CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The short film ‘Gangaur Gatha’, centered on the vibrant folk culture and traditions of the Gangaur festival, has become a major attraction in recent times. This unique cinematic creation has been produced by The Podium team under the direction of young filmmaker Aditya Upadhyay for Vishwarang Foundation.
A special screening of ‘Gangaur Gatha’ will be held on April 13 at 5:30 PM at Narmada Auditorium, Tulsi Nagar. The Podium is a creative group of young filmmakers and artists actively involved in the meaningful documentation of cultural heritage and social concerns.
Last year, the team embarked on a cultural journey through Eastern and Western Nimar villages of Madhya Pradesh during the Gangaur festival, capturing rituals, traditional dance, music, and associated festivities in their authentic form.
The film was conceptualized under the guidance of cultural scholar and litterateur Santosh Choubey, with research and narration by cultural critic Vinay Upadhyay. The video editing was done by Nikhil Kumar, Armaan Arya Sinha, and Abhishek Kanojia, cinematography by Aniruddh Chauthamal, Aashirwad Mandal, and Hemang Kuril, sound recording by Tanishk Bhuria, and choreography by folk dancer Sanjay Mahajan.
The film beautifully captures two distinct aspects of the Gangaur festival—on one side, the deep spiritual essence, sacred rituals, prayers, and devotion, while on the other, the joyful and celebratory folk entertainment that immerses the mind and body in an ancient blissful rhythm. In the Nimar region, the festival revolves around Runubai, the revered feminine deity, with songs and verses celebrating her divine virtues.
Through soulful melodies, the film explores themes of love, motherhood, compassion, longing, and nostalgia. It highlights how religion, culture, science, and spirituality come together to create a festive tapestry of humanity, leading us on a historical and emotional journey. The vibrant portrayal of life, nature, and traditions intertwined in a single thread makes the film a mesmerizing experience of music, dance, and festivity.
During the nine days following the tenth day of Chaitra month, the land of Nimar in Madhya Pradesh bursts into songs celebrating the divinity of Gangaur. These melodies unfold a world of memories, aspirations, and divine connections, resonating with the essence of womanhood and creation. The rhythmic echoes of these songs naturally make the body sway in harmony.
Filmmaker Aditya Upadhyay holds a postgraduate degree in film production. His short film ‘Letter Box’ was selected for the Chitra Bharati International Film Festival. He has also directed documentaries on the archaeological grandeur of Maheshwar and Mandu, as well as short films dedicated to Vishwarang – the International Festival of Literature and Arts and Rabindranath Tagore’s works and persona.
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