WHEN I DIVE INTO THE REALM OF YOUR ENDLESSNESS
The project “When I Dive into the Realm of Your Endlessness” seeks to understand the grassroots perspectives, philosophy, meditation, and artistic expressions of the Baul-Fakir women, who are largely marginalized and ignored in rural Bengal (India and Bangladesh) due to the patriarchal environment.
When I Dive into the Realm of Your Endlessness examines the philosophy, contemplation, and artistic expression of Baul-Fakir (the mystic folk tradition) women in Bengal (India and Bangladesh). Mystics from Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim backgrounds formed a major sect called Baulism in Bengal between the early mid-18th and early 19th centuries. This project seeks to document the lives, roles, practices, and narratives of women seeking their own identities within this patriarchal system. In the post-neoliberal era, Baul’s core practice has undergone a complete transformation, and this project documents women’s spiritual, psychological, and cultural transformations.
The Bauls are a mystic folk group that challenges Indian culture’s norms and stereotypes, known globally as traveling troubadours. Since 2020, I’ve been investigating how Hindu-Muslim religious violence is patriarchal violence in Bengal (West Bengal and Bangladesh) for my project ‘Nothing Left to Call Home’. Throughout my research, I have interviewed Baul and Fakir groups in my home district, West Bengal and Bangladesh. These groups exclude themselves from any organized religion or the established caste system to record their perspectives on ongoing religious conflicts. While in their company, I’ve observed that their attitudes do not align with Baul’s core philosophy.
(Ongoing)
WHEN I DIVE INTO THE REALM OF YOUR ENDLESSNESS SUPPORTED BY:
- Nazar Foundation Artist Assist Fund, 2023.