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Divine art
This is the time of the year when any of us can unleash our latent creative talent and become an artist. With the floor as canvas and anything colourful for medium, nothing can go wrong. At least that’s what we thought until we heard a colleague narrating her harrowing story of making a rangoli using flour instead of rice power and got it all stuck to the floor, much to the annoyance of her maid. Her disaster provoked a good laugh but it made us think too – how about talking to experts in this field and learn about this art form. After all, we don’t want to keep rubbing the floor after Diwali to get rid of all the muck! The art of traditional rangoli, most of us have learnt from our grandmothers and those who did not pay attention to their grandmothers, at later stage maybe during inert-school competitions or youth festivals. But by and large everybody knows that rangoli is basically a floor painting, which stands for a sign of welcome. And the main purpose of making a rangoli in Diwali is to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, apart from warding off the evil eye. The only thing that you must know is, it is called alpana in Bengali and kolam if you are a South Indian. But facts reveal that rangoli originated as rangoli only in Maharashtra. The colours used in traditional rangoli are rice powder, geru, brick powder, flour, haldi powder, vermilion, petals of various flowers such as oleanders, cosmos, zenia, chrysanthemums and green leaves and the most common patters are geometric shapes like triangles, circles, swastikas, om, lotus, trident, fish, conch-shell footprints and flowers and leaves. But for Diwali the footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi enetering the home is a must on the entrance. Because Lakshmi’s footsteps bring prosperity to the home. But then, tradition is not what it used to be. Hence the art of rangoli has too been re-invented. Not just forms but in terms of materials used too. Anjali S. Aggarwal, who teaches at the Government College of Art, likes to use acrylic colours for her rangoli. “Because it’s durable, does not get spoilt if someone accidentally kicks it off, one gets a wide choice of colours and mixing is great on the floor,” Anjali reasons it out. In fact Anjali and her artist husband Sanjay Kumar conducted a week-long workshop on rangoli making sometime back in Karnal where they taught both traditional and modern rangolis. “We held a contest at the end of the workshop and the forms that appeared were out of the world. People made computers and even keyboards instead of traditional geometric shapes,” she informed. Though making of rangoli depends on the preference and skill of the maker, lines are drawn with one-finger movements, which are joined to form a pattern. Then the patterns are filled with colours. Subalakshmi, a resident of 46 simplifies the technique for us, “First make the base with burnt sienna powder which is brown in colour. Spread white marble dust on top and then start drawing patterns. You can go for grid technique or pyramidal structure or anything fancy. To fill those, use mix holi colours, which one can get easily from the market.” She makes it sound all too effortless. But keep one thing in mind — the entire pattern must be an unbroken line. For, according to some, if a gap is left anywhere, it allows evil spirits to enter the house. We are not sure how true it is, but we certainly do not want to take a chance this Diwali. Do we? parbina@tribunemail.com Fact file l
Rangoli is one of the earliest evidences of painting in India. The earliest record of rangoli or floor painting is found in the Puranas and has been referred to as one of the 64 arts. According to a legend recorded in Chitra Lakshana, the earliest treatise on Indian painting, a king and his kingdom were steeped in sorrow at the death of the high priest’s son. Everybody prayed to Lord Brahma who moved by the prayers, asked the king to paint a portrait of the boy on the floor so that he could breathe life into it. And with that the art of floor painting came to life. l
Art in India was a form of worship. It was never art for arts sake. Its practice (sadhana) was a part of a spiritual process. An individual drew nourishment through art for his mental and spiritual life. And that is how rice, flour and flowers were transformed into picturesque offerings to God in the form of floor painting. |
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Sky is the limit
I have always endeavored to be different. I don’t like to do anything just because everybody else is doing it,” declares Gul Panag. And we couldn’t agree more. After all, her profile supports her statement. So, when every newcomer in the industry was busy looking for trees to run around and sing songs, she ventured into a desert with a Dor, and when top Bollywood beauties spoke through endorsements, she spoke through Twitter. Home for celebrating Diwali, she is in the city with yet another different move. “Say no to Crackers. That’s what I am doing this Diwali,” she says. So, a social cause, is that different? “I am attached with a NGO, Green Commandos, which doesn’t ask for money but your participation. It’s up to each individual to do something to reduce the damage caused to the environment and only participation and awareness will amplify the cause,” she says. And, if you have to burn your money, then don’t do it on gunpowder. “There are families who live on lesser