‘EPAR OPAR’- AN EXHIBITION
ON THE SHARED HERITAGE OF THE TWO BENGALS,
20-26, November 2008 at ICCR, Kolkata
The shared heritage of Art, Literature & Culture between Bangladesh and India generates empathy and inspires artists from both countries. The three piece sub-continent that emerged as the British left India made it impossible for the Bengalis to think any more of one Bengal comprising East and West bound by culture and language, history and heritage. But, despite the religious and political divide the two Bengals are siblings with blood ties bonding them together. Vigorous exchanges between artists, singers, dancers, musicians and literary persons from both countries are an enduring feature of bilateral relations.
The people of both West Bengal in India and Bangladesh have so much in common: a shared heritage of land, history, language, culture, traditions, music, food, dress...yes! Even our thoughts and goals...one could go on and on. Our common themes are stronger and more numerous than our differences (even the latter are merely a manifestation of our richness and diversity, as we see it).
On occasion of celebrating thirty years, Sasha, keen to celebrate and uphold the shared heritage of the two Bengals, an intrinsic part of the life and evolution of Sasha, in the form of ‘Epar Opar’ an exhibition on depicting the heritage that was still intact as a cultural and geographical entity.
The manifestations of the shared heritage can be found in various expressions of arts, folk traditions, rituals, and literature; and more profoundly in crafts. Some instances like the Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bengali folk music, which has also been influenced by regional music traditions of both the Bengals and accompaniments like the ektara, a one-stringed instrument, the dotara, dhol, flute, and tabla all made by traditional craftsmen often living in association with Baul singers.
Bengal's vast repertoire of fish-based dishes includes hilsa preparations, a favorite among Bengalis. Fishing and it’s associated activities like preparation of fishnets and basketry are all part of the component that makes up a unique panorama of the rural Bengal replete with rivers, ponds, boars etc. Even rituals in marriages and preparation of the distinctive sweetmeats from milk products-several kinds of Pithe with terracotta and stone moulds used by women are common in the two Bengals.
None to remain far behind, the innumerable textile, metal craft and pottery traditions shared by the two Bengals. The two parts of Bengal share a unique tradition in the art of exquisite and fine weaving- Dhakai and Tangail Sarees; Intricate and awe-inspiring Kantha embroidery; bronze and brass pots and artifacts; Baskets, utensils, musical instruments, conch-shells and so on.
These and a lot of other objects, depicting the shared cultural heritage of the two Bengals came alive in the exhibition cum display at the Ramkinkar Bej Hall at the Kolkata Chapter of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Rabindra Nath Tagore Centre. The inaugural function took place on the 20th November 2008 at the Tagore Court at ICCR. It opened with a brief but moving speech from Ms. Roopa Mehta, who spoke on Sasha's journey of thirty years and beyond. She invited Mr. Paul Myers, the WFTO President to formally inaugurate the thirty years celebrations.
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Syed Masud Mahmood Khundoker, Honorable Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh in India and Ms. Bharati Roy, Chair Person, ICCR, Kolkata Chapter, formally inaugurated the exhibition. This was followed by opening speeches of Ms. Bharati Ray, Ms. Reba Som, Director ICCR, Kolkata Chapter, congratulating Sasha on completing thirty years and on the collaboration of Sasha and ICCR.
The chief guest, Shri Khundoker ’s words were extremely encouraging as he spoke on Sasha’s work and its relevance touching upon the theme. Shri Khundoker concluded on a positive note on how crafts would go a long way in empowering rural women and thanks to the undying ties of culture between two Bengals, there is no foreign country. A number of people from the audiences shared the same feeling as the High Commissioner and were nostalgic upon paying a visit to the exhibition. In one of the visitors words-“beautiful display and very thought provoking!”
The inauguration was followed by a symposium on the theme of the exhibition. The discussions began with a presentation by Ms. Aparna Sinha of Sasha, who spoke upon the various aspects of the shared heritage of the two Bengals, which was extremely interesting and thought provoking for the international audience present at the opening. Ms. Roopa Mehta of Sasha opened the discussion and the speakers were Ms. Reba Som, Director ICCR, Kolkata Chapter; Ruby Gaznavi, Aranya, Bangladesh; Nandita Pal Chowdhury, social activist and Bappaditya Biswas, designer and entrepreneur. Ms. Aparna Sinha of Sasha moderated the symposium.
The exhibition continued till 26th November 2008 and was open for public at large. One of the visitors left a comment in the visitor’s book-“rare collections are appreciated. Really a great show. Grateful to see some lost crafts and artifacts” The most interesting comment was in Bengali which when literally translated is –‘’one would choose exceptional words to praise the art and artisans of Bengal!!”
The exhibition was designed and put up by students and faculty of Srishti school of art, design and technology, Bangalore.
