Art historian and film-maker Benoy K. Behl has completed shooting and documentation of the culture of the six North-Eastern States and West Bengal for his series on Doordarshan titled “Spectacular India”.
Mesmerised by the exquisite traditions prevailing in the region during his almost two-month-long trip, the director-cum-producer of the series says that not many are aware that the inhabitants of Manipur have best preserved the joy of the adoration of Krishna more than in any other place in the country.
“In fact, the people of Manipur believe that they are the descendants of g andharvas, celestial musicians, and they have always sought communion with the divine through music and dance,” says Mr. Behl.
Interestingly, in Manipuri dance the mood is conveyed through gentle and expressive body movements rather than facial expressions. The dance is a continuous flow of rounded and gentle movements.
Noting that the largest and perhaps the most magnificent rock-cut reliefs of Lord Shiva are in Tripura, the film-maker says the Pilak Stupa, with dynamic terracotta relief, is one of the most important sites of the Buddhist art of the Pala period.
Describing the sattras of Assam as an island of peace, Mr. Behl says they are far away from the noise and confusions of the fast-changing commercial world. Here, the bhakts still seek to be carried away by the beauty and love of Krishna. They seek the joy to be found deep within.
Bowled over
Mr. Behl and assistant director Sanghamitra Ghosh and rest of the crew were bowled over by the awesome spectacle of nature while crossing the high-altitude mountain passes of Arunachal Pradesh.
The team also travelled to interesting place in the beautiful hills of Manipur, Nagaland and Meghalaya and to the secluded island of Majuli in Assam.
The famous Baul singers of Bengal have also been depicted in the series. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation included Baul singing in its list of the world master pieces of oral and intangible heritage five years ago.
The 52 film series also showcases the tribal dances of the North-East states.
