CRAFT & performing arts

Highlights

13
Arts

16
Crafts

12091
Artists

7658
Men

4433
Women

15
Hub

65
International Visit

100
Award

71
Village Festival

697
National Exposure

Flash

A four-member team of Baul singers and musicians will participate in a music festival in Britanny, France, from May 5 to 10, 2018.
25 Baul singers, Dokra & Patachitra artists are participating in cultural exchange with young students from US under Communities Connecting Heritage programme.
Chandan Shil and Sumanta Das Baul will perform Baul songs at Biswa Bangla Haat on April 7 - 8, 2018.
Bengali New Year celebration with Raibenshe performance and Chau dance at Biswa Bangla Haat on April 14 - 15, 2018.
Folk performance and handicraft demonstration at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on 15 April.
A 5-member Folks of Bengal music team will perform at Urkult Festival in Sweden on August 4, while two Madur artists from Bengal will conduct a workshop at the fest from 2 to 4 August.
An exhibition of Kantha Embroidery, Wooden Dolls, Sabai and Basketry at Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Kolkata, from 2 to 4 August. Time: 7:30 am to 2:45 pm. Entry restricted. Contact school authorities to visit.
A 8 member traditional folk performing team of Bengal comprising of 5 Chau artists led by Jagannath Kalindi, Hajra Chitrakar representing Patachitra artform, Afroja Khatun representing Kantha Embroidary and Mithurani Jana representing Madur weaving tradition are invited to perform and showcasing the artform at the third India Summer Days Festival in Karlsruhe, Germany on July 13 and 14, 2019.
Folks of Bengal represented by Debalina Bhowmick, Dipannita Acharya, Sadhu Das, Kangal Das and Khokan Das and a 5 member chau team led by Jagannath Chaudhuri and Biren Kalindi will be performing at Urkult festival in Sweden in Aug 2019. In addition, Kantha artist Tajkira Begam from Nanoor, Birbhum - will also be there to conduct workshop and showcasing the embroidery of Bengal.

Find arts and crafts

Crafts

Bamboo Works

Bamboo works and Basketry are among the most ancie..

Men - 209 | Women - 294

Dhokra

The weaving of Dhokra mats on back strap looms is..

Men - 0 | Women - 1957

Medinipur Patachitra

A traditional form of scroll painting.

Men - 156 | Women - 82

Pottery

The art of making clay products.

Men - 191 | Women - 138

Sholapith

Natural reed-based exquisite creations.

Men - 148 | Women - 23

Folk Instruments

Folk musical instruments are mostly hand-crafted.

Men - 158 | Women - 10

Madur

Madur is an integral element of Bengali lifestyle.

Terracotta

Terracotta horse symbolizes the artistic excellenc..

Clay Doll

Clay Dolls of Nadia are famous for their realistic..

Wooden Doll

Colourful Wooden Doll represents Bengal's rich han..

Kantha

Kantha is embroidered quilt known for its traditio..

Wooden Mask

Wooden masks are worn during Mukha Dance.

Sitalpati

Sitalpati is integrally linked with Bengali lifest..

Dokra

Dokra is age-old metal craft tradition of Bengal.

Chau Mask

Artists wear Chau masks for performing Chau dance.

Arts

Jhumur

Jhumur is an age-old music genre of indigenous com..

Men - 796 | Women - 261

Khon

Khon is a popular satirical folk drama of Uttar &..

Men - 131 | Women - 26

Mukha

Mukha Naach, locally known as Gomira dance or Pala..

Men - 74 | Women - 1

Raibenshe

Raibenshe is an acrobatic dance form.

Men - 287 | Women - 4

Baul and Fakiri

Baul and Fakiri music is a rich, vibrant and livin..

Men - 1038 | Women - 114

Bhatiyali

It is the boatman’s songs with long drawn notes.

Men - 57 | Women - 11

Bhawaiya

Bhawaiya is a genre of North Bengal folk songs.

