‘Bhikshavritti’ Festival – Celebrating Wandering Wisdom

INDICA’s Center for Embodied Knowledge (CEK) is pleased to collaborate with Jeevika Ashram, Village Indrana, Jabalpur, MP in hosting the Bhikshavritti Festival – a confluence of art, aesthetics and prosperity traditions of Bharat through performances, discussions and immersive experiences between December 27 to 29, 2024.

Speaking to CEK, Shri Ashish Kumar Gupta of Jeevika Ashram believes that the wandering sutradhars of ancient India played a very important role in preserving and sharing knowledge orally.

The Bhikshavritti Festival is a heartfelt tribute to the wandering wisdom keepers of India—those who once served as mobile libraries of knowledge and artistry, bridging communities with their vivid performances, storytelling, and spiritual insight. Hosted by Jeevika Ashram in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Nation Centre for The Arts (IGNCA) and INDICA’s Center for Embodied Knowledge at the picturesque village, Indrana in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, this three-day festival from December 27 to 29, 2024, promises to be an immersive journey into India’s profound and multifaceted traditions.

Through live performances, dynamic discussions, and engaging interactive exhibits, the festival will honor the diverse communities embracing bhikshavritti—a way of life rooted in sharing wisdom and entertainment in exchange for alms. These communities were once integral to Indian society, functioning as news bearers, conflict mediators, and spiritual guides, while also preserving rich artistic and oral traditions. From Pat-chitra-katha singers of West Bengal to Telangana’s Burra Katha narrators and Behrupiyas of Madhya Pradesh, the festival will bring together nearly 60 of the last custodians of these traditions, many of whom face the threat of extinction.

Set amidst lush forests, trails, and a tranquil riverside, the event will offer participants an immersive experience that blends art, spirituality, and history. Each day will feature a rich tapestry of activities, from morning treks and village walks to lively bazaars where attendees can interact with artisans, taste traditional foods, and explore musical and artistic displays. Central stage performances and late-night storytelling sessions will captivate audiences, while panel discussions with scholars and practitioners will delve deep into the historical and social significance of bhikshavritti.

The festival is not merely a celebration but a call to action—a step toward preserving and revitalizing these invaluable traditions. It seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the role of these communities in shaping India’s cultural and spiritual landscape while inspiring efforts to ensure their survival for future generations. Nestled in the serene setting of Jeevika Ashram, surrounded by hills, forests, and fabled medicinal plants, the Bhikshavritti Festival will be a rare confluence of learning, artistry, and community, connecting the past to the present with an eye on the future.

Registration Now at https://forms.gle/SqT9PH1MmcRQUFd37