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The Story Jar, KOLKATA (2025)

23/12/2024

TIME TALKS BACK

Timelines lay scattered across the streets of South Kolkata, weaving through the disarray of human lives. Walls exploded with vibrant colors, fabrics swayed gently in the breeze, and soulful music rippled through the air. Passersby paused, their hurried steps faltering, as Behala Art Fest transported them to a realm where memories lingered and time whispered its secrets.

This fifth season wasn’t just a celebration of art; it was a reckoning. Each lane bore witness to stories long forgotten, fragments of people and moments that time had pushed aside. But beneath the grandeur of installations lay quiet, tender narratives—of tireless hands and fierce passion of the artists of the art fest, and their audacity to make time talk back.
These artists transformed the streets into a living canvas, their creations breathing life into lost histories. Walls told tales of uprooted lives, mirrors reflected fleeting joys, and murals bled nostalgia. Every piece demanded attention, urging us to remember the faces, the voices, and the fleeting moments we’ve allowed to slip away.

Walking through these streets felt like being wrapped in an embrace of memory, a bittersweet reminder of the fragile threads that bind us to the past. The festival wasn’t merely art—it was a plea to hold on to what defines us, a bridge between what we’ve lost and what we can still preserve.
And as the night fell and the music faded, the stories didn’t leave. They stayed, like quiet echoes in the heart, urging us to listen, to remember, and to cherish. Behala Art Fest wasn’t just about beauty—it was a reminder that art has the power to reclaim time, to connect us to ourselves, and to ensure that what matters is never truly forgotten.
Created by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo edited by Anirudha Paul

17/12/2024

A STAGE FOR ALL

Subhajit has always lived and breathed art. As an actor and writer, he weaves stories and characters with passion, but his vision reaches far beyond personal expression. Deeply rooted in Kolkata’s cultural soul, he dreams of a world where creativity flows freely, where barriers fade, and where every aspiring artist finds their voice.
This dream led to something extraordinary. Recognizing that many are yet to reach the grand stages of the city, Subhajit, along with his friend and fellow artist Lubdhak, created Open Mic—Kolkata's first open platform for artists, under the banner of NIV Arts. Their mission was simple yet profound: to bring the stage to the people and make art accessible to all.

At Open Mic, art breathes without restriction. Here, a young musician’s melody harmonizes with a veteran storyteller’s words. A first-time poet shares their heart as confidently as a seasoned performer. It’s a living, breathing movement where courage meets expression, and creativity knows no limits.
For Subhajit though, Open Mic is more than a platform; it’s a mission to democratize art. Stories carry the essence of humanity, and through NIV Arts, he is building a home for boundless creativity—a stage for dreamers, doers, and storytellers.

But this is just the beginning. Subhajit and Lubdhak are shaping the next chapter with intimate film screenings and collaborative workshops, nurturing a thriving community where artists can grow and inspire one another. It’s a space where ideas flourish, friendships bloom, and dreams soar.

In Kolkata, where art pulses through every street, Subhajit’s work is a beacon of hope. Open Mic isn’t just a stage; it’s a celebration of courage and connection. Through NIV Arts, he ensures that every dreamer gets to share their story, proving that art, like dreams, is meant to be shared.
Created by Paroma Bhowmik.

09/12/2024

MAGIC HOUR

The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) isn’t just an event—it’s the heartbeat of a city that lives and breathes stories. For three decades, it has served as a luminous platform where tales from across the globe find a welcoming home. Like an old friend, it returns every year with a jhola of memories and dreams, weaving generations together in the resplendence of its magic hour.

This year, Nandan once again becomes the epicenter of excitement. The air buzzes with anticipation as laughter and whispers ripple through the crowd, a mingling of seasoned cinephiles and young dreamers alike. For some, it’s a reunion with cinema’s finest, while for others—especially aspiring filmmakers—it’s an open door to the world. KIFF isn’t merely a festival for them; it’s a chance to carve their names alongside legends, a stage where raw, unfiltered visions are celebrated and nurtured. Here, the voices of emerging storytellers reverberate, inspiring those who dare to dream big.

