Nestled in the heart of Ostrava City, Czech Republic, the Art and Life Festival v ulicích is an international multi-genre extravaganza that has been captivating audiences for over eleven years. Drawing more than 40,000 visitors each year, this festival is a melting pot of global artistry, featuring a rich and diverse program. From the infectious beats of jamming musicians and the captivating allure of street theatre to the rhythmic energy of drum parades and the wonder of science shows, there's something for everyone.
A Cross-Cultural Partnership Begins
The collaboration between banglanatak dot com and Colours of Ostrava
began in 2018, when Petra Hradilová, Managing Director of Festival v ulicích,
Ostrava, and Zlata Holušová, Managing Director of Colours of Ostrava, attended
the “Surjahan” World Peace Music Festival in Kolkata, organized by banglanatak
dot com. In 2019, Raibenshe dancers, including two women performers, were
invited to showcase their vibrant performance at the Art and Life Festival v
ulicích, Ostrava. This exchange marked the beginning of a heartfelt and
culturally enriching partnership, setting the stage for a shared journey of
artistic celebration and cross-cultural dialogue.
A Journey of Discovery: From Purulia
to Ostrava
This year, the festival welcomed eminent Chhau artist Biren Kalindi and
his team from Purulia graced its stage on June 21st and 22nd. For two
young artists Nipen Kalindi and Uttam Mahato, marked their first international
cultural collaboration, and their excitement was palpable. The journey to
Europe, crossing two countries, ignited their curiosity about the places,
people, agriculture, and cultures they encountered. Their minds buzzed with
endless questions and wonder. The adventure began as they landed in Austria,
their first taste of Europe, before embarking on a scenic four-hour journey to
Ostrava, Czech Republic. Every moment of the trip was an enlightening
experience, as they took in the picturesque villages along the way, comparing
the similarities and differences to their own village in Purulia. The lush
landscapes, the architecture, and the rhythm of life in these new surroundings
were a source of constant fascination and inspiration.
Cultural Surprises and Culinary
Adventures
It was also my first visit to
Europe, and let me tell you, Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech
Republic, gave me a nostalgic jolt of Kolkata with its shared obsession for
football and trams. However, the food was a whole different ball game. The
meals in Ostrava seemed like they were on a strict diet plan—balancing crabs,
fats, proteins, and fiber—whereas in India, we just pile on everything! On the
first day, our team faced a culinary culture shock. We are used to thefty
servings of chicken and rice, but here, the portions of chicken and raw veggies
seemed to be in a contest to see which could overshadow the rice and Indian
bread. But as time went on, we started to embrace this new food
adventure—perhaps even developing a secret fondness for those veggies! The
surprises didn't stop there. On the first night, we experienced the peculiar
European phenomenon of a late sunset. At 9:00 pm, the sun was still hanging out
in the sky, as if it had forgotten to check its own schedule.
A Captivating Performance: Chhau
Dance Takes the Stage
On the morning of June 21st, Biren
Kalindi and team cheered each other on and prepared to ignite the festival with
their performance as the second group on stage. As soon as they started their
performance with the vibrant sounds of the Sanai, Dhol, and Dhamsa, the gallery
quickly filled with eager spectators. The powerful beats of Dhamsa had the audience
clapping along in perfect rhythm, creating an electrifying atmosphere. As the
dance started, it was pure magic—every move had the crowd gasping and cheering,
totally captivated by the dazzling masks and vibrant costumes. Over the course
of two days, they took the stage eight times, bringing the epic tales of
Mahishasura Badh and Narasingha Avatar to life. Each performance was greeted
with cheers so loud they could probably be heard from space!
Global Pride and Cultural Unity
Some audience said that Chhau
dance, an intriguing and culturally rich art form from India, added a magical
touch to the festival. Indian spectators living there expressed their pride,
saying, "We are very proud to see our Indian culture spreading all over
the world and these traditional artists being acknowledged globally."
The team returned to India with
cherished memories of being appreciated for representing their country. It
seemed that everyone they encountered in India—whether it was the person at the
bank, fellow train passengers, or airport authorities—showed gratitude and
respect upon learning about their purpose of visiting abroad. This demonstrated
how our culture and traditions have the power to unite our country.
A Kaleidoscope of Culture:
Reflections on the Experience
The experience of this entire
trip was like a vivid festival where people from all walks of life came
together to celebrate a rich mosaic of culture, music, street theatre, stand-up
comedy, and crafts. It was as if we were all looking through a kaleidoscope of
vibrant expressions! It became obvious that culture speaks a universal
language. Its true magic is felt deeply and understood worldwide, proving that
the beauty of human creativity and expression doesn’t need a translator—just an
open heart.
From the Heart of the Artists: A
Message from Biren Kalindi
"Performing in the Czech
Republic was a great experience for our team. Sharing the rich heritage of
Chhau dance with an international audience not only broadened our horizons but
also highlighted the universal appeal of our cultural traditions. The warm
reception and appreciation we received reaffirmed our commitment to preserving
and promoting this art form globally."
Biren Kalindi, Team Leader
Author : Puja Mandal
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