Men - 1356 | Women - 926

Bonbibir Pala

Bonbibir Pala is a mythology-based local folk dram..

Men - 255 | Women - 119

Chau

Chau is a colourful, martial dance form of Purulia..

Men - 1973 | Women - 0

Darjeeling Folk Dance & Song

RCCH covers 16 indigenous hill communities.

Men - 456 | Women - 442

Domni

Domni is a satirical folk theatre of Malda.

Men - 142 | Women - 1

Puppetry

RCCH engages string puppeteers of Bengal.

Men - 179 | Women - 8

Purulia Patachitra

A traditional form of scroll painting.

Men - 52 | Women - 19

Events

20 Dec

Chau Jhumur Utsav at Maldi, Balarampur, Purulia on December 20 - 22, 2019

Chau Jhumur Utsav at Maldi, Balarampur, Purulia on December 20 - 22, 2019

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22 Nov

Baul Fakiri Utsav at Tepantar, Purba Bardhaman on November 22 - 24, 2019

Baul Fakiri Utsav at Tepantar, Purba Bardhaman on November 22 - 24, 2019

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27 Dec

Sundarban Folk Festival at Pakhiralay, Gosaba, South 24 Parganas on December 27 - 29, 2019

Sundarban Folk Festival at Pakhiralay, Gosaba, South 24 Parganas on December 27 - 29, 2019

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15 Nov

POT Maya festival at Naya, Pingla, Paschim Medinipur on November 15 - 17, 2019

POT Maya festival at Naya, Pingla, Paschim Medinipur on November 15 - 17, 2019

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08 Nov

Mukha Mela at Kushmandi, Dakshin Dinajpur on Nov 8 - 10, 2019

Mukha Mela at Kushmandi, Dakshin Dinajpur on Nov 8 - 10, 2019

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01 Nov

Dokra Mela at Bikna, Bankura on November 1 - 3, 2019

Dokra Mela at Bikna, Bankura on November 1 - 3, 2019

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01 Nov

Bhawaiya Utsav at Salkumar, Alipurduar on November 1 - 3, 2019

Bhawaiya Utsav at Salkumar, Alipurduar on November 1 - 3, 2019

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22 Aug

The Monsoon Mela of Dastkar in New Delhi will showcase Handloom weaving of Kenjakura, Kantha embroidery work of Nanoor and Patachitra scroll painting of Pingla from August 22 to September 2, 2019.

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15 Aug

Patachitra artist Manimala Chitrakar from pingla & Madur artist Gauri Rani Jana from Sabang will present an exhibition at Hungary Heritage House & will participate at handicraft fair at Buda Castle, Hungary during August 13 to 21.

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17 Jul

The Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany Kolkata & banglanatak dot com present an exhibitionon Shola craft of Bengal on July 17, 2019 at 5.00 pm at Bengal Art Gallery, ICCR, Kolkata.

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13 Jul

A 8 member traditional folk performing team of Bengal comprising of 5 Chau artists led by Jagannath Kalindi, Hajra Chitrakar representing Patachitra artform, Afroja Khatun representing Kantha Embroidary and Mithurani Jana representing Madur weaving tradition are invited to perform and showcasing the artform at the third India Summer Days Festival in Karlsruhe, Germany on July 13 and 14, 2019.

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27 Jun

A 10 member Raibenshe Team from Murshidabad is invited to perform at the 8th edition of “Festival v ulicich”, Ostrava during 28-29th of June 2019.

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28 May

Folks of Bengal represented by Debalina Bhowmick, Dipannita Acharya, Sadhu Das, Kangal Das and Khokan Das and a 5 member Chau team led by Jagannath Chaudhuri and Biren Kalindi will be performing at Urkult festival in Sweden from 1-3 Aug 2019. In addition, Kantha artist Tajkira Begam from Nanoor, Birbhum - will also be there to conduct workshop and showcasing the embroidery of Bengal.

