Society for his services to the pottery industry; he was recognized as the best artist of the year by the Sahitya Kala Parishad; and Padma Shree award from the President of India for his contribution to the field of ceramics in 1991. In 1979, the publication of his book on Pottery in India earned him accolades.

As an artform in itself, what challenges does Pottery face in India?

The challenges that my father faced were innumerable. His artistic wares remained largely unsold. The Willingdon Airport (now known as the Safdarjung Airport) was constructed and the pottery had to be shifted to the outskirts of the city. The cost of materials was clinging on the higher side because of low market consumption. Raw materials (clay, wheels) were never readily available until my father set up pottery as an artform. It is only since the last 15-20 years that the raw materials have become abundant in availability. However, the rural pottery is on the verge of extinction because the government never pays any heed or any assistance to the village potters. Rural pottery is truly forsaken.

Shubham added that at Andretta Pottery, every day is a challenge and that’s something that keeps us going.

What inspires the artwork on the pottery in Andretta?

Shubham revealed that the artwork is inspired by the Himachali Rangoli or the Himachali Kangni Rangoli which is practiced daily in every household. For him his idea of pottery is keeping the local heritage alive by learning the local style of working with the local materials.

Mansimran sir also contributed by telling me about an important element which is the difference between art pottery and commercial pottery. In commercial pottery, each one of the thousand pieces looks exactly alike. In art pottery, each piece is different from the other, it is unique from the others. Andretta pursues the latter.

What is the relation between you and Shubham?

Shubham’s father, Jugal Kishore worked for us. About 5 years back, he died of a massive cardiac arrest. Back then, Shubham was studying aeronautical engineering in Delhi. In the second year of his study, when his father passed away, Shubham started to fend for his family. He became the carrier of the Andretta legacy when his father passed away. He took over and since then he has been a good PRO. He is now doing well for himself. He has been managing this place for over 6 years now.

What materials are used for Andretta Pottery?

Shubham briefed about all the materials that are used in making pottery. He explained that there are different types of rocks which are collected and then turned into the clay for the pottery.

That is just when Mansimran sir revealed the materials that were used by his father included experimentation with glazes such as eggshell white, grey and white and grey slipware and some of the pots made were a recollection of Persian or Middle Eastern pottery models.

Do you hold workshops? If yes, then when and what are the costs?

We do hold workshops and the following are the details: For a day workshop, it costs one person 2k. We also have an extensive 3 months workshop that would cost you around 1.5 lakh. The two Pottery Studios in Delhi are located behind the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi Blue Apartments and on MG Road by the name of ‘Sanskriti’ which are, for now, shut till the end of December.

How far has Pottery come?

There was a time when gathering raw materials was tough. Finding students that would want to study the art of pottery was tougher. My wife and I taught our first student in 1987. And now we have come this far that many of our students have set up their own pottery sheds: one is in Dharwad (Karnataka), the other is in Bombay and another one is in Pune. In Pune it is named as the Curators Of Clay. If you want to start your own pottery studio, the initial investment that you would need is around 3-5 lacs.

As an ending note, Mansimran sir spoke of all the efforts of his father who made art exhibitions for pottery a tradition. His father would always say, “The human eye and the human hand are always subject to an element of error, and in this error, is the beauty of creation. The artist’s work will speak for itself-it is signature enough.” His work is also exhibited at the Indian Habitat Center.

My father and everyone’s ‘Daddyji’ (everyone referred to him by this name at the Delhi Blue Studio) because of his patronising nature and the familial environment he created for everyone, he was the National Potter of India. He was a potter before most of us were born. Anyone who has worked with him would recall his hands that were clay-ed for most parts of the days and this was a metaphor of his resolution and perseverance of staying engrossed in Pottery. He will always be remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit and his creative praxis. His enriching story will live with us in perpetuity. Whenever pottery will be talked of, his name will come up like these two were irreplaceable entities.