Sangam was born out of our deep appreciation for Bengali art, literature, and culture. Bari Kothi has always been a hub for heritage and cultural enthusiasts and the Sheherwalis have been patrons of art, literature, and culture. We felt it was essential to create a platform that celebrates the rich heritage of this region. The idea behind Sangam was to bring together artists, writers, and cultural enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate the diverse and vibrant Bengali culture that has thrived in this region for centuries. We wanted to create an event that not only highlights the cultural heritage of Murshidabad but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the region's cultural richness.
Event Highlights:
As we reflect on the past two days, our hearts are filled with gratitude and nostalgia. The past two days have been nothing short of magical as we immersed ourselves in the grand tapestry of Bengali art, literature, and culture at Sangam. We can safely look back and say that Sangam was not just an event; it was a cultural symphony. It was a celebration of Bengal's heart and soul, an exploration of its essence, and a reflection of its beauty. It was a journey through time, where every note, every brushstroke, and every word echoed the resilience, creativity, and spirit of Bengal.
From Prof Ratnabali Chatterjee, often deemed as the Romila Thapar of Bengal to Prof Puspesh Pant and Sadaf Hussain (Masterchef 2016), it was a gallery of stars. A screening of Ray's cult classic Ghare Baire at Darbar Hall witnessed the commentary of Ray's nephew himself! From the deep discussions to a wonderful cultural display by the Bari Kothi team, these two days would remain etched in Bari Kothi's history. Sangam was born out of our deep appreciation for Bengali art, literature, and culture. Bari Kothi and the Sheherwali community have always been a hub for heritage and cultural enthusiasts. We felt it was essential to create a platform that celebrates the rich heritage of this region. The idea behind Sangam was to bring together artists, writers, and cultural enthusiasts to showcase and celebrate the diverse and vibrant Bengali culture that has thrived in this region for centuries. We wanted to create an event that not only highlights the cultural heritage of Murshidabad but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of the region's cultural richness.
The Vision:
We have big plans for the future of Sangam. While the inaugural event was a great success, we see it growing and evolving in several ways. We aim to make it an annual tradition, a must-attend event on the cultural calendar for both locals and tourists, and to expand the festival to encompass a wider range of art forms and cultural expressions, including music, dance, and cinema, in addition to literature and visual arts.
Sangam has the potential to become a significant cultural and economic contributor to the region. We envision it as an event that not only celebrates culture but also promotes local artisans, businesses, and tourism. In the coming years, we hope to see Sangam grow into a festival that leaves a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of Murshidabad and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among the local community.