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12 May

An exhibition “Pot-O-Poribesh”: Unfolding Nature Stories through Patachitras of Bengal” will be held at the National Museum, New Delhi from April 29 to May 12, 2019.

An exhibition “Pot-O-Poribesh”: Unfolding Nature Stories through Patachitras of Bengal” will be held at the National Museum, New Delhi from April 29 to May 12, 2019.

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31 May

Weekend MusiCal evenings at Akhra@Baitanik. Click to see schedule for May. Entry is free.

Weekend MusiCal evenings at Akhra@Baitanik. Click to see schedule for May. Entry is free.

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14 Apr

Choit Parab will be celebrated at the heritage building “Galleria 1910” located at 7, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata-700029 from April 13 to 14.

Choit Parab will be celebrated at the heritage building “Galleria 1910” located at 7, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata-700029 from April 13 to 14.

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29 Dec

Festival Calendar 2019

Rural Craft & Cultural Hubs in Bengal organize their own annual Melas between winter and spring. Check out their Village Festival Calendar for 2018-19.

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09 Feb

Sur jahan 2019 Delhi

Sur jahan 2019 Delhi

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01 Feb

Sur Jahan 2019 Kolkata

Sur Jahan 2019 Kolkata

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06 Feb

Sur jahan 2019 Goa

Sur jahan 2019 Goa

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18 Jan

Explore the world of woodcraft at Wooden Doll Mela in Natungram from 18 to 20 January.

Explore the world of woodcraft at Wooden Doll Mela in Natungram from 18 to 20 January.

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16 Dec

Welcome to Darjeeling Hills Folk Festival in Kolkata at Rabindratirtha in New Town.

Experience the colourful songs and dances of Darjeeling at Rabindratirtha, New Town on December 15 - 16, 2018 at 6 pm to 7.30 pm.

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28 Dec

Bengal's biggest Chau-Jhumur music & dance festival begins at Bamnia in Purulia on December 22 - 28, 2018

Bengal's biggest Chau-Jhumur music & dance festival begins at Bamnia in Purulia on December 22 - 28, 2018

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28 Dec

Celebrate the year-end with Sunderbans Utsav at Pakhiralaya, Gosaba.

Celebrate the year-end with Sunderbans Utsav at Pakhiralaya, Gosaba from Dec 28 - 30, 2018

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14 Dec

Three-day Chau Mask festival at Charida in Purulia begins on December 14

Three-day Chau Mask festival at Charida in Purulia from December 14 to December 16, 2018.

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02 Aug

An exhibition of Kantha Embroidery, Wooden Dolls, Sabai and Basketry to promote Bengal’s folk arts and crafts among students at Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Kolkata, from 2 to 4 August. Time: 7:30 am to 2:45 pm. Entry restricted. Contact school authorities to visit.

An exhibition of Kantha Embroidery, Wooden Dolls, Sabai and Basketry to promote Bengal’s folk arts and crafts among students at Sushila Birla Girls’ School, Kolkata, from 2 to 4 August. Time: 7:30 am to 2:45 pm. Entry restricted. Contact school authorities to visit.

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04 Aug

A 5-member Folks of Bengal music team will perform at Urkult Festival in Sweden on August 4, while two Madur artists from Bengal will conduct a workshop at the fest from 2 to 4 August.

A 5-member Folks of Bengal music team will perform at Urkult Festival in Sweden on August 4, while two Madur artists from Bengal will conduct a workshop at the fest from 2 to 4 August.

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30 May

Patachitra Presentation by Swarna Chitrakar at 7th General Assembly of UNESCO on 4 - 5 June, 2018 in Paris

Patachitra Presentation on 4-5 June, 2018 at UNESCO, Paris

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30 Mar

Festival Calender

Festival Calendar

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Publication

CD

TARAK KHYAPA

Tarak Das baul aka Tarak Khyapa is one of the leading Baul who recently passed away. He was widely appreciated for his performing skills by audience in India and abroad. He set up his own Ashrama which is a platform for spreading Baul music and Philosophy. This album includes 10 songs sung by Tarak Khyapa and his sons Sadhu and Kangal.

