Mahabharata : Episode 4 – The Conflict Begins

Young Bheema fight with the Nagas

Young Bheema fight with the Nagas

The stories of Mahabharata continues. The conflict between the Pandava brothers and the Kaurava brothers began at an early age.  In this episode we learn of the first attempt by the Kaurava brothers, primarily Duryodhona and Duhsashana, to eliminate their arch rival Bheema. The story gives us a glimpse of the extent to which the Kauravas could go to achieve their goals. Enjoy and do not forget to give your feedback.

(Note: You can also subscribe to this series (for free) as podcast on iTunes store or any other podcast aggregator. Just search for Mahabharata and Bhawmik.)

Mahabharata: Episode 3 – Birth of the Kuru Princes

Pandu Hunts the Deer Couple.

Pandu Hunts the Deer Couple.

The stories of Mahabharata continues. In this episode we learn about the birth of the Kuru princes, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. We also learn about the tragic death of King Pandu caused by a curse from the dying sage Kindama.

Audio engineering and sound design by Avi Ziv.

Mahabharata Episode 2: Amba’s Plight

Bhishma abducts Amba, Ambika and Ambalika

Bhishma abducts Amba, Ambika and Ambalika

After a long hiatus, we bring to you the fully produced version of the episode 2 of the Stories of Mahabharata Series – Amba’s Plight. In this episode, he learn how Bhisma abducts the three princesses of Kashi, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika by force and brings them to Hastinapur to get them married to his brother Vichitravirya.  Amba declines to marry Vichitravirya. Vichitravirya marries Ambika and Ambalika but dies without leaving an heir. Satyavati then invokes the practice of Niyoga and asks Vyasa to give the Kuru dynasty an heir. Listen to this crucial and exciting episode and share your thoughts with us.

Jatra – A Bengali Tradition

Noti Binodini

Noti Binodini

I grew up in a small campus town where entertainment options were quite limited.  We did have some limited opportunities to watch cinema during the weekends, but that was rare. So we all waited for the Jatra companies to visit our town after the Puja’s with their exciting performances. Months before the show, monochrome or dual tone lithographic posters printed on thin paper covered the walls, lamp posts, even tree trunks all around the town. Publicists of the show organizers announced the details of the upcoming Jatra festival using a battery powered portable PA system mounted on a cycle rickshaw and threw dozens of colorful handbills in the air.  Weeks before the festival,  walls made of corrugated tin enclosed a large football (soccer) field. The top covered with tarp supported by wooden poles. Inside, in the center of the field, was a square stage built on wooden platforms where the actors performed.  The actors entered and exited through a ramp leading from the dressing rooms to the stage. On either side of the stage, at a slightly lower level,  sat the musicians who played live music with harmonium, trumpet, cymbals, tabla, dholak, flute etc. The contents of the plays ranged from mythological to historical to social issues.   Continue reading