The Indian Tribal Folklore Archive is set to host a three-day cultural event from September 22 to 24, 2024, at the Bangalore International Centre, Domlur. This celebration of India’s rich tribal heritage will spotlight the unique folklore and traditions of five indigenous communities: the Khasi from Meghalaya, Dungri Garasia from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Toda from Tamil Nadu, Nicobarese from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Korku from Madhya Pradesh.
Celebrating India’s Tribal Heritage
The event will feature an art exhibition, a folk music performance, a storytelling workshop for children, and the screening of a documentary on tribal and folk art. Deepshikha Maity, founder of Kaahaani Ghar and curator of the event, expressed the significance of highlighting India’s tribal diversity. “We often fail to realise how diverse our country is. We have a lot to learn from our tribal folklore,” she said.
Maity’s organisation, Kaahaani Ghar, is dedicated to spreading awareness about India’s cultural diversity, with a focus on preserving and promoting folklore from various regions.
Art Exhibition
The art exhibition will showcase 20 artworks, with five pieces representing each of the five featured tribes. All the artworks have been created by Amrapali Das, an artist known for her deep connection to indigenous art forms. The exhibition aims to highlight the distinct visual styles and cultural narratives of each community, offering visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and everyday life of these tribes.
Folk Music Performance
Dipanjali Deka, a renowned folk musician, will perform a set that interweaves traditional songs, poems, and stories from various tribal communities. The performance will cover themes such as devotion, nature, and love, reflecting the profound connection between indigenous cultures and the natural world.
“Tribal music is often a means of storytelling, deeply rooted in the experiences of the community. Through this performance, we hope to bring that connection to a broader audience,” said Deka.
Storytelling Workshop for Children
A special workshop for children will focus on storytelling inspired by Indian folklore. The interactive session aims to introduce young participants to the art of creating stories based on traditional narratives from the featured tribes. Children will learn about the importance of oral storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and be encouraged to create their own folklore-inspired tales.
This workshop is designed to engage children with India’s diverse cultural traditions in a fun and creative way. “It’s important that the younger generation learns about our country’s rich cultural history, and storytelling is one of the best ways to do that,” said Maity.
Film Screening: The Missing Rainbow – Tribal and Folk Art
The event will also include a screening of The Missing Rainbow – Tribal and Folk Art, a documentary by filmmaker Gita Hudson. The film explores the rich tapestry of India’s tribal and folk art traditions, delving into the histories, techniques, and stories behind these art forms. The documentary seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving these traditions in the face of modern challenges.
Hudson, who has spent years documenting India’s cultural heritage, believes that tribal and folk art represents a “missing piece” in the larger narrative of Indian art history. The film provides a platform for these lesser-known traditions, showing their enduring relevance in contemporary society.
A Platform for Tribal Voices
The event seeks to not only celebrate tribal culture but also to create a platform where these voices can be heard and appreciated by a wider audience. By bringing together artists, musicians, and storytellers, the Indian Tribal Folklore Archive hopes to spark a deeper understanding and appreciation of India’s indigenous communities.
“This event is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the cultural wealth that tribal communities bring to our country. It’s a chance to learn from their traditions and reflect on how they enrich our collective heritage,” said Maity.
Event Details:
- Dates: September 22–24, 2024
- Venue: Bangalore International Centre, Domlur
- RSVP: Visit bangaloreinternationalcentre.org to register