Mohammad Shahnewaz Khan describes the tradition of house decoration practiced by Hindus that is appreciated by the majority Muslim population.

Tikoil is a village of Chapainawabganj in Bangladesh which is otherwise known as Alpana village, due to its traditional art called Alpana, which is also ritual painting. Alpana refers to colorful motifs, sacred art or painting done with hands.

The mud walls of Alpana houses are covered with colorful motifs of birds, animals, trees, and flowers, which tell the story of a village. Nature’s beauty is displayed on these walls in brilliant colors, while the drawings of cattle carts and oil lamps reflect a young village girl’s life, which is like a reflection of rural Bangladesh.

Alpana is a unique form of esthetical expression of local values, tradition, culture, emotions, myth, folk stories, lifestyle perpetuated by the female-male for a long time. It also tells the stories of peaceful coexistence and unity among different communities. The ritual and ancient folk arts of Bengal (including Alpana) were originally a part of the pre-agricultural communities, which supplied sufficient crops and expelled evil spirits. Basically, this tradition has been kept in the hands of women. They have perpetuated this tradition on the walls of the house year after year and are determined to carry this tradition from generation to generation. They are devotees of Radha-Krishna, believers in Hinduism. Every wall in this Alpana village is a canvas and people are Alpana artisans.

According to 65-year-old Dhiren Burman; who is the head and priest of the Radha Govinda Temple in Tikoil, “Alpana is our tradition, which has become a part of our religious rituals. During our religious and social festivals; my community paints their houses with Alpana. With the aggression of modern civilization; clay houses are disappearing; traditions are being lost day by day. But I’m hopeful that our future generations will carry on the tradition of Alpana drawing. We are determined to perpetuate this tradition from generation to generation. I’ve one son, three daughters and many grandchildren, among whom I have firmly spread this tradition. Although women are mainly Alpana artists, there are many male Alpana artists also in our village. We are unique because of this tradition.”

Before; local red clay, chalk, turpentine oil and rice-soaked white paint were used to draw Alpana. To make Alpana last longer, they were mixed with various natural tree branches, but now Alpana is painted with the colors available in the market. According to the villagers, just as it brings holiness to the home, it also creates an opportunity for everyone in the family to enjoy the home.

Now Alpana is expensive for the villagers, many people draw just part of their houses. Whatever, at least they keep a touch of Alpana in the houses. They usually decorate their houses with Alpana during religious festivals and other festivals like Harvest festival, New Year and weddings. Old men and women used to like the bride and groom of that house after seeing the sweetness of Alpana of the house. Many newlyweds come to shoot their post-wedding photos there. The village is even popular as a movie shooting spot.

Although drawing images of animals and birds is prohibited and avoided in Muslim houses, among Muslims in Alpana village, there is no tendency to avoid houses rich in Alpana, indicating the social coexistence of the two communities. Visitors from all over Bangladesh and the world irrespective of religion and caste come to this village to know and see this folk art, mostly from the Muslim community. Although Muslims are the majority in this village, Hindus and Muslims live together peacefully. Muslim houses are observed between two houses of Hindu Burmans involved in this alpana art. Even in the fields, shops or markets, both communities can be seen working shoulder to shoulder.

Beef is not found in any of the hotels in this village and the neighboring bazaars. Cows are not slaughtered and especially beef is not kept in shops, as a sign of respect and sincerity towards the Hindus of the village, because Hindus worship cows as mother. This Alpana village has set a unique example of tradition, religious & communal harmony.

About Mohammad Shahnewaz Khan

Mohammad Shahnewaz Khan was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, in 1984 and based there. He has a Diploma in photography and a professional degree in photography, subsequently undertaking many masterclasses and mentoring programs in the fields of photojournalism and documentary photography. In 2015, he received a scholarship from Syracuse University, USA. Beyond this, he has studied a diverse range of subjects including philosophy, history, literature, poetry, song, dance, and acting in a process of lifelong learning. He is a Humanist Documentary Photographer, Curator, Educator, social activist, works as a freelance photojournalist since 2004, and also sees himself as a self-taught artist. In 2016, he founded the Voice of Humanity and Hope Photography Institute (VOHH), subsequently initiating the VOHH Foundation, and the VOHH FOTO FEST. Shahnewaz has won 500 international awards; his photo series have been featured in over 500 International journals, in print media and TV shows worldwide and his photographs have featured in exhibitions in 100 countries worldwide in many prestigious institutions and events. His long-term documentary projects have been widely used for teaching and research in universities and institutions in Europe and the USA, as well as around the world. He lives and works in Chittagong.

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Bangladesh | decoration | G36 | village