As the lights dim and the first flicker dances across the screen, there’s an undeniable sense of belonging. The moment feels like a warm embrace, a bridge between past and future, where nostalgia meets the promise of new beginnings. KIFF is more than a showcase—it’s a living memory, a part of Kolkata’s soul that connects generations through the universal language of cinema.

Year after year, KIFF reminds us of the unparalleled power of stories to unite, heal, and inspire. It’s not just a festival; it’s a celebration of dreams, a sanctuary for storytellers, and a testament to Kolkata’s undying love for cinema. As we step into the 30th edition, we carry forward a legacy that transcends time—a chapter that will forever remain etched in the heart of this city, glowing like the magic hour itself.
Created by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo edited by Anirudha Paul

25/11/2024

NOAH'S ARK FOR DOLLS

In a quiet corner of Kolkata, where the hum of daily life rarely hints at magic, Sudip creates worlds that transcend imagination. On one hand, he is a devoted husband and father, balancing the routines of family life. On the other hand, he embodies a life filled with enchantment. Sudip is a master puppeteer, a craftsman of dreams who has been breathing life into inanimate figures since the 80s.
In 1990, he brought his passion to life with Doll’s Theatre, a magical nest brimming with puppets of every kind—from the belied woodcutter to delicate storks that seem to flutter with secrets. To walk into this space is to step into a world akin to Noah’s Ark, a sanctuary safeguarding the art of puppetry from fading into oblivion.

But Doll’s Theatre is more than just a haven for dolls. It’s a stage for new voices, a cradle for young dreamers who long to express their creativity, weaving their own stories into this age-old craft.
Consequently, to keep his ark moving, Sudip knows that he must create a tornado of creations that uplift young minds. And so he does-taking years to script a story, crafting the puppets, and perfecting every movement before it comes alive for an audience. His devotion to his craft is unwavering, supported by a family that shares his passion. Together, they spend hours designing and rehearsing elaborate productions, ensuring that every performance becomes an unforgettable spectacle.

Sudip’s puppets aren’t just objects—they’re characters that laugh, cry, and dream, metaphorizing human emotions and life's principles. And it is through his puppets that Sudip fills the world with wonder. For those who’ve watched his creations dance under the spotlight, in the country or beyond, it feels less like a performance and more like a spell being cast. In every string he pulls, Sudip weaves a legacy—one that ensures the magic of puppetry will live on, inspiring generations to dream beyond the ordinary.

Story of Sudip Gupta

Created by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo edited by Anirudha Paul

18/11/2024

THE SUTRADHAR

In the heart of Kolkata, Sayak Mitra dances not just to perform, but to carry forward a legacy as old as time itself. A true sutradhar, Sayak is both a performer and scholar of the Natya Shastra, India’s ancient treatise on the performing arts. Under the guidance of his guru, Dr. Piyal Bhattacharya, Sayak has spent years honing not just his craft, but his spirit. To him, the true essence of our culture lies in the art of listening and observing—absorbing the subtle wisdom held in each movement, each note, as very likely depicted in the Shastra itself. Every time he takes the stage, he feels the presence of something bigger, an unbroken thread of stories and songs that live through him. And this is exactly what he shares through his practice.

As Sayak’s dedication has drawn him to audiences across the country, his greatest pride remains with his students - whom he teaches and also learns from. They gather around him like eager apprentices, watching and listening as he shares the soul of the Natya Shastra. With each lesson, he passes down not just technique, but the philosophy and beauty that make this ancient art so deeply alive. For them, he is more than a mentor; he’s a bridge to a world where dance and music aren’t just art but expressions of life’s profound truths.

In these quiet moments with his students, Sayak feels the true depth of his work. The legacy of the Natya Shastra flows from his heart to theirs, rooting them in something timeless. And as he watches them absorb this gift, he knows that his role as a sutradhar is not just to preserve this art, but to breathe life into it—to pass forward not only an ancient story, but a heritage that must be carried for the years to come.