Baul 6th album

This volume of 36 Baul songs presented by 8 traditional Baul artists.

Baul 5th album

This volume of 33 Baul songs presented by 17 traditional Baul artists.

Baul 4th album

This volume of 30 Baul songs are presented by 17 traditional Baul artists.

Baul 3rd album

This volume of 32 Baul songs are presented by 17 traditional Baul artists.

Baul 2nd album

As part of the RCCH project, 248 Baul-Fakiri songs were field recorded, of which 193 songs rendered by 99 artists of Birbhum, Bardhaman, Bankura, Nadia and Murshidabad are being released by MusiCal in 6 volumes. This volume of 31 songs presented by 15 traditional artists is part of that compilation.

Baul 1st album

This album presents the music of Baul & Fakirs - the Mystic Minstrels of Bengal. Their songs and dance reflect the joy, love and longing for a spritual union with the Divine. They propound renouncing all earthly attachments and the barriers of caste, creed and religion to achieve this.. This volume of 31 songs presented by 15 traditional artists is part of that compilation.

Bhaber Bhawaiya

Bhawaiya, a folk music of North Bengal, is performed primarily in the Rajbangshi dialect of Bengali, and reflects the experience and emotions of rural people - occupations, joy, sorrow and harmony with nature. This album presents 10 Bhawiya songs presented by three prominent artists of recent times namely Nazrul Islam, Himadri Dewri and Prodyut Roy.

Bhabnadir Bhawaiya Vol 1

Bhawaiya, a genre of North Bengal folk music, is performed primarily in the Rajbangshi dialect of Bengali and reflects the experiences of rural life - occupations, joys, sorrows and harmony with nature. Common professions depicted in Bhawaiya are the mahout (Elephant handler), mohishal ( buffalo handler), rakhal (cowherd), boidal (bull cart driver), garial (Cow cart driver), hallooa (cultivator) and Vuinira (weed cleaner of the crop fields). Common life issues like relations between men and women, spIrituality, desire for affection, pain of love et al, nature, especially birds and rivers, are part & parcel of Bhawaiya folk music.

Bhabnadir Bhawaiya Vol 2

This album is a compilation of 32 Bhawaiya songs rendered by 31 artists

Bhabnadir Bhawaiya Vol 3

As a part of RCCH Project where 198 songs were field recorded of which music CDs of 130 songs rendered by 78 artists of Alipurduar and Cooch Behar were released in 4 volumes. This volume of 32 songs is a part of this compilation.

Bhabnadir Bhawaiya Vol 4

This album presents Bhawaiya, a folk music of North Bengal. This volume is a compilation of 33 songs sung by 29 artists.

Laal Matir Jhumur

This album, Laal Matir Jhumur, is one in a series of traditional music albums. Jhumur is the lifestyle dance and music of the people of Chotonagpur plateau including Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal. The melody and rhythm of Jhumur reflect the mood of the terrain of its origin which includes a landscape filled with Sal, Palas and Mahua trees. As part of the Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs (RCCH) initiative of the West Bengal Government's Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T) and UNESCO aiming at synergizing economic and cultural development, 77 Jhumur songs were field-recorded out of which 44 songs sung by 27 artists have been selected for this album.

Jhum-Har

Jhum-Har is an album comprising 8 (eight) Jhumur songs sung by Arpita Chakraborty

Bhawaiya Guideline CD

A guideline has been designed for learning Bhawaiya music.

