Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

From Braj region comes an event of harmony

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel

Lucknow :

Katha Vachak traditions from Braj are set to enthrall people in the land of Kathak. Known as ‘Bhagat’, the ancient customs from Mathura would come alive at Saajhi Virasat, a monthly cultural series started by the UP culture department. It begins with the famous Mayur (peacock) dance and presentation of Languria and Rasia folksongs at Lohia Park Amphitheatre on Friday.

Bhagat tradition of story telling is a mix of song, music and acting which may be compared with nautanki. Bhagat, however, is revered more because it was primarily associated with temples. “Everything is pious about a Bhagat presentation,” explained Vandana Singh, an expert in dance and music traditions in the Braj region, adding, “No dialogue or songs would have even a trace of vulgarity though item-number-like-masti in nautanki is a must.

The presentation, which will be held on Saturday, gels completely with Lucknow’s Ganga-Jamuni tehzib. “The group would stage the story of Raja Morajdhwaj whose story of sacrifice is quite like that of prophet Ibrahim,” said Anita Meshram, secretary culture, UP. Giving details, manager for the group, Seema Morwal said: “Morajdhwaj was a benevolent king who worshipped Vishnu and gave away anything anyone would ask for. Once, Vishnu decided to test him and came to the earth as an ascetic along with his vehicle Garuda diguised as a lion,” she said.

The king gave away everything Vishnu asked for. Finally, Vishnu asked the king and his wife to kill their only son and serve him his meat for dinner. Morajdhwaj eventually fulfilled the wish making the extreme sacrifice. “Seeing his generosity, Vishnu returned the king’s son and gave the message of sacrifice to all,” said Seema. “Prophet Ibrahim was also asked for a similar sacrifice… in fact, Bakarid is celebrated to re-tell the importance of sacrifice each year,” says Imam of Eidgah Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli.

Officials said selection of the play was made randomly but the connection between regions (Braj and Avadh) and religions (Hindu and Islam) is truly Ganga Jamuni. “Somehow, it turns our theme of saajhi virasat (shared heritage) true,” Meshram stated.

About the Saajhi Virasat Series, she said, the two-day festival would see presentations from across different cultural regions of UP. “The presentations would include dance, drama and musical renditions,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / June 19th, 2015

Meet the Boston woman who builds toilets in UP

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, World Opinion

New Delhi :

India draws epithets mostly of two kinds from foreigners. Indophiles call it ‘exotic’ for its rich multi-culturalism, mysticism, spirituality and other cliched reasons. Yet, others scathingly dub it as a ‘dump’ for its egregious lack of sanitation, infrastructure and development. Some go as far as calling India a ‘shithole’ ‘drowning in its own excreta’.

Having grown up in both under-privileged and privileged classes in the States, Marta says her idea about the difference in the two classes shaped her view of the world.
Having grown up in both under-privileged and privileged classes in the States, Marta says her idea about the difference in the two classes shaped her view of the world.

But an American Ph.D student Marta Vanduzer-Snow (34) moved to rural India three years ago thinking that India needed a different approach altogether—”To be an invisible human who makes a difference on the ground.”

The result—Marta, a Rutgers University scholar who grew up in Boston, got 82 low-cost evapotranspiration toilets in homes and 1 in a primary school and 10 feet wide 122 meters permeable roads constructed, all at half or one-third the cost of similar governmental projects in the villages of Rai Bareli and Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

Each government toilet, built under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan that aims to eliminate open defecation by Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th anniversary in October 2019, costs about Rs.17000, but the evapotranspiration toilet that Marta has brought to the villages costs only Rs. 9109. As against government’s Rs. 4 lakh per 100 meter of interlocking road, Marta’s 100 meter permeable road costs only Rs. 2 lakh.

A co-author of books and research papers with various academics, Marta has developed a theory for three-pronged strategy on development that integrates infrastructure, health and education. “I wanted a small scale model based on my theory that I could execute. So I did some research and found that Amethi and Rai Bareily had quite a few active self-help groups. I decided to learn, practice and contribute.”

An Amartya Sen development economics fan, Marta who spends her own personal resources on all these projects, has also set up 27 solar power plants, including two street lights and a mobile charger. One of the only villages in Rae Bareli boasts of being the beneficiary of night light set up by the do-gooder scholar. Marta also got French drains built, with rainwater harvesting techniques and has been working on myco-filtration systems for potable water.

