The InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2023

InterGlobe Foundation announced the second InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships in 2023. The fellowships are an extension of the Foundation's efforts to promote India's diverse and rich heritage and culture, and they aim to bring together a cross-section of the public in documenting and researching India's built, natural, and cultural heritage.

In its new avatar, the Fellowship sought to amplify local voices and shed light on current conditions to better understand heritage-driven development. This year, the fellowships aimed to encourage professional photographers to document India's built and cultural landscape and visually document a subject or theme of their choice. The fellowships allowed the researchers to document communities, practices, rituals, built spaces, traditions, and festivals, and to tell the stories from the perspectives of local stakeholders through photo essays in the domains of built, cultural, and natural heritage.

Following a rigorous evaluation, the 2023 InterGlobe Heritage Fellowships awarded support to two individuals who pursued projects and research on their topics.

Topic: Reviving the Art of Ghat Chhatris of Varanasi
Fellow Name: Vivek Sahu with Dr. Kavita Gupta

Varanasi, a city revered as "older than history," thrives on the sacred banks of the Ganges, adorned with over eighty ghats. Within this ancient tapestry lies a fading treasure: the Chhatris (or umbrellas), crafted entirely from bamboo. Once a symbol of tradition and blessings, Chhatris are now made with synthetic cloth and plastic jute, a stark contrast to their former elegance.

The project highlights the delicate balance between heritage and livelihood, passionately advocating for the preservation of this unique art form. By delving into the intricate craftsmanship of Chhatris and the life of Deepak, a dedicated craftsman, the narrative unfolds a poignant story of cultural erosion and the fight against waning interest from younger generations.

The project aims to raise awareness and mobilise the community to breathe new life into this dying art. By reimagining Chhatris beyond the ghats, it seeks to ensure their legacy endures, enriching both Varanasi's cultural landscape and the lives of its inhabitants.

Topic: Traditions of Belonging: Tribal Life and the Jatharas of Telangana
Fellow Name: Rama Madhu Gopal Rao

In a mesmerising journey into the heart of Telangana, the project chronicles the living heritage of its vibrant tribal communities. This exploration delves deeply into the soul-stirring Jatharas, such as the Medaram Jathara, Bonalu Jathara, and Inavolu Jathara, among others, and explores the rich customs, rituals, and traditions and rituals in these communities.

The project goes beyond the festivities, shedding light on the daily lives and living conditions of the tribal people. It uncovers pressing issues like limited access to healthcare and education, economic challenges, and the relentless impact of urbanisation on these communities. Through a compelling visual narrative, the project highlights the resilience and spirit of these tribes while advocating for the preservation of their unique cultural identity and traditions.

By immersing us in the intricate world of Telangana's tribal communities, this project not only celebrates their heritage, but also calls for a collective effort to safeguard these invaluable traditions. It is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between progress and preservation, urging us to honour and protect the rich cultural legacies that define our diverse world.