Hear The Hills Sing

The Department of Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises and Textiles (MSME&T), Govt of West Bengal, has developed 10 Rural Craft Hubs in association with UNESCO benefitting 3000 handicraft artists and is developing Rural Craft & Cultural Hubs (RCCH) across 15 districts benefitting an additional 12000 rural artists to support and strengthen grassroots creative enterprises in the state. About 1000 folk artists of Darjeeling & Kalimpong districts belonging to Mangar, Dhimal, Tamang, Lepcha, Rai, Khas, Bhutia, Tibetan, Limbu, Sarki, Bhujel, Newar, Gurung, Kami, Damai, Sherpa and other communities are included in this initiative. We have one DVD on the Intangible Cultural Heritage of each of them. This DVD is very special as it contains the cultural brief of the Darjeeling-Kalimpong region covering lifestyle, food habits, costumes, scripts and other cultural elements of 16 communities.

Bhutia folk songs and dances

The Bhutia community has its origin in Tibet. Tibet, in Sanskrit, is called Bhot. This largely explains why the tribes migrating from there are called Bhutia. Tibet is a refined name of Thubot, a name given by Mongolians that means a rocky place. The ancestors of Bhutias migrated from Tibet to Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other parts of India and Bhutan. They have many sub-sects, like Denzongpa, Dukpa, Kagatey, Singsapa, Tibetan, Yolmo and Walungpa. The majority of them follow the Vajrayana school of Buddhism, mixed with local indigenous rituals. Folk songs and dances are an important part of their social lives and strengthen social bonding. Opera dance, Snow Lion dance, Ngonpai Dhon or hunter dance, Yak dance, Drum dance, Tashi Shoelpa dance, Cham dance, Pow dance, Lhapey dance, Shapro dance, Lungpa Chung Zung and Gho dance are the popular dance forms of the community. Bhutias are also good in handloom weaving, decorative wooden furniture and archery, which is a favourite sport and breeds socialization. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Bhutia community is documented.

Damai folk song and dances

The Damai community lives in both the Darjeeling Hills and the adjoining Dooars region. Their traditional occupation is tailoring. The community has a unique music genre called Naumati Baja. It is an ensemble of nine instruments and a tradition that all Nepalese are proud of. Baja Puja is a ritual performed to purify and worship Naumati Baja before the playing of the instruments. The artists first perform Dabling, then Mangaldhun, and finally Kheyali. The nine instruments are Narshingha, Karnaal, Shehnai, Voice Shehnai, Tyamko, Dholaki, Jhyamta, Bautaal and Dama. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Damai community is documented.

Dhimal folk songs and dances

Dhimal is a hill tribe living in the foothills of the Himalayas, mainly in Naxalbari area of Siliguri sub-division, along the Mechi River near Nepal border. Their cuisine, dress, rituals and social norms are distinctly different from that of other hill communities. One of their main rituals is “Deradir Puja” where a village Dhami (priest) worships nature, and women are in charge of all preparations. Dhimals are skilled in fishing in fast-flowing rivers. Their daily life is wonderfully reflected in their traditional songs and dances. Deradir Puja – a folk song of worship, Poyapoka Le Hiyaka – a fishing song, Um Cheka Le – a harvest song, Mandachaka Le Hiyaka – songs of love, Shikarghaka Le Hiyaka – songs of hunting are some of the popular ones. The musicians use traditional instruments like Gomna, Chong Merdong, Tunjai, etc. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Dhimal community is documented.

Gurung folk songs and dances

Gurungs are a well-known community of Darjeeling Hills with a rich culture and history. Gurungs follows Bon Buddhism and their priests are called Paiju, Ghyabri, Lem (Bon Lama) and Lama (Buddhist monk). The main occupations of Gurungs are agriculture and sheep breeding. Women use sheep wool to weave textiles. A rich cultural tradition of the Gurungs is Ghatu Naach — a slow and rhythmic dance with clockwise and anti-clockwise twirling by performers wearing traditional costumes and ornaments. The New Year, locally called Lhosar, is celebrated with large gatherings, worship, rituals and dances. In this CD, folk songs and dances of Gurung community have been documented.

