Event

Two Baul artists, Bama Prashad Singha and Atahar Fakir, along with Patachitra artist Sayera Chitrakar, were honored with an invitation to perform at the prestigious International Seminar and Festival of Nusantara Oral Traditions (LISAN XII). Organized by the Association of Oral Traditions (ATL), in collaboration with the Local Government of Jakarta and The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, the event took place at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Jakarta from June 12 to June 15, 2023. The seminar's theme was "Oral Traditions Through Pandemic, Conflicts, and Latest Post-Pandemic Technologies in Caring for Nature and Life."

On June 12, these esteemed artists had the opportunity to present their rich cultural heritage before the Indonesian press. In the evening, the Baul artists mesmerized the audience with two enchanting Baul Fakiri songs, while Sayera narrated a Patachitra highlighting the issue of child marriage.

On June 14, Ananya Bhattacharya, Co-Founder and Director of Contact Base, delivered an insightful paper on the subject of "Oral Traditions as Social Power," and Puja Mondal presented a paper on "Reviving Patachitra - a storytelling and scroll painting Tradition." Sayera joined Puja and sang a Pater Gaan on saving the birds. The closing ceremony witnessed performances by the Baul artists, who enthralled the audience with four soul-stirring songs exploring the themes of Guru Tatva, Deha Tatva, Atma Tatva, and a Mahajani song by Bijoy Sarkar.

An exhibition also took place in Taman Ismail Marzuki, where Sayera Chitrakar showcased her products and narrated stories with Pater Gaan to captivate the audience.