Ayodhya | Lucknow | Azamgarh | Mubarakpur | Nizamabad | Hariharpur | Kampilya
Uttar Pradesh
... abounding cultural and heritage resource amidst great prospects
Lucknow
(2023)
Each day we inch closer to a better continuum of humanity with #OneEarthOneFamilyOneFuture motto. India has taken up the gavel of G20 with total commitment towards a better, more stable & sustainable future. #G20 is being welcomed pan 🇮🇳India. Here's how Lucknow welcomed G20
Production of 5 films profiling #Lucknow city for Lucknow Administration (Commissioner's Office) showcased in the G20 & GIS23 Summits held in Lucknow in February 2023. The project touched upon various facets of the city, including the Heritage - Modern outlook of the city, city beautification by Lucknow Administration (Lucknow Municipal Corporation & Lucknow Development Authority), Lucknow city's readiness to facilitate a successful outcome for global investment and interest, the city's food culture and handicraft, articulated in the following short films:
'Lucknow Unlimited' (02:50 min)
'Lucknow Welcomes G20' (03:20 min)
'Glocal Lucknow' (02:20 min)
'Gastronomically Yours, Lucknow' (02:30min) &
'Handcrafted in Lucknow' (03:00min)
The 5 films produced by Tadaamyaham in express timeline for the summits, were termed outstanding works in representation of Lucknow city, and were showcased by many esteemed quarters including G20, UP Global Investor Summit, Lucknow Feb 2023, Govt. of India platforms, UP Tourism, Culture Department, Govt. of UP etc. The films were received very well by both, the global diaspora and delegates attending the mega summits, as well as local authorities, ministries and stakeholders.
Our special thanks to Dr. Roshan Jacob, Commissioner -Lucknow Division, for her staler engagement with this project, in making it possible, expediting-facilitating every aspect of official domain to anchor our team's requisites - helping us conclude production of these high quality films in unbelievable record timeline, making the whole project a grand success.
G20🇮🇳: Lucknow City AV Profiling for G20 & GIS23 Summits (5 short films) by Tadaamyaham
Link 1(Above): Lucknow is a perfect blend of old & new; heritage & modern; traditional & progressive. With unprecedented reforms in recent years in #UttarPradesh, the capital city has unlocked its unlimited potential for growth. Here's "Lucknow Unlimited' A cinematic ode to the soulful sites and sights of the city. A brief cinematic introduction to the city’s ageless character and its unique visual appeal.
Link 2: "Lucknow Welcomes G20 Delegates' A showcase of city beautification done to welcome the G20 delegates in Lucknow.
Link 3(unlisted): "Glocal Lucknow" (Unpublished Exclusive Preview) Portraying global character of the recent groundbreaking developments in the city and its unmissable contemporary appeal.
Link 4(unlisted): "Gastronomically Yours, Lucknow" (Unpublished Exclusive Preview) A Showcase of the unique cuisine of the city with the perfect global palate, where flavours come together in harmony for a delectable culinary experience.
Link 5(unlisted): "Handcrafted in Lucknow" (Unpublished Exclusive Preview) Presenting the age-old handicraft traditions of the city. The exquisite chikankari of the city, its intricacy and subtlety that compliments modern design ensemble. Zardozi, Zarbuland work, Terracota and Attar from the authentic bylanes of the city are all examples of the finery of its thriving artisans.
Ayodhya
(2020 - 2023)
Ayodhya, one of the holiest cities of India, first in the mentioned 'Mokshadayani-Puri'-s, the unconquered one, the touchstone of Dharma.
Produced from 2020 through 2023, with support gathered from UP Government, this film is a candid log of our foray into the incredible city of #Ayodhya. Pallavi and Vipul Bhole at Tadaamyaham are driven by a purpose to present India and her magnificent offerings true to how we 'live and breathe' them, firsthand. The film is a candid witness to our collections from Ayodhya, adhering to the same mandate. It explores the Culture, People, Heritage landmarks and insights on life of Lord Ram (राम); along with many important facts related with Ayodhya (अयोध्या) the city, like never before.
