The documentary
examines specific aspects of the visual culture of Durga Pujo,
a grand religio-cultural festival held in Bengal, India. Locally,
it is seen as the occasion of the Hindu Goddess Durga’s
annual visit to her parental home.
Central
to the rituals is a sculptural image of the Goddess killing
Mahisasura, or the buffalo-demon. This mythic event is
considered a symbol of the eternal battle between Good and Evil,
and of female empowerment.
While examining some of the temporary public
spectacles/installations produced for the event by professional
artists, the film explores the currently evolving hybrid,
globalizing character of the festival. It observes how fragmented,
cross-cultural signs override notions of cultural authenticity;
yet in a seemingly paradoxical gesture, also celebrates indigenous
traditions and sentiments. Through this inquiry, a personalized
narrative in the first hour of the film also reflects on the
notions of home, homecoming, and legacy, while the sequel probes
some of the issues of art and cultural politics raised in the
first part.
about Adda
is arguably a crucial component of Bengali cultural
discourse. It loosely translates as a kind of informal chit-chat. A thek
is a recognized venue
for adda..this
site is a
virtualthek.
One part of the site has Sunanda K Sanyal’s
personal stuff: essays, images, and blog..