MartaLUCKNOW02jun21

Along with her programme coordinator Pawan Singh in some villages, she has also run literacy programs, written text books on English and organic farming, set up libraries and oversaw a pilot stage of four classrooms. The Rutgers scholar also run telehealth, ‘Mera Doctor’ a medical facility that offers 24×7 doctor-on-call service for free for a year to two villages.

Having grown up in both under-privileged and privileged classes in the States, Marta says her idea about the difference in the two classes shaped her view of the world. “The sharp difference was basically due to access or lack of access to opportunity,” she believes. The travels through Africa, Middle East, Asia and half a year she spent in Nepal running community service programs after high school confirmed her understanding of the difference in social classes. “But human life is about hope and how we look at future and what is possible for us. That is why I am doing what I am. ”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / June 20th, 2015

Ram Prasad Bismil’s birth anniv celebrated

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Gorakhpur :

Various programs were organised in Gorakhpur to mark birth anniversary of Pt Ram Prasad Bismil on Thursday.

Rashtriya Sewa Parishad and Uttar Pradesh Yuva Kalyan Sangathan paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter, organised a seminar and a special prayer at Bismil Park.

The photograph of Ram Prasad Bismil was garlanded at Gorakhpur journalist association office.

While speaking on his life, Dr Ashok Srivastav, a social activist said, “Ram Prasad Bismil sacrificed his life for the country. He participated in Mainpuri conspiracy of 1918, and Kakori conspiracy of 1925 against British Empire. He was hanged in Gorakhpur jail on December 19,

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / June 12th, 2015

UP starts cultural mapping of its rich heritage

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Travel

Lucknow :

The UP culture department has undertaken a cultural mapping of its tangible and non-tangible heritage. In this a district-wise detailed inventory of music, dance, monuments and handicrafts would be prepared.

Anita Meshram, secretary culture, on Thursday said, “Cultural mapping will help in framing better policies to conserve the richness of heritage UP has.” Letters have been sent to the district magistrates to start the work at their level, she added.

A committee of officials and experts has also been formed at the state level for this work. The department has also prepared a directory of artists across UP which has the details of artists representing 30 forms in four areas namely theatre, songs, dance and music.

In another development, to associate children and youth with the State Museum, the culture department will organise free excursions at Lucknow, Mathura and Gorakhpur museums. Different activities will also be organised for the two groups to make the experience memorable. “We are in the process of tying up with the school,” she said.

* Artists to share experience with Gen Y: In a first, budding artists of UP will get guidance from culture custodians like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Nalani Kamalni, Muzaffar Ali among others. The department has planned a lecture-demonstration series for this.

* Resource centre at state archives: This would ease the process of spade work for any kind of research. The state archives will also start a series of theme exhibitions. “We have lot of material which may be divided into sectors like health, education, 1857, freedom struggle etc.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / June 19th, 2015

Scoring century with a purpose

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Science & Technology

Lucknow :

Senior IAS officer Rajan Shukla on Sunday reached a rare milestone donating blood a hundred times. Along with other blood donors, Shukla was determined to continue the practice.

He termed it unfair to quantify the blood donation process (i.e. number of times a person has donated blood), and said, “The importance of blood donation lies in the timeliness of the act, as it can not only save a life, but also inspire others to adopt the practice.”

Before addressing the group of blood donors, Shukla ensured he registered himself for the 100th donation. Shukla is project co-ordinator (DASP) & principal secretary co-ordination department, government of UP.

A number of blood donors were felicitated on the occasion, including Sant Kamal Kishore (of Saharanpur), Pradeep Ishrani (Varanasi), Swarn Singh Insha (Ghaziabad), Iqbal Singh (of Bareilly), Arlin Mylicent (Gorakhpur) and B L Sharda (of Kanpur).

Sant Kamal Kishore of Saharanpur, who has etched his name in the India Book of Records for donating blood 128 times, said, “If all matchsticks are used for lighting the lamp, it may be difficult to light the same lamp next time. But, if one candle is used to do the same job, it can be repeated a number of times. The same concept holds true for blood donation.”