than what an average family spends on crackers. Be safe, kind and generous, if you really have to spend money, then support a girl child.” Point taken. Ask her about saying tweet-nothings, and she is hooked. “Twitter is something that gives me an opportunity to speak out without waiting for an interview or getting influenced by others. I have 90 odd followers and follow BBC, CNN, Time Magazine and Ashton Kutcher. In fact, my blog has taken a beating ‘coz of Twitter,” shares the active member who spends at least 45 minutes a day tweeting out loud. So, first it was celebrity blogs and now Twitter. Herd mentality, did we hear? “Some people do use it for marketing, but I discuss everything except Bollywood. My followers are a lot different from probably Priyanka Chopra’s,” she clears the air. Taking a step further, she has also been asked to post-Tweet reviews for an upcoming fashion week. Now, that’s different, when the entire Bollywood seems to have found a new calling on ramp. “As long as I am happy not being part of the crowd.” And that’s precisely her attitude towards telly shows as well. “I was called by the Bigg Boss and Khatron ke Khiladi guys to participate. But I just don’t see a motivation behind making a spectacle of myself on television. At least not for the money.” As for her, motivation behind the camera, the thinking actor in her does the needful. “My current projects are Run, Fatso, Hello Darling with Subhash Ghai and another untitled one with Prakash Jha,” she briefs. nehawalia@tribunemail.com
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Diwali dhamaka
Have you taken a vow to celebrate smoke free, eco friendly Diwali? We just thought of reminding you the same in case you haven’t. Come on, it’s high time. And if you are still wondering as to what would make up for the fun of crackers, here is what some city people have to suggest. Madhuri Thakur, student: In my childhood, the only reason I enjoyed Diwali was because of crackers. It used to be fun igniting one and then running away from it. As I grew up, I discovered the other fun-filled ways of celebrating Diwali and gradually began to enjoy them more. Now, Diwali means partying with family and friends, arranging a small get together with neighbours and playing tambola with them. Pollution-free Diwali is now what I look forward too. Monashri Bedi, director of The British School: I really fail to understand what kind of pleasure people get out of bursting crackers that cause noise and air pollution. Anyways, I would advise them, for once, indulge in other elements of Diwali. I celebrate the day by lighting candles and diyas to decorate my home and make colourful rangoli. This I have been doing since years now. Try out these fun-filled activities to make up for the fun of crackers. Hari Singh, music producer: For me crackers have never been a way to celebrate Diwali. So, I don’t have to look out for other options. Diwali for me is about praying for prosperity and spending time with family. I try to do the lighting arrangement at my place, light lots of aromatic candles to make the whole ambience serene. Bursting crackers means harming the environment. Vipul Dua, hotelier: When else do you get a chance to meet so many friends and relatives in just two days? Diwali gives us an opportunity to be with all those who matter to us. Getting gifts and unwrapping them too has so much fun attached to it. I regret that I didn’t realise it in my childhood when a month prior to Diwali, I used to start bursting crackers. The same money now I donate to orphanages. To people who still associate Diwali with crackers, I would advise to check the pollution level next day and they too would refrain from it. ashima@tribunemail.com
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Lanes Joyshri Lobo A Diwali message
As a student of Jesus and Mary, I still remember the Harrys, Larrys, Sandys, Mandys, S.K’s, M.S’s and other strapping lads who were able to visit St. Bede’s under the vigilant but tolerant eye of Mother Ursula. There were delightful socials and chaperoned dating. It seemed unfair and strange that the seniors from BCS could meet the college girls but not us school chits, who had to be content with the annual school fete and awkward, pimply, junior boys, perpetually hungry, looking for a cheap meal and games, with not a glance to spare for the flock of giggly girls around them. A friend described the bash as a ‘mirror of visages greatly changed, reflecting the finality of time.’ He also suggested his alma mater looked back to the past to retrieve some of its fallen stardust. That remark made me wonder what the young students of BCS thought of the august, often silver haired concourse? Boys will be boys and I am sure they laughed themselves silly watching the old Cottonians trying to be what they were those many decades ago. Some must have limped, others sagged and yet others displayed their eccentricities. Would any of the young Cottonians look into the future and see themselves as aging Lotharios? I doubt it! Their time for such contemplation lies in the future. My cousin Sailen Krishna “Bambi” Mazumdar, made it for the commemoration from the UK. He has completed three score and more and is looking for the happiest memories of his youth. The celebration at BCS gave him that opportunity. I remember his first month at the school. He looked lost, hungry and wore an oversized grey suit. We heard of ragging which was an accepted practice but is illegal today. When Bambi was