Reviving Rivers and Ghats through Cultural Heritage
January 11, 2024
An initiative of KULTX, ‘O NODI RE’ is a transformative public art project set to take centre stage in January. Curated and executed by B-CAF the festival will focus on reviving rivers and ghats while celebrating the rich cultural heritage that flourishes around them. Rooted in the history and traditions of the riverside, the initiative pays homage to its past while advocating for the preservation of its ecological and cultural significance. This multidisciplinary festival will bring together diverse artistic practices, including music, performing arts, photography exhibitions, talk shows and participatory public engagement programs. By collaborating with artists from various fields, O NODI RE aims to inspire public dialogue and foster community involvement in preserving and rejuvenating the river and its ghats. Through public art installations and performances, the festival emphasizes the importance of creating a clean, vibrant and culturally enriched river environment. O NODI RE seeks to reconnect the community with the enduring essence of rivers, celebrating their role as lifelines that bridge history, culture and humanity.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
- Public Art 1 – Co-Created with the Public
Curator: Archee Roy
This interactive artwork will celebrate a shared emotional connection to the river. A wet canvas will be prepared, accompanied by syringes filled with vibrant colors, inviting the public to inject hues onto the surface. Through this participatory process, a dynamic, flowing river-like effect will emerge, symbolizing the collective creativity and emotions of the community. As the day progresses, the canvas will transform into a vibrant testament to communal expression. - Public Art 2 – Co-Created with the Public: “Messages to the River”
Curator: Reena Dewan
Visitors will be invited to express their emotions, memories, or hopes inspired by the river through drawings or written messages on specially designed paper. These personal contributions will then be folded into small boat shapes and placed in a dedicated installation space. Together, they will form a symbolic fleet of dreams and aspirations, celebrating the river’s legacy and its deep connection to cultural heritage. - Photography Exhibition – Theme: “O Nodi Re: Stories of the River, Ghats, and Cultural Heritage”
Photographer and Educator: Atanu Paul
This exhibition will showcase compelling photographs that capture the essence of rivers, ghats, and their cultural significance. Each image tells a story, reflecting the timeless relationship between rivers and communities. Through this visual journey, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the role of rivers in shaping history, heritage, and identity. - Panel Discussion – 4:00 to 5:00 PM
Topic: “Riverscapes of Memory: The Intersection of History, Heritage, and Identity”
This thought-provoking discussion will delve into:
a) How rivers act as living archives of shared community histories.
b) Revitalizing forgotten narratives through creative and cultural interventions.
Panelists: Tanmoy Bhattacharya and Haripada Bhowmick
Moderator: Saroj Darbar - Contemporary Dance – 5:15 to 5:40 PM
Performance: “Where Dance Is an Attitude”
Choreographer: Sudarshan Chakraborty
Dancers: Promita Karfa, Abrar Saqeeb, Rathin Das, and Raju Sarkar
This immersive dance performance will weave the serenity of the river with the chaos of urban life. The dancers will move fluidly among the audience, embodying the tranquil flow of life amidst challenges. The choreography will evoke memories of floating paper boats as children, symbolizing a dream to reclaim serenity from the urban disarray and rediscover bliss and harmony. - Poetry on the River – 6:00 to 6:40 PM
By Sujoy Prasad Chakraborty
Renowned poet and performer Sujoy Prasad Chakraborty will present an evocative recital inspired by the river. His poetry will weave emotions, reflections, and stories, creating a deep connection to the timeless presence of the river in human life. - Purono Kolkatar Gaan and Folk Songs – 7:00 to 8:00 PM
By Debashis Dutta and Group
Debashis Dutta, a celebrated artist regularly featured on Doordarshan, will perform a selection of traditional songs, including Tappa and Thumri. His soulful renditions will transport the audience to the heart of Kolkata’s cultural heritage, highlighting the enduring bond between music and rivers.