1965 born Pradeep Ishrani, donated blood for the first time, when was 18 year-old (1984), and on Sunday, he completed 81st blood donation in Lucknow. Recalling one of his earliest blood donation experiences, Ishrani said, “I was moved by an advertisement in a local newspaper requesting for some units of blood. After contacting the party, I went to a pathology to donate blood.” He said he was shocked when relatives of the patients asked him how much they should pay him for the timely blood donation. “This incident changed my life, and I decided to donate blood voluntarily,” said Ishrani.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / June 15th, 2015

Artistic route, from kiln to kitchen

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Ceramic wonders

CeramicLUCKNOW15jun2015

A 600-year-old pottery art, whose ceramics are alluring in their sheen, with multifarious shapes, beautiful colouring, varied sizes and usage, has drawn admiration from around the world. Khurja ceramics are made in a city by the same name in the district of Bulandshahr, in Uttar Pradesh, about 85-100 km from Delhi. The ceramic industry here is called the Khurja Whiteware Cluster. Due to the hundreds of factories here, Khurja is known as the ‘ceramic city’.

The ceramics are used for ornamentation, as utility items in the kitchen or as tableware. Vases, crockery (including beer mugs), pickle containers, pots, candle stands and jars come under the awning of Khurja-ware. Also included are artware, bone china crockery, stoneware, earthenware, toys and figurines, sanitary ware and other chemical porcelain items. Khurja ceramic gardening tokens in the form of flower pots and planters are produced.

The ancestry of Khurja pottery is attributed to the many potters who had migrated from Delhi to Khurja during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. It is also possible that many potters had settled here from overseas. Khurja ceramics’s appeal is ascribed to their surface embellishment in the form of historical and contemporary designs. Tribal, floral, Mughal and raised motifs are many of the designs exhibited.

One can see many colours on the ceramics: startling shades of blue, sober or dark green, simple hues of white and off-white, glazed grey, sparkly yellow, deep chocolate, muddy brown, sleepy mustard and other earthy and vibrant shades. An old world charm and raw enchantment accompanies these ceramics.

Khurja and some places in Delhi that display these ceramics present a colourful ambience for tourists. Basic processes for Khurja ceramic and pottery creation are similar in most factories, but there are variations within a few units.

The old kilns (downdraft) and the new, more efficient shuttle and tunnel kilns, firing systems and improved methods for the processing of raw materials are used for the production of Khurja ceramics. Raw materials used are China clay, Bikaner clay, ball clay, kundan clay, feldspar, quartz… Generally for ceramics, first the chosen clay is prepared, and depending on the output, it is made to undergo a specific procedure — throwing, turning, casting, jiggering and jolleying — to form greenware (a stage of clay), which is later fed into a firing system. Some products are glazed first, then fired.

Brothers S P Dadoo and Hari Dadoo founded Dadoos Ceramics in Khurja, in 1975. Naman Dadoo, Hari Dadoo’s son, shares, “We are involved in the creation of tableware, like plates, bowls, coffee mugs — in fact, most crockery, and artware, like flower vases, home decor like oil burners and potpourri. The raw materials used are 50 per cent clay and 50 per cent quartz, and feldspar (this could be potash or soda.) We also add some chemicals. Clay options available are China clay, Than clay, Amrapali clay… We usually get our clay from Rajasthan and Gujarat. We follow the jigger-and-jolley process. Moreover, hand-painting is done prior to glazing and firing.”

About the colours on the ceramics, Naman Dadoo explains, “We use high-temperature ceramic colours and chemical oxides in powder form. Colours are blended to prepare new ones. All the designs are hand-painted. Some are called decal prints. We use food-grade paints. There is no lead in our products. They are high-fired wares, that is, fired at high temperatures and are safe for food storage. It’s all handwork. Colours are stronger in Khurja ceramics, unlike on Jaipur pottery, which is only for the purpose of decoration. They use low-fired products and limited colours like blue, yellow and green.”

The brothers inform that their products are exported to Europe, Australia and USA. And, in the domestic segment, they cater to retail and hotel industry.

Images of moulds of clay, machines and processes, a potter’s wheel, handiwork, skills and patience of those craftspeople corroborate the essence and long-standing tradition of Khurja pottery. Coloured motifs following part narratives are engaged permanently on surfaces. Even monochromatic ornamenting, perfected by painters and craftsmen, makes the final pieces exquisite. Of course, they catch everyone’s attention.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Sunday Herald – Arts & Culture / by Trisha Bhattacharya, DHNS / June 14th, 2015

Neglected 300-yr-old Ayurvedic manuscripts to be preserved

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Science & Technology

Allahabad :

Regional Manuscript Library, the lone government manuscript library in the state, has added to its treasure around 300-year-old manuscripts of medical papers and volumes penned by Ayurvedacharyas, who have elaborated symptoms and cure of common and chronic diseases by Himalayan herbs. The medicinal plants described in the manuscripts are now on the verge of extinction.

