At first, the cultural branch of LU.Litcore–IndiCore’s–trip to Sanatkada, which was to take place at Safed Baradari, was initially meant to be their way of discovering a cultural event as part of the IndiCore team. However, it ended up being an adventure that brought them together to see, experience, and feel the culture that connects people through art because of their ability to share that experience together.
The team reported that the festival’s most impressive aspect displayed a combination of coldness and warmth. The event space maintained order throughout because the crowd size remained manageable. The atmosphere created a general impression that everything was pleasant and welcoming. The group followed the same pattern which young people establish when they attend festivals because we went straight to the food stalls. Food is part of every festival experience, and one can’t leave the festival without trying something new to eat. They walked through the different food stations while enjoying the sunshine because they wanted to share everything they had experienced until that moment and taste the local dishes at each food stand. The enjoyable experiences which people have created today help to reveal the authentic essence which defines their cultural traditions. Cultural events serve as marketplaces for buying and selling products while enabling people to experience love through their various cultural backgrounds.
The rest of the article is in their own words.
“As we delved deeper, we were really surprised by the creativity that was on display. Artists and artisans from various parts of India had come with their respective art forms, fashion, jewelry, handwoven fabrics, and decorative items. The traditional art forms like the mesmerizing Madhubani were really beautiful. Every stall had its own distinct identity. It was as if one was walking through various parts of India in one place. Even if one could not say “Sanatkada” correctly, they would learn much more than what they expected while walking through its streets.
“Sanatkada was more than a festival for us; it was almost a reminder. A reminder that culture is a whisper through the ages. The antique items on display at different stalls seemed to speak without shouting. Every detail, every thread, every design spoke of patience and dedication that has been done by hands that have been doing the same thing for generations. Of course, some of the prices may have seemed a tad steep at first, but when we took a moment to think, we realized that handicrafts are not just items; they are emotions infused into fabric. Nothing can replicate the touch of human hands.
“We also observed how differently people experienced the space. Some people came after watching reels online, looking for the perfect spot to take an Instagram-worthy picture. Even if their intent for visiting was different, that was still a success for Sanatkada. Because they came. They saw. They paused. Culture does not require perfect understanding; it only requires that it be observed. For us as a team, this was a crucial takeaway – today’s youth do not lack interest in culture; maybe they just need it to be presented in a living, engaging way and not as a boring lecture. Sanatkada celebrated culture rather than lecturing on it, and that made all the difference.
“The most incredible experience of our visit occurred when we attended the performance of “Bangali Golopo.” The team member who spoke Bengali enabled us to understand part of the performance because we could not comprehend the spoken words. The experience became extremely emotional because it demonstrated how cultural traditions function as a universal means of communication that overcomes language barriers. We did not understand the events that were happening but we still found enjoyment in them.
“We made it our mission to explore nearly every vendor booth which was available to us. The vendors wanted to share their artistic skills with us because they showed great enthusiasm about their work. Our main goal to learn more about our experience was achieved through vendor interactions. The process involved both purchasing items and recognizing the dedication and craft which went into their creation. The historical background of Safed Baradari created an authentic atmosphere which matched the vibrant appearance of the vendor booths. The vendors dedicated great amounts of affection to their work because they created their handicrafts and clothing and jewelry and art pieces.
“However, as a team that believes in observing critically, we also noticed some areas where improvements could be made. The common payment system was very efficient from a management and accounting standpoint, but as consumers, we had to wait in long queues, which was quite chaotic. Maybe allowing the individual shop owners to manage the payments could have made the experience smoother. Moreover, the restroom facilities were not taken care of properly. Given the fact that each visitor had to pay an entry fee of 100 rupees, it would have been better if the event had been more hygienic and if crowd control had been better. These are small but significant points that need to be considered in order to make cultural events more accessible and enjoyable.”
On the whole, the day was warm, colorful, and full of culture. It was not too elaborate or dramatic – it was simple, authentic, and replete with small but significant moments. For the team, it became more than just an outing – it became a moment to reflect on how cultural spaces influence our perspectives. Sanatkada did not “teach” them culture – it let them experience it.
And from our end, we can safely say that it was a great experience – one that every cultural aficionado should have at least once in order to see how beautifully alive and diverse Indian culture is.