Kami folk songs and dances

The Kami community is known for making Khukuri, a traditional knife-like weapon used by most Hill communities in the Himalayan region of Bengal and Nepal. The people of Kami community believe that they are descendants of the Hindu god Vishwakarma. They are adept in making Khukhri and decorated metal utensils. They also make handcrafted Tibetan prayer items made from metals, with intricate designs, traditional jewellery, etc. The community performs Maruni dance during auspicious occasions like Laxmi Puja. It has great popularity among the community. In this CD, the folk songs and dances of Kami community have been documented.

Khas folk songs and dances

The Khas community is an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group. Their main religion is Hinduism. Their culture and traditions are different from that of the other Hills communities. Baun (priest) and Chhetri (warrior) are upper castes. Balun and Sangini are the traditional dances of the community. Balun is performed during religious occasions, usually in the evening. There are 12 dancers and a priest, called Purohit. The dance begins after seeking the blessings of the priest and performing a set of rituals. In Sangini, a child bride narrates her story of woes to her friends (Sanginis) upon reaching her native village. It reflects the struggles and hardships faced by child brides at their in-laws’ place. The songs have a narrative structure. In this CD, the folk songs and dances of the Khas community have been documented.

Lepcha folk songs and dances

Lepcha folk tunes and music are based on various natural sounds, the voices of animals, birds and insects, and chants by male and female priests. Lepcha folk dances are also inspired by the movements of animals, birds and fishes. “Chu Rum Faat” is a form of worshiping the mountain. It is a ritual-based performance done by a male priest on the field. The Zoo-Maal dance is performed during the harvesting of paddy. ‘Naam Aaru Tek’ or ‘farewell old year’ is a ritual performed at home by a male priest on the last day of the Lepcha year. The Lepcha New Year festival “Naam Aal, Naambun, Naam Sung” ushers in the New Year. “Poodam Bunu” or “an ode to fetching water” is a folk performance paying tributes to the water in the streams. It is performed by women with bamboo pitches that are used to collect the water. In this CD, the folk songs and dances of the Lepcha community have been documented.

Limbu folk songs and dances

The Limbu community has its origin in central Asia. Their predecessors began their journey from there and reached India via Lhasa, where they had a significant socio-cultural exchange with the Tibetans. However, they finally settled in Northern Indian Himalayas, where they continue to live. They are also called the “Kiranti” people. The community is concentrated in different areas of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. They believe that they are descendants of Lord Shiva and practice Shamanism. Their religion is Yumaism. Their temple is called ‘Manghem’. Manglang is one of their main dances. Chyabrung is the main musical instrument. Chyabrung lang, Kasarakpa, Nisammang Sewa Samlo, Khyali, traditional love songs Sakpa palam samlo, Kemba palam samlo, Hakpare samlo and Nahangma are their other popular dances and songs. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Limbu community have been documented.

Mangar folk songs and dances

The Mangar community believes that they are the descendants of Mongols. Over the years, the community settled in the northern parts of West Bengal. Mangars have their own language, Mangar Dhoot, and their indigenous script is Akharika Lipi. Their main religion is Mangrath, which practices worship of nature and Shamanism. Their traditional music instruments are Binayo, Madal, Sarangi, Murchonga, flute, etc. Hurra, Kaura and Maruni are their dances performed during harvests and weddings. Kaura Naach is a romantic dance-song performed by men and women. In this CD, the folk songs and dances of the Mangar community have been documented.