given a box of six chocolate pastries from Poornima’s, he stood in a corner and finished them in one go. Today, Bambi is collecting data and memories for a book on his father Karun Krishna “Jumbo” Mazumdar, the acknowledged founder of the Indian Air Force. Jumbo crashed on his son’s third birthday, as he performed aerobatics before an awestruck crowd. Bambi is hungry for details about a father he did not know. He talks of his dadi, Agnes, the daughter of W.C. Bonnerjee. The names of his family adorn the commemorative plaques at St. Paul’s, Darjeeling . Bambi has another familial connection with BCS. His step-father, Kanwar Mahinder Singh, studied there too and carved his future wife’s name on the inside of a wooden desk. Premola schooled at Auckland House, as did her mother Norma Mitter before her. After Karun ’s death, the young widow married Mahinder Singh. As we age, we start looking within ourselves, to put a worth to our lives. Did we reach those goals set in our school days? Is the sum total of our existence worth a boast or do we have some regrets? Has life been good to us or has it been blighted by unforeseen shadows? Are we going to come to terms with both the beautiful and the ugly to move forward into the remaining future, or will we be frightened and fortify ourselves against a very judgmental and often cruel world? By juxtaposing the new and the old, Bishop Cotton School made its alumni think. The past has brought forward achievements worth commendation and pride. The future belongs to a generation that will lead the way. This is the symbolism of Diwali. Let the lights always shine.
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Fair & square
The repositories of folklore cultural traditions and skilled craftsmanship, handed down by one generation to the next, chronicle the natural reflection of any community and always give profound aesthetic satisfaction when watched alive. Though City Beautiful has many incredible firsts to its credit, but the ensuing first-ever Chandigarh National Crafts Mela being held at Kalagram from October 24 to November 2, will certainly add a new dimension to its cultural revitalisation.” claimed Ram Niwas, Home Secretary at Kalagram here on Thursday. Many fascinating perspectives of the mela, designed after the famous Surajkund mela concept, include awareness and integration of aesthetic appreciation of traditional crafts and folk arts with their cultural diversities by the residents of tricity. Enthused with charged optimism, while inspecting the mela ground, he disclosed that the mela will showcase meticulously crafted exhibits of about 200 national and state awardee artisans from various states of the country. Magnificent flower works and landscaping of the village would be developed by the Chandigarh Housing Board and Horticulture Wing. This ten-day mega event, organised by the Cahndigarh adminstration and the NZCC will provide residents an opportunity to witness the various enticing, energetic folk performances along with art and heritage of the different states participating in the mela. More than 300 artistes from various states of the country will entertain the public during the mela. Awards would also be given to the artisans under Kalamani, Kalanidhi and Kalashri categories. Efforts are being made to provide relishing delightful cuisines at a height of 160 feet above ground level and also an enchanting feeling of rowing in the beautiful Shikaras in famous Dal Lake. Accompanied by Brijendra Singh, DC, and senior officials of UT Administration, he disclosed that this Rs 50 to 60 lakh venture will set up a Sky restaurant at Kalagram which would accommodate maximum 22 persons at one go to enjoy the delicious cuisines along with a splendorous view and extraordinary experience. The cultural extravaganza in addition to it will offer multi-cuisines at the food stalls of different states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab and CITCO the Vehda. Out of the three entry gates, one would be replica of Sanchi Stupa, one would be a terracota gate and third would be on the theme state of the J & K. Not confining the festivities to the venue (Kalagram) alone and to rope in more public participation, the Administration will also take out road shows, organise food festivals and cultural activities within the city and request hotels and restaurants to offer some discounts during the ten-day festival. The huts are being aesthetically fabricated with touches of the ambience and culture of the concerned state. One main stage for mega events and another stage for the day time performances are being set up. Jammu and Kashmir has been taken as the theme state and Chief Minister, J & K, Umar Abdullah, will grace the inaugural function with his presence. Appropriate security and parking arrangements are being planned. Three different parkings are being developed. A nominal entry fee of Rs. 5 has been kept for adults. However, entry for students and kids would be for free. The Home Secretary has also proposed to ply special buses for transporting residents to the mela.
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The recent, pre-Diwali, 160 th year celebration at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, tossed up crackers of different hues and decibles. Cottonians homed in from across the world. Participants describe it as memorable, for it evoked nostalgic memories and renewed old friendships. Most of us, who read about it and watched from the outside, were envious.