India has a diverse culture, food, religions and traditions. The
colorful festivals Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bhandan, etc. India is full of
different festivals. Every part /state of India has different cultural
festivals and believes. That's make this country Unique from world.
I always attracted towards its different culture. I got the opportunity
to experience every culture due to my dad's transferable job and used to enjoy
it. My childhood is full of such memories.
Today, I am writing about culture of my native place Uttrakhand.
Uttrakhand is full of greenery. During our summer holidays we visit our home
town and enjoy fresh fruits and beautiful green fields.
Culture of Uttarakhand, India
Uttrakhand is a beautiful place which is divided into two regions majorly known as Garhwal and Kumaon. The culture identifies its people uniquely and gives them a meaning. The various traditions, religions, fairs, festivals, folk dances, music are what distinctly separate them from the rest of the crowd. The residents of Uttarakhand are proud of the culture that they follow. The beauty of the state of Uttarakhand is that it houses people belonging to several sub-groups and ethnic groups together under one roof. In this article I am talking about the culture, beliefs and traditions which bind the people of Uttarakhand together.
Marriage function
Sangeet ceremony
Traditional cloth and jewelry of Kumaon region
The colorful festivals marriage custom. Uttarakhand is also know as "Devon Bhumi" means "Land of Gods". Apan art is a very traditional form of art which is use to decorate houses during festival times. During earlier days when people used to live in mud flooring houses. At the entrance of house Apan art is usually made. First at the entrance door floor is painted with red mud also know as "Garu". Then a paste of rice made and used for making apan over red colour.
Picture of my ancient house which is 100 years old.
Today Sunday, 21st Feb, 2021, me and my daughter got the chance to visit the 26th edition of Hunar Haat started in New Delhi. A grand event was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India on Sunday 20 Feb, 2021. Hunar Haat is an initiative of Ministry of Minority Affairs to provide the supremely talented artisans and craftsmen a platform where they can showcase their talent.
India folk art, culture and tradition always attracts me a lot and I never miss the chance to visit such place and talk to the local artists. Almost 600 artisans from 30 states of India participated in 'Hunar Haat' . The theme of Hunar Haat is 'Vocal for Local'. This event has provided employment opportunities to more than five lakh artisans & craftsmen.
Madhubani or Mithala Painting stall from Bihar
Madhubani painting was made on handmade paper and cloths presented at the stall. Colour used for painting were all handmade colour made from plants and vegetables'. Most of the paintings represent nature, plants, animals and mythological characters. Artist Navin told me how he made this paintings.
Vitual tour to Hunar Haat a must visit
Meet with the craft men and artist at Hunar Haat, New Delhi
We are starting podcast interviews with folk artists.
To know what exactly is podcast, you can click the link below:
A mandala'circle' is a geometric configuration of
symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing
attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for
establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. In the Eastern religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Shintoism it is used as a map representing deities, or
specially in the case of Shintoism, paradises, kami or
actual shrines.
In New Age, the mandala is a diagram, chart or geometric pattern
that represents the cosmos metaphysically or
symbolically; a time-microcosm of
the universe, but it originally meant to represent wholeness and a
model for the organizational structure of life itself, a cosmic diagram that
shows the relation to the infinite and the world that extends beyond and within
various minds & bodies.
In Hinduism, a basic mandala, also called
a yantra, takes the form of a square with four gates
containing a circle with a center point. Each gate is in the general shape of a T.
A yantra is similar to a mandala, usually smaller and
using a more limited colour palette. It may be a two- or three-dimensional
geometric composition used in sadhanas, puja or meditative rituals, and may incorporate
a mantra into its design. It is considered to represent the
abode of the deity. Each yantra is unique and calls the deity
into the presence of the practitioner through the elaborate symbolic geometric
designs. According to one scholar, "Yantras function as revelatory symbols
of cosmic truths and as instructional charts of the spiritual aspect of human
experience.
If you ever get the chance to visit any Buddhist monastery. You will see the mandala art all over the place. This mandala is also known as Thangka Mandala origin is Nepal and Tibet. Thangka art is not easy, it takes lot of patience and symmetry required to make this art.
Mandala Art made on silk & brocade cloth
Symbolism in Mandalas
Within their intricate circular
patterns, you can find common symbols throughout mandalas. Traditionally, they
include the presence of Buddha’s mind in an abstract form, most commonly
represented as a wheel, tree, flower, or jewel. The center is a dot, which is a
symbol considered free of dimensions. It is interpreted as the starting point,
the beginning of contemplation, and devotion to the divine. From there, the dot
is surrounded by lines and geometrical patterns that symbolize the universe,
encompassed by the outer circle which represents the cyclical nature of life.