Newar folk songs and dances

Newars are a distinct linguistic community of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burmese origin. Their main religions are Hinduism and Buddhism, and their language is Newari. Newars have continued their age-old tradition and practices and pride themselves as the true custodians of their religion, culture and civilization. The Newar community is known for its rich culture, including colourful songs and dances. Lakhe dance is a popular one where the dancers enact the role of a demon called Lakhe, and dance vigorously wearing a mask to the accompaniment of songs. Lakhe is performed during Indrayatra festival. Majipa Lakhe is another dance and Mepuu Lakhe or Mechya Lakhe is based on the concept of the body emitting fire. Kati Pyakha is a stick dance performed on auspicious occasions and harvest seasons. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Newar community have been documented.

Rai folk songs and dances

Also known as Khambu, the Rais are an indigenous community of Eastern Himalayas. They are also called the “Kiranti” people. They worship nature. Their traditional dance, Sakewa Sili or Nritya, is performed by both men and women and includes different movements like sowing, harvesting, etc. Rais welcome guests with the ‘Laam Thumpa’ ritual. Another ritual is ‘Tit Poma’, which is performed when a girl reaches adolescence. Their traditional musical instruments are Yeleken, Binayo, Murchunga, Dhol and Jhyamta. A lyrical question-answer session through songs, wherein the bride’s companions tease the groom, is an integral part of the Rais’ traditional wedding. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Rai community have been documented.

Sherpa folk songs and dances

The Sherpas are an ethnic group of Mongoloid origin. They used to live in Khumbu valley below Mount Everest. They are known across the world because of their climbing skills. They are an overwhelmingly Buddhist community. Over time, Sherpas settled in the northern parts of West Bengal, especially Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Rimbik and nearby villages. They have a vibrant and colourful culture. Lhosar is their most important festival celebrated to usher in the New Year. Folk songs and dances are an integral part of Sherpa culture. These are performed during auspicious occasions, like weddings. Nading is a folk dance performed during festivals. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Sherpa community have been documented,

Tamang folk songs and dances

Tamangs are indigenous inhabitants of the Himalayan regions of Nepal and India. Their ancestral home is Tamsaling. However, their origin is believed to be in Yambu (Kathmandu). Buddhist Tamangs are the largest Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group in Nepal, Sikkim and Darjeeling. Tamangs have their own language that falls within the Tibeto-Burmese language group. Their script is Tamyig. Tamangs have many unique features. They still practice an early form of Paganism where Bonbo or Shamans and Lamas or Buddhist monks perform the rituals together. The main festival is Lhosar (New Year). A memorable entity recognized and shared by Tamangs is their ancient musical instrument Damphu which is a key component of their culture and tradition. No ceremony, whether of joy and sorrow, is complete without Damphu. Along with the original rhythm of Tamang Selo (folk songs), Damphu dance, Mendhomaya dance, Doora dance and Bakpa dance have influenced Nepalese culture. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Tamang community have been documented

Tibetan folk songs and dances

Tibet, in Sanskrit, is called Bhot. Tibet is also a refined version of Thubot, a name given by Mongolians which means a rocky place. This largely explains why the tribes migrating from there are called Bhutia. The Bhutias have many sub-groups, like Tibetan, Dukpa, Kagatey, Singsapa, Denzongpa, Yolmo and Walungpa. Their ancestors migrated from Tibet to Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and other parts of India and Bhutan. They are mainly Buddhist by religion. Folk songs and dances are an important part of their social lives and strengthen social bonding. Opera dance, Snow Lion dance, Ngonpai Dhon or hunter dance, Yak dance, Drum dance, Tashi Shoelpa dance and Cham dance are traditional dance forms of the Tibetans. The traditional music instruments are Dram-nyen (Lute), Piwang (Fiddle), Gyumang (Hammered dulcimer) and Lingbo (Flute). The traditional dresses worn during performances are Chuba, Wongchuk, Khudung, Pangde, Shamo, Ghawo and Chakma. In this CD, folks songs and dances of the Tibetan community have been documented