Story of Sayak Mitra

Created by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Re-touched by Abhishek Av

04/11/2024

MORTAL WATERS

They say the river Ganga cleanses all sins, washing away lifetimes of wrongdoing. Her waters carry away darkness, offering a path to redemption for those who seek it. But as Kolkata's festive season peaks—streets alive with the dazzling glow of lights, the hypnotic beat of dhaak drums filling the air, and voices raised in joy and prayer—an undercurrent flows beneath the celebrations, one that few are willing to confront. The city may burst with color and life, from the majesty of Durga Puja to the final, solemn echoes of Kaali Puja, but in the shadows, a darker reality seeps through, woven deeply into our reality.

This year, Kolkata felt the weight of peaking societal evils as they immersed themselves in the grand festivities: neglect and apathy, corruption and violence. These weren’t just whispers; they were loud reminders as crimes rose under the cover of night, poverty’s grip tightened, and innocent lives were lost. All this even as idols of the divine were paraded toward Ganga’s sacred banks. In a bitter irony, Kaali—the fierce mother who stands against darkness—was returned to these same Mortal Waters, now burdened by human sin. This isn’t just pollution; it’s a mirror held up to our conscience, revealing the cracks in our reverence. Has our homage turned into silent resignation, an acceptance of forces that even the goddess herself cannot banish?

The river that once promised salvation now carries the cries of a society drowning in its own disregard. Perhaps this is a call to remember: water alone cannot cleanse the soul. True redemption lies in our willingness to confront the impurities we bring to Ganga’s edge, the evils we let fester. These Mortal Waters reflect the depths of our moral failings, but maybe there is still hope—a chance to remember the reverence we once held, to be worthy of Ganga’s embrace once again.
Written & Clicked by Paroma Bhowmik

28/10/2024

RHYTHM OF BRUSH

Rahul Sharma’s life has always been intertwined with art. Growing up in a household where his father crafted intricate patachitra paintings, Rahul was destined to pick up a brush. But while tradition runs deep in his veins, it’s the delicate, flowing art of Indian wash painting that has captured his soul. His love for creating textures and hues with gentle strokes of color brings him a quiet thrill—an experience he describes as pure.

For years, Rahul has worked as a mural artist, collaborating with renowned names, adorning large walls with vivid designs. But the end of the day finds him in the peaceful corner of his home, where the familiar rhythm of brush on canvas soothes him. It’s in these quiet moments that he feels most fulfilled. While he doesn’t depend solely on his wash paintings to make a living, it is this personal art that gives him a sense of true freedom. Some of his artworks take weeks, even months, to complete, as they evolve with the stories that slowly emerge from his mind. Despite his years of experience, he approaches each new piece with the same sense of wonder, knowing that his learning never ends.

Rahul’s younger son often sits beside him, mimicking his strokes with curious hands, trying to capture the beauty his father so effortlessly creates. In these shared moments, Rahul sees not just the continuation of a family tradition, but the joy of passing on the love of creation—something that no amount of work or recognition can replace. His life may be spent on towering murals, but it’s the wash paintings, born in the quiet of his home, that speak to his heart.
Written & Clicked by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Edited by Abhishek Av

14/10/2024

UTSAV

Durga Puja in Kolkata is more than a festival—it’s a heartbeat, pulsing through the city’s streets and souls. Beneath the glow of intricate pandals and the rhythmic beat of the dhak, a quieter story unfolds, one of the people whose lives intersect in this grand celebration. The street vendors selling little joys to countless people in the form of toys or accessories, the cobblers stitching shoes to carry the weight of wandering feet, the policemen standing watch through the revelry—each one a silent thread in the vast tapestry of Durga Puja.

