Project By Diptej Vernekar
I grew up in the small village of Kumbhajua, Goa, known for various moving artforms in the style of tableaux, like moving Narkasur idols, Chitrarath (part of the Shigmotsav parade), and Chitras (paper sculptures) that are part of Ganesh Chaturthi and Sangodotsav celebrations. These mythological artifacts, visible during different festivals and made mostly by men, are then preserved for the rest of the year so they can be reused in the following festive season. Created as they are by local communities comprising artisans and technicians, I see these moving tableaux as capable of yielding a parallel art education that helps these communities nurture their craft and expertise.