7 March 2025/

DISCOVER THE GAUDIYA VAISHNAVA HERITAGE AND ARCHITECTURE OF BENGAL

The Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) and the Kolkata Society for Asian Studies (KSAS) are organizing an engaging two-day seminar titled “The Gaudiya Vaishnava Heritage and Architecture of Bengal.” This event is scheduled for March 7th and 8th, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity. The seminar invites enthusiasts and scholars to delve into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition in Bengal.

The event promises to be visually and intellectually enriching, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures that highlight the artistic and architectural brilliance of Bengal’s Gaudiya Vaishnava heritage. This seminar emphasizes the importance of preserving and understanding cultural heritage, making it a valuable experience for anyone interested in Bengal’s spiritual and architectural legacy.

The seminar will offer insights into the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, an integral part of Bengal’s cultural fabric. It is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that anyone with an interest in heritage and architecture can participate and benefit from the discussions and presentations. Join for an enlightening experience celebrating the depth and beauty of Bengal’s cultural heritage.

WELCOME ADDRESS

The event begins with a warm welcome address by Ms. Richa Agarwal, Chairperson of the Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC).

INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Shri. Anup Kumar Motilal, a retired Special Secretary of the Government of West Bengal (GOWB), will deliver the inaugural address. He has also served as the Former Director of Culture, GOWB, Former Director of the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, and Director in Charge of the Indian Museum, Government of India.

Dr. Satyabati Giri, a retired professor from the Department of Bengali at Jadavpur University, will deliver the keynote address.

LECTURE DEMONSTRATION

Dr. Mahua Mukherjee, a retired professor from the Department of Dance and former Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Rabindra Bharati University, will present a lecture demonstration on the impact of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in plastic and performing arts. Dr. Mukherjee, a Nritya Guru of Bengali Classical Dance, will be accompanied by her troupe.

Sarmistha De Basu, a PhD and Secretary at the Kolkata Society for Asian Studies, will deliver the vote of thanks.

LITERARY AND ARCHIVAL IMPORTANCE OF THE VAISHNAVA HERITAGE OF BENGAL

The session’s topic is the literary and archival importance of the Vaishnava heritage of Bengal. The talk will focus on “Vaishnava Rasa in the Temples of Bengal,” documented through the photographic archive of Hitesranjan Sanyal at the Jadunath Bhaban and Resource Centre. The speaker for this session is Mrs. Manasvita Sanyal, wife of Sri Hitesh Ranjan Sanyal and one of the Vice Presidents of the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AND TALKS

DOCUMENTATION VALUES OF TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE VAISHNAVA HERITAGE
- Speaker: Dr. Abhijit Bhattacharya, Head of Archive, Centre for Studies in Social Sciences.
- Details: Dr. Bhattacharya will discuss the importance of preserving both physical and non-physical aspects of Vaishnava heritage in Bengal.
Distribution of Vaishnav-associated Sites in Jharkhand
- Speaker: Dr. Rupendra Kumar Chattopadhyay, Azad Fellow, Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Rtd. Professor of Presidency University and University of Calcutta, Guest Faculty, West Bengal Sate University, Barasat.
- Details: Dr. Chattopadhyay will explore the historical significance of Vaishnav sites in Jharkhand, focusing on worship practices from the Pre-Chaitanya to Shri Chaitanya era.
Impact of Gaudiya Vaishnava Literature on Plastic and Performing Arts
- Speaker: Dr. Munmun Gangopadhyay, Professor, Depat. Of Bengali, Rabindra Bharati University.
- Details: Dr. Gangopadhyay will delve into the influence of Gaudiya Vaishnava literature on Bengal’s plastic and performing arts.

LECTURE DEMONSTRATION

IMPACT OF GAUDIYA VAISHNAVA LITERATURE ON BENGAL’S ARTS

Speaker: Satabdi Acharya, Ph.D in dance and MA in English, Senior National Scholar and Junior Research Fellow, Department of Culture, Government of India.
Details: Satabdi Acharya, along with her troupe, will present a lecture demonstration on the influence of Gaudiya Vaishnava literature on Bengal’s arts.

This seminar offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the Gaudiya Vaishnava heritage and architecture of Bengal, showcasing its historical, literary, and artistic impacts. Join us for an enriching experience celebrating Bengal’s rich cultural legacy.

DAY 2: EXPLORING BENGAL’S TERRACOTTA TEMPLE PHILOSOPHY

On March 8, 2025, the second day of the seminar at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity focuses on the philosophical aspects of Bengal’s terracotta temples. This day promises enlightening talks and performances that delve into the cultural and historical significance of these ancient structures.

TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS

Madhura Rasa in Bengal Temple Architecture
- Speaker: Dr. Shreela Basu, Associate Professor of Bengali, Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan.
- Details: Dr. Basu will discuss how the concept of Madhura Rasa is depicted in Bengal temple designs.
Vaishnavism and Social Impact: Temples of Bishnupur
- Speaker: Dr. Keka Banerjee, Curator, The Asiatic Society, Archive & Museum.
- Details: Dr. Banerjee will present a case study on the influence of Vaishnavism on Bishnupur’s architecture and social landscape.
লোকসংস্কৃতি ও গৌড়ীয় বৈষ্ণব মন্দির স্থাপত্যের দর্শন
- Speaker: Dr. Ritabrota Basu Mallik, Assistant Professor, Rishi Bankim Chandra College.
- Details: A discussion on the philosophy of folk culture and Gaudiya Vaishnav temple architecture.
শিল্পের দৃষ্টিকোণ থেকে বিষ্ণুপুরের মন্দির স্থাপত্যের দর্শন
- Speaker: Tithi Chanda, PRO, Rabindra Bharati University.
- Details: An artistic perspective on Bishnupur’s temple architecture.

The day also features a kirtan performance titled “Rupavasar ‘Ananda-Yatra'” by Mohan Saha, highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of kirtan in Bengal.

The final talk of the day by Rzishikala Paul, Founder President of Cooch Behar Archive, will discuss “Revisioning Gaudiya and Shankariya Vaishnavism: Their Philosophy Interaction and Architectural Legacy,” offering a comprehensive overview of these traditions’ philosophical and architectural contributions.

The second day of the seminar at the Kolkata Centre for Creativity will be a remarkable gathering of scholars and performers including Dr. Subha Majumdar, Superintendent Archaeologist, VadodaraCircle, Archaeological Survey of India; Dr. Shyamal Kumar Bera, Retired Teacher and manuscript collector, founder secretary of Kolaghat Folk Culture Research Centre and Museum and Dwija Harideva museum and Research Centre and Gaudiya Performance and lecture by renowned dancer of Gaudiya Nritya, Kolkata.

The day will feature insightful talks and engaging performances, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Bengal and Gaudiya Vaishnavism. From discussions on the peculiarities of the Bengal version of the Avatars to the preservation of folk culture and the nuances of Gaudiya Nritya, the event will offer a comprehensive exploration of Bengal’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

The Session will conclude with a heartful remark by Shri. Kalyan Kumar Chakravarty, renowned historian and advisor of the KSAS, and also will express vote of thanks by Arpita Basu, Treasurer, KSAS, acknowledging the contributions of all participants and organizers, leaving attendees inspired and enriched by the vibrant cultural heritage of Bengal.