GLAM/Newsletter/December 2024/Contents/India report

This Month in GLAM – Volume XIV, Issue XII, December 2024

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India report

Living GLAM project on Santali culture continues in West Bengal

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By Bodhisattwa

A team of videographers and photographers, assigned by the West Bengal Wikimedians User Group, visited the villages of Ghoshaldanga and Bishunbati situated in the district of Birbhum in West Bengal, India in the month of December, 2024 as part of the living GLAM project which focuses on documenting the rich cultural tradition of Santal people of the area. The project has been planned in collaboration with the Ghosaldanga Bishnubati Adibasi Trust, a trustee-run organization operating in these two villages which act as an umbrella organization to support two community based non-profit grass-root organizations namely Ghosaldanga Adibasi Seva Sangha and Bishnubati Adibasi Marshal Sangha, which aims for development of the tribal population of these villages. A variety of Santal foods, right from collection of their ingredients and preparation, were meticulously documented. Some of such delicacies were Hao Rit, a chutney made from red weaver ants and their eggs; Matkam paoro, an indigenous alcoholic beverage prepared from flowers of Madhuca longifolia; Gudu Lat, rat meat wrapped and roasted in leaves; etc. The photographs and videos are being gradually uploaded on Wikimedia Commons, which can be found here.

The trust celebrated its 11th Museum Day at the premises of Musuem of Santal Culture and Rolf Schoembs Vidyashram located in these two villages on 8th and 9th December, 2025. This museum day focused on 'Traditional Santal Food' was organised in collaboration with CIS-A2K. On the first day, The program started with a panel discussion on Santal cuisine, but the main attraction of the day was the Traditional Santal Food Mela, featuring delicacies prepared using authentic cooking methods, some of which has been mentioned above. Inaugurated by Dr. Dukhia Murmu, Head of the Department of Santali at Viva-Bharati, the mela continued from evening to midnight, attracting large crowds who enjoyed the cuisine and adorned traditional attire. Adivasi community dances added to the cultural grandeur, reflecting the spirit of the Santal people. The second day of the event was highlighted by a variety of cultural programs showcasing Santal plays, songs, and readings, reflecting the rich heritage of the community. A special moment of the event was the felicitation of Dr. Martin Kämpchen, who has been a steadfast supporter of these villages for the past 40 years.