The original manuscript kept in a dark and damp room lies neglected away from public eyes. Experts have failed to find the authors of couple of letters and date was yet to be ascertained. The first one, which could be for scholars and medicos, is a medical volume ‘Vaidak Granth’ by Ayurvaidacharya Ramvinod Ramchandra Shastri. It describes symptoms and cure of 201 diseases.

The volume comprising 209 papers also has an index of diseases. The medical volume was said to be over 250 years old but experts have failed to use modern technology to find out the actual period to which the papers belongs. In the modern era of pathological tests, the manuscripts also throw light on ways to identify diseases by the colour of urine. Apart from common cold, fever, stomach related ailments, migraine and epilepsy, the letters also suggest treatment of gynecological diseases by certain herbs.

Researchers could benefit from medical letters. The manuscripts originally had 209 letters but two are missing. “‘Yog Chintamani’ is another Ayurvedic manuscript that the library has. It was authored in 1722 and sought by researchers as it is said to be a complete medical guide,” Amit Agnihotri, regional archive officer and in-charge of library said.

The papers are in poor condition. The actual date of the diary and name of scholars were yet to be researched. But by gauging the condition, the date is around 300 years old. Another one is ‘Ayurvedic Nighantu’, which describes medicinal qualities of various herbs and shrubs founds in northern India.

The papers are in Sanskrit and majority of plants mentioned are now endangered and rare. “The manuscripts are being preserved by cleaning with chemicals like chlorobenzene and keeping them away from humid and moist weather,” Agnihotri added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal / June 01st, 2015

Ganj carnival to be monthly feature

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow :

In view of the success of Ganj Carnival that was organized in the city this Sunday, the administration has decided to make it a regular event to be held once a month in the summer months and fortnightly in the rainy and winter seasons.

After a meeting here on Tuesday, district magistrate Raj Shekhar said, “Considering present weather conditions, available resources and effort needed to keep the tradition of ‘Ganjing’ alive, district administration has decided to organise the carnival once a month.” Food court, art gallery, Handicraft, talent hunt, completions , photo exhibition, fun zone will be standard features but theme will be different each time.

In summers, the carnival will take place on the second Sunday of month and will be held on alternate Sundays rest of the year. Carnival will not take place during the Lucknow Mahotsava. Accordingly, timing for no traffic zone in Hazratganj was also decided—6pm to 11 pm in summer and rainy seasons and 5pm to 10pm in winters.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / May 27th, 2015

Tourism dept weaves ‘Banarasi life’ into heritage walk

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel

Lucknow :

Varanasi is set to join the ‘experience tourism club’ with state tourism department deciding to start a heritage walk in the temple town, soon. ‘Circle of life’ walk, promises to be an experience of the Banarasi way of life and will have 16 major attractions in the stretch between Assi Ghat and Dal Mandi.

A meeting of tourism officials with representatives from International Center for Sustainable Cities took place here on Thursday to finalise the route map and work out logistics. Consultant on the job and heritage walk specialist Sameeha Sheth said experience is the work in the tourism sector these days and Varanasi is full of elements to provide a bagful of memories.

“The heritage walk would link all unique tangible and intangible assets of Varanasi, its historic core and significant establishment along the river Ganga. Covering approximately 4 km, the heritage walk would also allow visitors to experience, rituals and expressions performed at different ghats, temples, maths and other significant cultural escapades,” she said.

Talking to TOI, UP Tourism director general Amrit Abhijat said, “More than 160 lakh tourists including 6.5 lakh foreigners head to the city annually. Each comes with his own idea of the world’s oldest city but many fail to get the real feel of the city and go back dissatisfied. Heritage trails are a good way to showcase the best in a place and prepare individuals for a person to person publicity.”

He added that infrastructure on and along the spots on the route and would be augmented. For this the department is collaborating with the local municipal corporation and administration. List of work to be undertaken includes raising signage, putting up waste bins, installing lights, creating public toilets and parking spaces, setting up ticket information kiosks and providing drinking water facilities. Landscaping and creation of photo-points will also be taken care of.

