A performer dressed as Yakshi on stage at the Bihar Biennale event organised by Outlook in collaboration with Bihar Museum at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai on June 3, 2023.
The event was marked by traditional ‘Launda Nach’ performances by Satyendra Kumar and his troupe.
The performer dressed as Yakshi becomes the human manifestation of the famous ‘Didarganj Yakshi’ sculpture from the 3rd century BCE, to mark the importance of Bihar’s contribution to Indian art. The sculpture was excavated in Bihar in 1917 and remains an important reminder of the grandeur of the Mauryan period.
Bihari artists Satyendra Kumar and his troupe performing to traditional Launda Nach at National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai on June 3, 2023.
A traditional dance from from Bihar, ‘Launda Nach’ often reflects themes of gender and migration central to the Bihari ethos.
At Bihar Biennale, Launda Nach and ‘Bidesiya’ music (Songs of Migration) were translated as expressions of Bihari cultural ethos, identity and history.
The performances also explored themes of gender roles and changing gender norms. These performances were were once the solitary domain of men and women were not allowed to participate in such performances.
Bihar Museum Biennale is a one of a kind initiative by Outlook in collaboration with Bihar Museum in an attempt to preserve Bihari art and heritage by transforming the nature of museums - from repository of artefacts to repository of memories.
A performer getting dressed ahead of the Bihar Biennale event organised by Outlook in collaboration with Bihar Museum at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai on June 3, 2023.
