By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 7 Nov: The 11th day of the Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023 opened on Monday with a stimulating discussion about the book, ‘Madhopur Ka Ghar’, authored by Tripurari Sharan. The book is housed at the Doon Library and, in this programme, Tripurari Sharan spoke about his literary creation. ‘Madhopur Ka Ghar’ is a profoundly imaginative and touching narrative that delves into the trials and tribulations of a family in Bihar. It also explores the concept of a man grappling with life’s peculiarities. Ultimately, this novel astounds readers with the unfiltered strangeness of the fates and ironies of Indian rural life.
Born in 1961, Tripurari Sharan is a distinguished figure who graduated from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, and pursued post-graduation in Sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University. During his college days, he authored film reviews for ‘Dinmaan’ and had his poems published in numerous magazines. Over the course of his lengthy administrative career, he held pivotal roles in both state and central governments. His professional journey included serving as the Director of the Indian Film and Television Institute in Pune and as the Director General of Doordarshan. During his tenure in Pune, he scripted and produced two distinct feature films in collaboration with his students, ultimately retiring as the Chief Secretary of Bihar.
The day’s cultural programme commenced with the inauguration by REACH Heritage General Secretary RK Singh and other members.
The first segment of the cultural programme showcased ‘Ramman’, an iconic cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. From the picturesque valleys of Joshimath, Chamoli, a group of twenty-seven enthusiastic and talented individuals assembled under the banner of World Cultural Heritage to present Ramman. These artists, including Dr Khushal Bhandari, Jagdish Chauhan, Rajendra Singh Bhandari, and others, left the audience spellbound with their performance. The presentation featured masked dances and resonated to the beats of Dhol and Damaun. The artists performed with masks made from pure wood called Bhojpatra, providing a captivating portrayal of the Mahabharata Garudeva dance, Krishna Leela with Radhika, and the mesmerising Mor Marin dance. This group’s presentation was more than an event; it was a celebration of cultural richness that continues for a fortnight.
Ramman, a religious festival and ritual theatre unique to the Garhwal region in India, is at risk of fading over time. However, in 2009, UNESCO recognised it on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival, specific to the Salur Dungra village in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is organised as an offering to the village deity, Bhumichetrapala (Bhumiyal Devta). It is celebrated every year after Baisakhi, a harvest festival that marks the new year’s beginning. The Ramman festival takes place on the ninth or eleventh day of Baisakhi, with villagers offering hariyali (sprouted barley plants) to the deity in exchange for prosperity. The festival spans ten days and includes the recitation of the local Ramkatha and performances by masked dancers depicting various aspects of life in the courtyard of the Bhumiyal deity’s temple.
Rammana’s performances commence with the invocation of Ganesha, followed by the dance of Ganesha and Parvati. This is succeeded by the Sun God’s dance, symbolising the creation myth of Brahma and Ganesha’s birth. Subsequently, the local Ramkatha is enacted, encompassing episodes from Rama’s life, from his visit to Janakpur to his coronation upon returning from exile, sung in a total of 324 talas and stanzas. The performances also feature Jaagar Gayan, a musical rendition of local legends. The festival is sustained by the villagers of Salur-Dungra, serving as the successors, organisers, and financiers.
Ramman harmoniously combines the sacred and social aspects, portraying the history, beliefs, lifestyle, fears, and hopes of Salur Dungra villagers through various art forms, including oral, literary, visual, and traditional craft.
The second segment of the cultural programme featured the presentation of ‘Gof’, a traditional folk dance, by the Indreshwar Youth Club of Goa. Gof Shigmo, a dance performed annually by the farming community in South Goa’s Canacona, Sanguem, and Quepem talukas, is characterised by colourful strips of cloth hanging from the ceiling. Dancers skillfully weave these strips to form beautiful braids, signifying a harmonious assimilation of cultural influences left by dynasties that ruled Goa over the centuries. The dance, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is an expression of joy among Goa’s farmers after a bountiful harvest.
The third presentation showcased Kathak and semi-classical dances, performed by Namrata Shah and her group of 14 members. Their enchanting performance included Ganesh Stuti, a portrayal of Gujarat’s pride in Sanskrit, the song ‘Gopi’ written by Pandit Sundar Lal Ganjani, and the presentation of ‘Hori’ and ‘Narmada Ashtakam’. Their dance style seamlessly blended semi-classical steps with the Kathak tradition of the Jaipur Gharana.
The fourth and final segment of the cultural programme featured Hindustani classical singing by the renowned artist, Aarti Ankalikar.
Tabla player Shubh accompanied Aarti Ankalikar.
The Virasat Art and Heritage Festival 2023 is running from October 27 to November 10.