CIRCLE OF LIFE

– State tourism department plans heritage walk in Varanasi, UP’s favourite tourist destination after Agra

– Name proposed for the walk is ‘Circle of life’ promising a visitor experience of Banarasi way of life through its craft, culture and cuisine.

– Consultants said at least three private heritage trails were operating already

– Private tours not giving complete view of Varanasi. Also, very expensive

– Training of guides and volunteers to begin mid-May and walk to commence from July

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Shailvee Sharda, TNN / May 01st, 2015

Deogarh, a potential world heritage site in UP

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Lucknow :

In a quiet corner of Uttar Pradesh that sticks into its neighbouring state, amidst lush greenery, is a slice of heritage that few have set eyes on. The Betwa flows nearby, separating the area from Madhya Pradesh. If a visitor enters this tranquil setting, he is startled by the beauty and antiquity of what he witnesses. A short drive from the district headquarters Lalitpur, the forests running on both sides of the road part to give a glimpse of a small shrine on the right. A board put up by the Archaeological SURVEY of India advertises the presence of the Dashavatara Temple.

Time and ignorance have camouflaged this structure well and what looks like a nondescript structure from a distance is striking up close. As the name suggests, the temple is dedicated to the god Vishnu. Created on each of the four external wall faces of this otherwise innocuous temple is a riot in stone. While the front entrance has sculptures of various gods and goddesses in moods varying from contemplation to affection made on it and above them is Vishnu flanked by two of his avatars Narasimha and Vamana, it is the sides of the temple that arrest the viewer. On each of the three sides of the temple is a niche made in the wall and carved into the niche are dramatic representations of Vishnu’s various FORMS. One niche has Vishnu lying in relaxed pose on the coils of Sheshnag, shown here in full glory with seven hoods. At Vishnu’s feet is Laxmi while various gods and goddesses soar around them. Another niche – the one at the back – depicts the concept of Nar Narayana or the fusion of the divine and the human. The third niche brings alive the story of Vishnu coming to the aid of the trapped elephant Gaja. So delicate are the lines made on stone that the elephant’s faith in his god is almost tangible. Sadly, the idol in the inner sanctum is missing and one can only imagine its beauty, on the basis of the rock cuts on the outer walls.

The forested grounds opposite the Dashavatara rises abruptly into a hill. Covered in vegetation, the hill directly overlooks the Betwa on three sides. The fort atop the hill was built at this spot with a view to cement a line of defence on the river, from any attackers coming from the south or west. While the fort is largely ruined, conservation efforts within have seen a set of Jain temples being preserved. The ASI lists as many as 31 Jain temples here, dated into two broad periods of temple-building. Given the wide range of Jain religious craftsmanship displayed here, it seems that the religion thrived here for several centuries. In what is a virtual museum of Jain art, the place has manasthamba votive pillars standing in the courtyard of temples; sahastrakuta pillars each depicting a thousand gods as well as panels showcasing mythological events such as the penance of the various tirthankaras. Both the quality of the rock cuts and the sheer NUMBERS amaze a visitor. The place is a growing pilgrimage center for the Jain faith, but needs greater exploration. Amidst the dense undergrowth that surrounds the Jain complex on the hill, human hands have cut through a walking path which allows visitors to reach further treasures around. In one corner is a ruined Varaha shrine. In three separate spots, steps cut into the cliffs overlooking the river from ghats. Alongside most of these are Hindu rock cuts which predate the Jain temples at the top of the hill. In recent times, fresh archaeological finds in the vicinity have revealed that the site also had a Buddhist past in ancient times.

The obscurity of Deogarh and the startling beauty of its heritage make for a lethal combination. The area has been witness to antique thefts. Visitors are few and density of local population is low. Locals present in the area are pathetically poor and do not have the means to a better lifestyle. At a time when the state government is speaking in terms of the Heritage Arc, Deogarh and the region around it present a great opportunity to extend the arc to include such pockets. Better CONNECTIVITY, especially by way of a road bridge to neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, would help. The place has a ramshackle UP Tourism tourist bungalow whose sole redeeming feature is a hardworking caretaker, but it needs serious investment to become a reasonable place to stay in. There are no other stay options than a dharamshala. Mobile networks in the area are extremely poor. Infrastructure development in this area could transform this backward zone into a cockpit for the development of all of Bundelkhand.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / April 18th, 2015