25 • Rejuvenating the Festival of the Mountain • Anupam Purty

Anupam Purty, a talented graphic designer and photographer, will deliver a 30-minute online presentation on the revitalization of the traditional Sukan Buru festival by the Munda community in Jharkhand. In this talk, Purty will narrate the inspiring story of how a young and dynamic group from the Munda community united to revive and rejuvenate this important cultural festival. He will highlight the significance of Sukan Buru, a traditional celebration devoted to the mountain, and how it has been reimagined through a vibrant multi-village kite festival. Purty will discuss the process of organizing the festival, the community’s deep spiritual connection to the land, and the role of traditional and modern media in documenting and promoting the event. He will also share his photographic work, capturing the colorful kites and the joy of the participants, showcasing the festival’s role in fostering community spirit and cultural pride. The presentation will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, offering the audience an opportunity to explore the themes of cultural preservation, community engagement, and the power of visual storytelling in celebrating and revitalizing traditions.

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graphic designer, photographer & brand consultant
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Munda tribe, have a distinct language, traditions, and cultural practices, with an agrarian lifestyle being predominant. While settled agriculturists, they also gather minor forest products to supplement their economy, with hunting, fishing, and animal husbandry serving as subsidiary activities. The Mundas have a longstanding association with forests, developing a symbiotic relationship characterised by dependence for building materials, food, fodder, and fuel, modifying the forest to suit their needs.

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