Over the years, many parallels have been drawn between the cultural similarities that Goa and Bengal
share. These are being especially highlighted in second edition of Bengal Goa
Folk Mela, that is currently underway. An exchange of artistic dialogue
between many artisans and artists from Bengal who will parry with their Goan
counterparts, 2017 promises to pick up where the splendid show in the debut
edition last year left off, allowing a healthy exchange of folk art and culture
that this diverse country of ours has to offer. The event that started on March
24, 2017 will be on till March 30 at Ravindra Bhavan Margao.
The debut edition of the Mela was a huge success last
year. Handicraft artists and folk performing artistes from Bengal and Goa
participated and interacted with a receptive audience and enjoyed a lot of
appreciation. But little do people know that behind the scenes work for the
bigger motive of the development of folk art and culture began two years ago.
Amitava Bhattacharya, Founder Director, banglanatak dot com, says, “We have been
exploring Goan traditional art and culture for the last two years, and we feel
there is a need and possibility to strengthen the artistes’ efforts through
building their capacity and creating a market. After all, this is their own
skill and thus, they are very comfortable using them. A good catalyst can play
a role in strengthening their skill and the formation of grassroots
enterprises, which will in turn create resources for them to share. That helps
them economically and also gives them pride, which motivates them to
participate in the development process. We have brought bamboo craft artistes
from Valpoi and Pernem and Lavo artisans from Paroda because we feel
there is a need to include them in social development.” Riding on the success
of the debut edition, the second edition of Bengal Goa Folk Mela was
planned and is currently underway.
Simply put, the Bengal Goa Folk Mela is a platform where
handicraft artistes from Bengal and Goa exhibit their craft products and folk
artistes perform traditional folk forms. This year, around 100 rural artistes
from Bengal are representing 11 different handicrafts and seven traditional
folk performing art forms like Baul, Bhawaiya, Chau, Natua, Jhumur, Puppetry
and Raibenshe. Giving them company are Goan traditional handicraft
artists who are involved with crafts like Mandri from Lavo and
Bamboo craft, with traditional folk forms like Dhalo-Fugdi dance, Kannar
kher, Christian Dhalo, Kalshi Fugdi, Taranngmer, Goff and Lamp
dance. The makers strongly believe that the Bengal Goa Folk Mela is not
just a shopping space, but a space for interaction – both inter- and
intra-artist. Bhattacharya says, “When I see the bamboo artists of Goa
interacting so well with the same of Bengal, Lavo artists with Madur
artists of Bengal, I feel the first step is already being achieved.”
Bhattacharya
feels that Goa celebrates cultural diversity and pluralism and has a firm
belief that Goa can walk an additional mile to include the art and culture of
the villages to strengthen the inclusive development and also strengthen
tourism. He says, “A lot of tourists will love to spend a day at these
villages, interact with the artistes’ community and create aspiration. The year
2017 is UNWTO’s year of Sustainable Tourism and I think this is a good opportunity
for Goa to take a step forward in strengthening its art and culture villages,
include the marginalised population in development and create a path towards
responsible tourism. Goa is a global destination and by embracing the world
vision of responsible and inclusive approach, Goa can increase its global
visibility.”
