Kashi: Exploring Contrast

Kashi Exploring Contrast

Designed and curated by Abheeta Deepak

Design and concept by Abheeta Deepak Year of publication 2023 Copyright © 2023 by Abheeta Deepak All rights reserved

Design and concept by Abheeta Deepak Year of publication 2023 Copyright © 2023 by Abheeta Deepak All rights reserved

Acknowledgement This book attempts to capture the beauty and cultural significance of Varanasi and the wooden crafts created there, therefore the first and foremost token of my gratitude goes to the artisans of Agrawal Toy emporium who wholeheartedly taught us the intricacies of their beautiful craft. I’d also like to thank Mr Manish Arora for letting us spend our time at Varanasi housed at the Banaras Hindu University and for giving us valuable insight into the city. Furthermore I’d like to extend my gratitude to our facilitators, Mr Bikram and Ms Sulochana for their guidance. Lastly I’d like to thank Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology for facilitating our trip to Varanasi.

Ganges whispers low, Varanasi's sacred flow, Ancient echoes glow.

Table of Contents Preface Kashi Social Fabric Handicrafts The Art of Toys Process Social Thread Food for Thought Varanasi

2 4 6 10 12 14 20 24 26

Preface

Varanasi is a city where time seems to stand still, and yet, every moment is charged with the energy of a living history. A city where narrow alleyways give us stories worth highways. This book is an exploration of Varanasi through the lens of contrast. From the serenity of ancient temples to the stark contrast in the fervor of the markets, Varanasi has it all.

Preface

2

Kashi

Varanasi, the spiritual and cultural hub of India, is a city that exudes timeless charm and mystique. Nestled along the sacred Ganges River, the city is a tapestry of ancient temples, narrow winding lanes, and bustling ghats where pilgrims and seekers converge to partake in rituals and ceremonies. The city's ghats come alive with the vibrant hues of prayer flags and the soft glow of diyas (oil lamps) during evening aarti, creating an ethereal atmosphere that captivates the soul. Varanasi is a testament to the rich heritage of India, with its iconic landmarks such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the ghats that have witnessed centuries of spiritual practices.

Kashi

4

Social Fabric Varanasi, a city steeped in history along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, is a labyrinth of narrow streets that tell tales of ancient traditions and daily life. As one navigates the intricate alleys, the bustling streets of Varanasi chase them. From the loud noises of the traffic to the calls of the street vendor, Varanasi always seems to be bustling and moving.

This constant activity comes with the occasional clang of temple bells that creates noise. Inviting noise.

Social Fabric

6

The lights in Varanasi come alive as soon as the sun sets, the street lights and the neon signs of the side shops. From the bustling markets to the serene riverbanks, the city is adorned with lively hues that reflect the spirit of its people. The city, with its neon and bright palette, becomes a living canvas that celebrates the lively and dynamic nature of this historic city.

Amidst the vibrant chaos of Varanasi, there exists a dichotomy in the personalities of its people. While the city is renowned for its spiritual and cultural significance, it also harbors a subset of individuals with less favorable traits. Varanasi is not immune to the presence of scamsters, who navigate the crowded streets with deceptive intentions. Amidst the chaos, there are those with loud and boisterous personalities, whose voices echo through the narrow alleys and marketplaces.

Social Fabric

8

Handicrafts Varanasi is a hub for skilled artisans who craft intricate and mesmerizing handmade creations. The narrow lanes are lined with shops and stalls showcasing a diverse array of traditional handicrafts, including silk textiles, intricately embroidered sarees, and finely carved wooden artifacts. The artisans, often working in small workshops, bring to life the city's age-old traditions, weaving stories through their meticulous craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story and each piece is authentic.

Handicrafts

10

The Art of Toys The wooden creations you can find in varanasi range from intricately carved animals and puppets to colorful and imaginative figurines, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of the local makers. The wooden toy industry in Varanasi not only reflects the city's artistic legacy but also serves as a source of sustainable livelihood for many artisans. Tourists and locals alike are drawn to these handcrafted treasures, appreciating the blend of simplicity and elegance that characterizes Varanasi's wooden toy tradition.

The Art of Toys

12

Process

Varanasi is well known for lacquered wooden dolls, the process starts with procuring the wood. There are colonies of craftsmen in Kashmiri Ganj and Khojwa, Varanasi, who have been practicing this craft generation after generation. After the wood is procured it is then hand carved to the size of the toy that they are making, it is then smoothed out with a file or sandpaper. Sometimes the parts of the toy are made separately and then put together using adhesive. Once the overall shape is done, the details are hand carved. They make toys using the Lathe, or the Woodturning method.

As the lathe turns, the wood is kept in the same position and the friction generated helps carve out the wood. The process is good to create toys that require a smooth surface.

Process

14

The next part of the process is the lacquering and painting. The lacquering is also done on a Lathe, lac is a natural resin secreted from lac insects. The lac is applied in a dry state because the friction created by the wood and the carving tool softens the lac.

Lac is also mixed with other natural dyes and applied to the toy using brushes. This part of the process is known to be quiet and peaceful.

Process

18

Social Thread

Despite the hustle and bustle, there exists a unique sense of calmness within these alleys. As one navigates the narrow pathways, adorned with vibrant colors and the aroma of incense wafting through the air, a tranquil atmosphere envelops the surroundings. The small gullies of this town are almost always empty and quiet completely in contrast with the main roads.

Like the streets, religion among all the chaos finds peace. Amidst the echoing chants and the rhythmic ringing of temple bells, a profound sense of peace descends upon the city. Varanasi is a melting pot of religious diversity, where the presence of Hindu temples, mosques, and Buddhist shrines contributes to an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance. Pilgrims and seekers from different walks of life coexist, sharing in the collective pursuit of spiritual tranquility, making Varanasi not just a destination for religious rituals but a sanctuary for inner peace.

Social Thread

20

Even with the bright oranges, reds and yellows the streets are adorned with buildings displaying soft shades of pinks, blues, and purples, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. These gentle colors seem to reflect the city's profound spiritual aura, resonating with the calm that permeates the sacred Ganges River. The Kashi vishwanath temple is a beautiful pastel pink color and the streets that lead to it are coloured with neon orange and yellow.

In the heart of Varanasi, the people embody a spirit that is as warm as the city itself. For every scamster the city has, there are 20 genuinely nice warm people. Varanasi's residents are known for their humility and openness, welcoming visitors with genuine warmth. Proud of their city's deep-rooted traditions, the people of Varanasi are not only open to sharing their knowledge but take immense pride in doing so. They foster a community where teaching and learning are valued as essential aspects of daily life.

Social Thread

22

Food for Thought

Delicate sweets, such as the famous "malaiyo," a creamy delicacy, and the soul-satisfying "kachori sabzi," a fried pastry filled with dal, add a sweet and savory symphony to the palate. Whether enjoyed by the ghats of the Ganges or in the bustling lanes, the peaceful food of Varanasi reflects the city's unwavering commitment to flavor. Even if the food is made with noise, it is always served for peace.

Food for Thought

24

Varanasi

On the flip side, Varanasi also grapples with the challenges of modernity and urbanization. The narrow alleys that lend the city its enchanting character are often congested, making it a maze for both locals and tourists alike. The clash between tradition and progress is palpable in Varanasi, as the old and the new coexist in a delicate balance, raising questions about how the city can preserve its ancient essence while adapting to the demands of the present day.

Varanasi

26

Scan the QR code to view a short video that encapsulates Varanasi’s contrast.