‘Gaya- Strings of Faith’, A documentary (55 minutes) – ICH Film Screening Back

The ICH Division undertook an extensive project focused on the audio-visual documentation of intangible cultural elements in Gaya, with the primary objective of highlighting and bringing to public attention the lesser-known cultural heritage of the region. This documentation was meticulously crafted by Shri Bappa Ray, a distinguished documentary filmmaker with over three decades of experience in the field.

Titled Gaya – Strings of Faith, the resulting 55-minute documentary goes beyond the well-known Gaya Pitrapaksha rituals, offering a comprehensive exploration of Gaya as a sacred complex. The film sheds light on various aspects of Gaya’s rich cultural tapestry that are either little-known or at risk of fading into obscurity, including the Pitrapaksha/Shraadh rituals, local literature, fairs and festivals, the craftsmanship of Pattharkati (stone carving), local cuisine, traditional wrestling, and the distinctive Gaya Gharana of music.

The documentary’s primary aim is to foster awareness among the public about these living cultural traditions and intangible aspects of Gaya’s heritage, emphasizing the need for their preservation. By doing so, it seeks to engage society in the protection of these vital cultural elements, many of which are integral to Gaya’s identity but are currently under threat.

Gaya – Strings of Faith, produced by the ICH Division of INTACH and directed by Bappa Ray, was first screened on August 1, 2016, at the Multipurpose Hall, INTACH Head Office.

YouTube link for the film:

Gaya: Strings of Faith  https://youtu.be/LTPuhywAsOc (long version)

Gaya: Strings of Faith  https://youtu.be/B_tTzgmOjhY (short version)