It’s a landscape of emotions, where joy and struggle entwine. The city comes alive, not just in the lights and music, but in the determination of those who build the very essence of this festival. There’s the sweetness of devotion, the laughter of families reunited, but also the unseen labor, the strength of those whose hands shape the celebration. Here, Durga’s power is not only revered in her idol but lived in the hearts of the people who carry her spirit.

This year, this spirit of the divine feminine burns brighter than ever, as the city stands witness to more than just ritual—it watches a battle. The recent protests at R.G. Kar Hospital, where doctors took a stand against injustice demanding justice for Abhaya, became a living embodiment of Durga’s fight against the forces of evil. Their protest was not only a demand for rights but a declaration of integrity and strength, a reflection of the goddess’s eternal struggle to protect and preserve.

As the festival sweeps across Kolkata, it transforms into something more profound—a reminder of the strength that binds us all. The festival reflects not just devotion but defiance, wherein the spirit of the goddess comes alive, embodying resilience. This Puja, beyond the rituals, lies a deeper unity, a collective power to challenge the wrongs around us, celebrating not just the divine but the strength within each of us to fight for a better world.
Photographed & Written by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Edited by Anirudha Paul

07/10/2024

SAMBALPURI SOUL

In India, the season of festivals has always been a time to reunite and celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Honoring this spirit, as people prepare for Dussehra and Durga Puja, somewhere in the remote corners of Odisha, the vibrant rhythms of Sambalpuri folk dances like Dalkhai, Rasodkhali, Bajniya, and Nachiya echo through the villages, revering the strength of matriarchy and the harmony of rural life.

One man has been at the forefront of preserving and propagating this rich cultural heritage — Guru Gangadhar Das. Since his teenage years, he has been passionately practicing this traditional dance form. But for Gangadhar, it was never just about dancing. His purpose extended beyond the performance; he sought to instill the tribal rituals of Odisha among the masses, ensuring that the art form not only survived but thrived in the modern world.

Gangadhar trained under eminent Gurus like Ranjit Nagar and Balabhadra Sivas in both dance and music, but his journey evolved with a renewed soul: to keep alive the stories, rituals, and relations of his people through the art of Sambalpuri dance. His compositions are infused with Oriya folklore, capturing the essence of rural life and its deep connection to nature and the divine.

When he first began, Sambalpuri dance was a male-dominated tradition, with no space for female performers. But Gangadhar has transformed this practice. His team today consists of both male and female dancers, embracing gender equality while staying true to the roots of the tradition. This vibrant, instrument-based dance form has now become a symbol of cultural pride, uniting people across generations.

Guru Gangadhar Das remains devoted to his roots, not just as a dancer, but as a cultural ambassador. His dedication to Sambalpuri folk dance has ensured that this archaic yet dynamic tradition continues to inspire, both in India and across the world.
Written & Clicked by Paroma Bhowmik

30/09/2024

IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder... At some point in our lives, we've all been in some way lured by this idea. But how rarely did we mean to apply this in our everyday lives? Not all, but artist Tulika's vision certainly embodied this thought. Growing up in Kolkata and amongst people who have forever inspired her artistic inclination, Tulika's journey is indeed an example to be remembered. She often mentions that she is a homemaker. But from what her imagination shows, and from what we can witness, she is much more than that. As an eco-artist, her artworks convey her thoughtfulness, displaying her ability to use discarded foliage to create stories that are inspired by Nature. And through this, she finds a way to pause and reflect on the world around us, to recognise the potential of the forgotten.

Like any other homemaker, her day usually starts early, tending to her household chores. But unlike most, it doesn’t end there. She immerses herself in her art, transforming her living space into a sanctuary of creativity. Her tools? Fallen leaves, dried flowers, twigs—things that others would sweep away without a second thought. It's like Nature herself gifts her with a vibrant palette, urging her to dig deep and bring out the best of her creations. Tirelessly, Tulika collects, arranges and weaves together from Nature's castaways a symphony of art that speaks volumes in its quiet simplicity.
Moreover, not only for herself, Tulika's art
has become a source of renewal for many older women, offering them a creative outlet they never knew they needed. Through her gentle guidance, they find joy in crafting something meaningful from the overlooked, just as Tulika does. In a way, she’s not only preserving nature’s beauty but also helping others rediscover their own—proving that creativity, like life, has no expiration date. And perhaps, most importantly, she shows us that art is not something apart from life but woven into the fabric of everyday existence, waiting to be found.

