A cultural initiative to bring back Sundarban’s “Jhumur Gaan” in the mainstream
Objective
The indigenous community of Madhya Gurguria, a coastal region of Maipith, Sundarbans was visited by Zeal and Notion Jayanagar Majilpur on the 23rd of last month. While we were there, we were able to experience the intimate culture that exists between the local people and Jhumur Gaan—a form of traditional folk music that is on the decline in the current age.
The Rhythms of nature, of the Sundarbans and of the people have long been part of the Sundarbans’ cultural heritage and Jhumur Gaan has been an integral part of it. Yet, with time this art form is having a hard time surviving. However, despite this decline, we found a very heartfelt passion for Jhumur Gaan in the local community. The love for this traditional music inspired us in a step that we take in the revival of this traditional music.
Keeping all this in mind, we have decided to do Shilpo Abhijan (2)—a cultural initiative to bring back Jhumur Gaan in the mainstream. This event is meant to commemorate and maintain the uniqueness of this exquisite folk tradition by presenting its ‘essence’ to a broader audience. We want to work with the local artists and to give Jhumur Gaan the recognition it truly deserves so that its tunes can continue to ring in the hearts of the young ones of the future.
Let us join this effort to contribute in this endeavor of cultural preservation; the voices and stories that Jhumur Gaan sings in its tunes.