Bhujel folk songs and dances

Bhujels are one of the indigenous tribes having their own distinct language, culture, religion, and strong ethnic identity. Bhujels are of Mongoloid origin, belonging to Kirata domain. Their language is called Puhgal Ngur. Bhujels have a rich cultural heritage. Music and dance are an integral part of Bhujel culture. Rhin, Takyo Binayo, Murchunga are the musical instruments used by Bhujels. They perform Gah-tu dance, Chutku dance and Pangdurya dance. Gah-tu dance is performed on Baishake Purne. Young girls perform this dance to songs sung by elderly women. The dance is performed to show the glorious past of Chyor-ro and Chyor-mo (Bhujel King and Queen). Chutka song and dance is performed during festivals, weddings and social gatherings. The young women dance to the song sung by young men. The song is accompanied by Rhin and Takyo. Pangdurya dance is performed during October-December as a mark of the winter harvest. Two groups perform during the performance — one group sings while the other dances. In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Bhujel community have been documented

Sarki folk songs and dances

The Sarkis is an occupational community and can be found across the hills of Darjeeling & Kalimpong and in the Terai area of Dooars. This group of people took the profession of tanning leather and mending leather items like shoes. They are experts in playing a musical instrument called Madal and performing dance in a group which is also called “Khayali Maruni.” Sarkis follow Hinduism and worship Hindu deities. Like other Nepali Hindus, they celebrate Chaite Dasai, Maghe Sankranti, Bara Dashain, Laxmi Puja, Bhai Tika, etc. They wear traditional dresses like Daura Suruwal, waistcoat Birkhe Topi and leather shoe (men); Dhaka Sari, Chaubandi Cholo with Fariya (women). In this CD, folk songs and dances of the Sarki community have been documented

Books

Jhumur Katha

This book is a brief history of Jhumur songs in Bengal, and it also contains a large collection of Jhumur songs. Notation of some popular Jhumur songs are also given in this book.

Dekhe Elam Chau

This is another one of our graphic story books and it is about Chau, an acrobatic and martial performing art practiced in West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Aaj o ache Raibenshe

This is a first-of-its-kind graphic book, to popularize Bengal's performing folk traditions among children and youngsters. Raibenshe is an acrobatic and martial performance that is being revived.

Banglay Qawwali - A brief history of Bengali Qawwali.

The tradition of Qawwali songs in Bengal is lesser known but rich. This book puts light on the advent of Qawwalli songs in Bengal and its development.

Sahaj Geeti

Sahaj Geeti is a pioneering effort to compile popular as well as lesser known Baul and Fakiri songs of Bengal. Over 1000 Baul and Fakiri songs have been compiled in this book.

Mahajan Nama

Mahajan Nama is a book on the lives of Baul and Fakir lyricists.

Lalon Naamer Manushti

Lalon Naamer Manushti is the Bengali version of a graphic novel.

Lalon - The Man Who Lived

Lalon - The Man Who Lived is the English version of a graphic novel

Films

Rural Craft and Cultural Hubs 2018

Introduction to rich cultural heritage of rural Bengal

Documentary on Bhawaiya Music

Cultural tourism in Darjeeling

Documentary on Different Folk Forms of Darjeeling

Video documentation of basketry weaving

Video documentation of Dhokra weaving

Folk art center

Sitalpati Folk Art Centre at Ghughumari in Cooch Behar.

Folk Art Centre at Kushmandi in Dakshin Dinajpur – Wooden Mask & Mukha dance hub.

Folk Art Centre at Pingla in Paschim Medinipur – a Medinipur Patachitra hub.

Dokra Folk Art Centre at Bikna, Bankura.

Chau mask Folk Art Centre at Charida, Purulia.

Dokra Folk Art Centre at Dariyapur, Bardhaman.

Wooden Doll Folk Art Centre in Natungram, Bardhaman.

Folk Art Centres at the hubs serve as community centres for practising the art and promoting cultural tourism, including heritage tourism. These centres have permanent exhibitions of the local art and craft genres. They also offer accommodation and local cuisine, on request, for visitors.