In a small village named Naya in Bengal’s West Midnapore district, situated about 1,000 km away from Ayodhya, joy and celebration erupted among the residents, predominantly Muslims, as the consecration of Ram Lalla took place. Despite their religious differences, the villagers have immersed themselves in the tales of Lord Ram from the Ramayan for generations, shaping their lives around the epic.
For years, the villagers of Naya have been actively involved in preserving and spreading the essence of Ramayan through traditional cloth-based scrolls called patachitras. These artworks have not only reached various corners of India but have also gained recognition in prestigious places, including the official residences of the Prime Minister and the President. The village’s devotion to Ramayan has been a central part of their existence.
Artisan Bahadur Chitrakar expressed his happiness, stating that an invitation to the consecration in Ayodhya and the opportunity to showcase their patachitras would have been a moment of great joy for the villagers. Naya, locally known as the “Pat-er” village, is home to 136 families, with over 300 artisans, of which more than 100 are Muslim families.
While Ramayan holds a special place in the hearts of the villagers, the recent weeks have seen increased interest in their works on other mythological tales such as Mahabharata, Chandi Mangal, and Manasa Mangal. The tradition, spanning over 2,500 years, has not only kept the tales alive but also made them popular beyond Bengal.
Rupshona Chitrakar, a 27-year-old artisan, mentioned that visitors have been inquiring about their works on various mythological tales, recognizing the broader impact of their art. Despite changes over the years, the artisans continue to share the tales of Lord Ram, hoping that the Ayodhya ceremony will rejuvenate interest in Ramayan and their traditional art.
The village workshop has witnessed increased footfall in the last few weeks, with locals and media showing interest in the artisans’ works. Baharjan Chitrakar, a 65-year-old artisan, expressed optimism that the ceremony in Ayodhya would generate renewed interest in Ramayan, ensuring that Lord Ram’s tales continue to resonate in the hearts of people. The Ram temple ceremony not only brought smiles to devotees but also uplifted the spirits of a remote village like Naya.
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