Story of Tulika Bandyopadhyay

Written & Clicked by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Edited by Abhishek Av

23/09/2024

ART BEYOND IDOLS

The frenzied streets of Kumortuli in Kolkata is such a splendid display of art and artistry - a paradise celebrating mixed cultures and ethos all year round through idol making and trading. But for Mala, a renowned idol maker among the sea of artisans representing the place, there is more to what this place should stand for. Not just idol creation, Mala wanted Kumortuli to be an institute that created artists. One which honoured artists irrespective of their gender, and where craft would be passed on through reverence. However, her journey to realizing this dream was far from smooth.

As a woman, Mala was discouraged from pursuing idol-making, a craft dominated by men. Despite her natural talent, she was limited to assisting her brother after their father’s passing. It wasn’t until her brother’s absence one day that Mala stepped up to complete his pending work, finally earning recognition as an artist in her own right. But this wasn’t enough for Mala. She knew Kumortuli needed more than just skilled hands—it needed a vision. That’s when she took her boldest step, founding a pathshala where she now teaches the craft to nearly 50 students, regardless of their age or background, ensuring preservation of this age-old legacy.

For Mala, however, the work doesn’t end when the idols are made. Since 1985, even during festival seasons where the city basks in light and joy, she spends hours tirelessly crafting idols for the next festivities. Yet her exhaustion never hinders her commitment. Later, with her students, she molds not just clay but minds and hearts. They learn patience, dedication, and values that go beyond creation. Mala's mission is simple yet profound: Kumortuli must remain a living, breathing institute where tradition and talent are passed down with care, creating an identity of its own where art transcends gender and generations.

kumortuli

Story of Mala Pal

Story & Clicks by Paroma Bhowmik
Photo Manupulation - Anirudha Paul

16/09/2024

LAKE DIDI

Sumita is like a fresh breeze swishing through the paths and the dense foliage of Rabindra Sarobar Park - a legacy reigning Kolkata since time immemorial. But, contrary to the weather, she isn't seasonal. Rather, since 2001, Sumita has been a regular visitor of the park. The purpose of her visits, however, is not just to take brisk morning walks, but to scour the place, making sure the heritage site is safe, sound and lively. With a little backpack to hold her belongings and with a stick in her hand, this lady's hawk-like eyes traverse leaps and bounds, interrupting anyone who even intends to pollute its sanctity. But despite her intrusion, it is her energy that leaves a mark on anyone who sets foot at the paradise, as she navigates her duties as a selfless conservationist.

Though, it is not always that Sumita's acts are appreciated. In fact, in her early years threats and attacks were pretty normal to her curriculum. As she stood up to bring discipline to the then forested and polluted lake, driving out miscreants to make it a safe place for the joggers, and to restore a healthy environment, she became an eye sore for many. Even then, nobody could stand up to Sumita's conviction. Come rain or shine, every morning Sumita forged her way into the park, doing what she believed in. She stopped people from feeding the fish and the birds, emphasizing how important it is to surrender to the natural ecosystem; she prevented construction of illegal establishments; and even conducted regular cleaning drives. Eventually building up a community who started believing in her morals and principles, evoking a collective consciousness of environmentalism.

Today, many other joggers have come forward to help Sumita create the spectacle called Rabindra Sarobar Park. However, Sumita’s spirit alone overshadows all. No wonder she is referred to as 'Lake Didi' - a guiding soul who has taken adversities in her stride to preserve a legacy and immortalize it.

Photographed & Written by Paroma Bhowmik

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