Madhubani Literature Festival, one of the most important events in Art and Culture in the present times is a flagship programme organised by the Centre for Studies of Traditions and Systems. Shri Ram Madhav, an Indian politician, writer, and thinker was the special Guest of Honour for the 2021 festival which was held in Darbhanga, a town with profound historical and cultural seat to convey the core values of the body politic known as Mithila, from 12th December to 15th December at Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University (KSDSU) campus. Madhubani, a small district in the state of Bihar is known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic tendencies. Madhubani Literature Festival, as a result, is not limited to the display of works of literature only, but is also a display of a cultural heritage. The core idea behind this festival is to introduce Indians and the world at large to the transaction between modernity and traditionalism in regional sections of the country.
Through this event which is a milestone in its prospects, the inclusion and participation of the otherwise ignored people and the regional art traditions are hoped to be achieved, in the central driving force of the nation and the world of Art, at large. According to the Centre for Studies of Traditions and Systems, it includes not just literature but also “aims at creating a platform for dialogue on science, technology, philosophy, lifeworld, and almost everything that concerns human beings.”
One of the most recent highlights in the Madhubani Literature Festival is the topic-based artwork/painting competition on “Vaidehi- Sita beyond the body” which will commence from the 8th of March and go on till the 23rd of March, 2022. This will not only create awareness of the undermined art form but also encourage people’s participation towards contributing to the Madhubani art and culture.
A celebration of locals in the true sense of the term is observed in a wide-ranging global space. Every year, Madhubani Literature Festival provides space for events and platforms so that the cultural and philosophical tradition of Mithila is properly represented to the citizens of not just one country but beyond. The special attention of MLF-21 will be on the celebration of “Sita”, the daughter of Mithila, in various forms through different mediums of arts. An International Exhibition –“Vaidehi” -will display paintings of around one hundred and fifty avatars of Sita. Internationally acclaimed Bharatnatyam exponent Veena C Seshadri will be performing on “Jaya Janaki”, and the famous actress, Kanupriya Pandit will enact in the play named “Jayein Se Pahine: Siya Piya Katha”, written by Padma Shree Usha Kiran Khan and directed by famous actor and theatre director Padma Shree Ram Gopal Bajaj. Another major event is the display of couturier work – “Ekvastra”, which is based on the collective contribution of weavers and women in the local weaving industry.
This has provided a huge opportunity to the upcoming generation to educate and learn about the indigenous tribes and cultures of India that are sadly in a state of decay, away from the din and bustle of the megacities. “Yuva Sahitya”, an initiative of the Festival has already started to promote young writers and entrepreneurs of India. Some of the prominent figures in the literary and artistic circles of India that graced the occasion are, Anamika and Chitra Mudgal, recipient of Sahitya Akademi awards, Yatindra Mishra- an eminent poet and founder of Vimla Devi Foundation, Kanupriya Pandit, a known actress, Padam Shree Ram Gopal Bajaj, Veena C Seshadri, Satya Vyas, honourable Governor of Kerala -Arif Mohammad Khan, and delegates and scholars from Nepal and Sri Lanka.
