Dear Readers,

The concept of “one idea and many forms” comes from the folklore that talks about the manifestations and expressions of believers seeing one image of the Divine from multiple perspectives. Similarly, festivals too are seen from multiple discourses of one’s idea that often enlightens us with something that goes beyond the idea of celebrations’. Every festival celebrated in India reflect its own stories that are mostly based on mythologies, the common folklore, and the traditions that change after every km of the Indian sphere. One often sees and envisions them in celebrations that go beyond their reach.

On a similar note, Art & Deal Magazine in this Pandemic year has come out with a different theme that will make you visit different states, understand different mythologies and folklores from one place. The “October Mythologies” theme is based on the festivals that are worldwide celebrated among Indians in the month of October. It focuses on how different folklores and different beliefs come together making this festival common yet unique in its action.

The magazine opens up with a ritual that begins the October festivity and at present has gone under considerable change. Shanku Sharma in his article witnesses the moment of Tarpana- A religious act performed in remembrance of their ancestors. It also reflects changes that have been witnessed by people this year. The inclusion of women to perform this cultural practice, which was once forbidden by society has come out reflecting positivity and adjustments.

From Silchar in the state of Assam, We start on to the journey to Bengal and focus on the history of Patua: the Bengal’s minstrels of the mythos. Upasana Bhattacharya has delved into the research of bringing out the story, history, and the present situations of Bengal’s Patua artists, the significance of Patachitra, and why there is a need to conserve this dying artform.

It is true to realize that the Pandemic year has adversely affected life and festivals. Thus, we put forth a photo-essay by Partha Seal that highlights how much pandemic has destroyed the homes of people whose only survival was through banking out their small business during the festival. This report will embark on the journey of an emotional time.

When one talks about Mythologies, Festivals, rituals, and Art, the role of Artists also becomes an important part. Thus, Kainaat Fatima starts her conversation with one of the renowned Artists of the Indian Cultural sphere Arpana Caur. Where she shares her life journey, the paintings and installations she has worked on, and how she saw, witnessed and became a part of the change.

The legend of Mahisasurmardini, the conqueror of Mahisasura the buffalo-headed demon is seen depicted in various panels of the Early Indian Temples. Apurva Sinha talks about the temples, its architectural features, and the panels narrating the legend. She further talks about the story of Mahisasurmardini, the influence of it on locals, and the depiction of it on the panels.

Anirban Dhar through his Article has tried to make its reader envision Bengal’s Durga Puja Celebration and the myths attached to it. He ends it by putting forth the current situations of the celebrations.

Natalia R. Kravchenko writes about Nicholas Roerich and Guga Chohan’s symbolism and interpretation of heroic personage where she talks about how Nicholas Roerich painting visually presented the revival of the forgotten heroes and personages and how they introduced thecombination of folklores and epic motifs with religious signs and motifs in the Artworks of the Art Nouveau Movement. The writer brings in the reference of the hero Guga Chohan and the narratives that are attached to him.

Afreen Kraipak Khyriem, on the other hand, reflects on the role of women and femininity in the visual culture of the Matrilineal Khasi tribe. She further puts on the question of, “If women are in power for real” and gives historical references and scholarly researches to lay an answer for it.

Lina Vincent ends up this edition by bringing out the Artist Nirmal Raja and her works and names it as Feeble Barriers: An Artist’s response. She talks about the Artist who through her work explores identity, memory, the human condition, and the perception of time. Her recent project talks about the pandemic issues with masks as her means of communication, having quotations of social issues that are at present existing in the society.

The edition comes to an end with the hope of taking its readers to the world of virtual celebrations by sitting in one place, enjoying and understanding the basic narration of celebrations of October Festivals. In this regard, we wish all the readers A very happy Dussehra.

Hope you enjoy the read. Do share with us your feedback at

artanddeal@gmail.com

Siddhartha Tagore