Some common symbols within the mandala include:
·Wheel with eight spokes: The
circular nature of a wheel works as an artistic representation of a perfect
universe. The eight spokes represent the Eightfold Path of Buddhism, a summary
of practices that lead to liberation and rebirth.
·Bell: Bells represent an
openness and emptying of the mind to allow the entrance of wisdom and clarity.
·Triangle: When facing
upward, triangles represent action and energy, and when facing downward, they
represent creativity and the pursuit of knowledge.
·Lotus flower: A
sacred symbol in Buddhism, the symmetry of a lotus depicts balance. As a lotus
reaches up from underwater into the light, so too does a human reaching for
spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
·Sun: A popular basis for
modern mandala patterns, suns tend to represent the universe, often carrying
meanings related to life and energy.
Some common questions around Mandala Art and Therapy in people mind.
What is Mandala Art?
A mandala, which is Sanskrit for “circle” or “discoid object,” is a geometric design that holds a great deal of symbolism in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. While extraordinary as a standalone work of art, mandalas hold symbolic and meditative meaning beyond their vibrant appearance.
Traditional Mandala (Circle of life)
What is the use of Mandala Art?
Mandalas, meaning "circles" in Sanskrit, are sacred symbols that are used for meditation, prayer, healing and art therapy for both adults and children. Mandalas have been shown in clinical studies to boost the immune system, reduce stress and pain, lower blood pressure, promote sleep and ease depression.
Is Mandala Art easy?
Learn how to draw a mandala! In this drawing lesson, I'll show you how I constructed the colorful mandala you see above. Although it looks complicated, it's actually quite easy, once you know the steps!
They help with balance. They bring peace and tranquility. Looking at them will give you a feeling of calmness
1. Which Pen is used for mandala art?
Artline Artist Pens are the perfect tools to create colorful mandalas. The brush nibs are also good for drawing wide strokes and the superfine nibs create crisp, thin lines for outlining designs.
Traditional Mandala -2 (Circle of Life) using Artline Pen
2. Can coloring mandala reduce anxiety?
Anxiety level was measured with the State Anxiety Inventory at baseline, after the writing exercise, and after coloring. Results support the hypothesis that coloring a mandala reduces anxiety to a significantly greater degree than coloring on a plaid design or coloring on a blank paper
3. Why is mandala calming?
Mandalas bring along a feeling of relaxation
4. How do you draw a simple mandala for beginners?
5. Why do we colour Mandala?
People who color mandalas often experience a deep sense of calm and well-being. It's a simple tool that doesn't require any expertise, but it can be remarkably soothing and nourishing. Mandalas not only focus your attention but also allow you to express your creative side, which many of us neglect in our daily lives.
6. What is mandala art therapy?
Mandala art therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a trained therapist guides clients through a variety of artistic processes using geometric patterns in an effort to find or restore a sense of healthy mental balance.
If you want to learn this art form, please visit my YouTube channel. For any query related to Mandala art, please comment below. I will reach out to you.
Traditional Folk Art of India - Madhubani Art also know as Mithila Art
Lord Ganesha
My YouTube video of Madhubani art
Durga Maa
Madhubani painting (Mithila painting) was traditionally created
by the women of various communities in the Mithila region of the Indian
subcontinent. It originated from Madhubani district of
the Mithila region
of Bihar. This painting as a form of wall
art was practiced widely throughout the region; the more recent development of
painting on paper and canvas mainly originated among the villages around
Madhubani, This painting is widely known as "Madhubani art" or "Mithila Painting."
The paintings were traditionally done on freshly plastered mud walls and
floors of huts, but now they are also done on cloth, handmade paper and canvas. Madhubani paintings are made from the paste of powdered rice. Madhubani paintings use two-dimensional imagery, and the colors used are
derived from plants. Ochre, Lampblack and Red are used
for reddish-brown and black, respective.
Madhubani paintings mostly depict people and their association
with nature and scenes and deities from the ancient epics. Natural objects like
the sun, the moon, and religious plants like tulsiare also widely painted, along
with scenes from the royal court and social events like weddings. Generally, no
space is left empty; the gaps are filled by paintings of flowers, animals,
birds, and even geometric designs. Traditionally, painting was one of the
skills that was passed down from generation to generation in the families of
the Mithila Region, mainly by women. It is still practiced and kept alive
in institutions spread across the Mithila region.
The Folk art and painting or India attracts me a lot. Painting is always my passion but over the period of time it was lost and I got busy in my job and daily routine. During lockdown time I got plenty of time to think about what I love to do the most. What makes me happy? What I can do any time? I rediscover my passion for painting. When lots of depression all over the world due to CORONA, I spend time in my painting and made myself stress free and able to maintain my mental health. Some of my lockdown art work and video I am putting here.
Krishna
Most of the traditional art, you will see the picture of nature, birds, fish, plants, pictures of god and goddess.