'Touchstone of Dharma- Ayodhya' was a challenging job of retrofitting and curation to present a candid 'as is' narrative. We went there with not much on the drawing board (and without presumptions) with a single motive - to live and breathe, to soak in; and we did return with treasures! Thanks to the insights from Jagatguru Shri Ramdineshachar Ji, Mayor Mahant Girish Pati Tripathi Ji, Prof Manoj Dixit, and Mr. Prateek Hira, interviews of whom were used to weave a flow to the film and add to the narrative. This expedition has been very exhilarating for us.
Through our films, we have been trying to promote India's cultural identity and India as a brand by way of articulations that have a universal appeal; as we try to break the long prevailing notions and popular narratives undervaluing India. We hope this film serves as a vector to promote Ayodhya -the destination, in a universal way, the way we truly witnessed it. Parts of this production, especially interviews were majorly filmed (for stock) around the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony in mid 2020, then the production moved to incorporate visuals from the Deepotsav 2021, some more from 2022 and finally summarized by December 2023-Jan 2024 for the Pranpratishtha Ceremony of January 2024. In addition to gathering a wonderful feedback from eminent personalities of India (including Hon Governor of Kerala, Shri Arif Mohammed Khan), this film was also chosen by Ministry Of Tourism, Govt. of India, as a 'Stand-Alone' presentation to be featured in flagship event of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' profile in Lucknow-New Delhi, alongwith creatively influencing the tableau of Uttar Pradesh in India's Republic Day Parade.
Touchstone of Dharma | Ayodhya (Director's Cut) : Short Film Showcasing the City of Ayodhya
Link 1 Watch a 1 minute summary of the film narrative of 'Touchstone of Dharma | Ayodhya' and soak in visuals from the Holy City.
Link 2 Then move on to our personal sojourn to #Ayodhya for the #Deepotsav 2021. What a delight to be there! We capture a little sample of the awesome event. They lit 900,000 oil lamps in 2021, upgrading their previous world record! Here's a pass through the sea of crowd, and coming face-to-face with #DeepotsavInAyodhya! Some visulals from 03/11/2021
More from Ayodhya : Film Promo for Touchstone of Dharma | Ayodhya - and - Visuals from Deepotsav 2021
Lucknow
(2015)
Lucknow, the City of Nawabs, exudes a poetic effervescence unique to its old world charm. It makes a connoisseur out of the person who gazes at its soul. A city that invites all and makes them their own, Lucknow symbolises a richness which responds to the finer things life. Be it art, architecture, craft or cuisine, each element of the old city stands in celebration of its past achievements, revelling in its proud heritage. In a meeting with the then DG of Uttar Pradesh Tourism, Shri Amrit Abhijat, taking cue of our earlier time-lapse videos, he asked us to take up the task of filming the landmarks of the city on a passion basis, with some basic support from the department. Hence began the steep uphill climb to ensure a successful outcome, in an extremely difficult start-to-finish timeline of 16 days, to the First Timelapse Film project for any Central or State Tourism Department of India. A stupendous achievement, of course. Inaugurated by then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in an event, it was screened at flagship festivals in Lucknow and the crowd of over 1.5 lakh people at the event unanimously cheered the movie along with the dignitaries on stage. The film has till date been regularly featured in all-important momentous occasions (locally, nationally and internationally), including being cited/shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA, GoI), Incredible India project (Ministry of Tourism, GoI), Prasar Bharati and more.
Lucknow in Time-Lapse : Short Film Showcasing exquisite built heritage of Lucknow
"More of flavor and less of taste"
Exquisite and Unique, Awadhi Biryani of Lucknow is the shining star of Awadhi Cuisine, inspiring appetite for the rich culture of this historical city. The two short films elaborate heritage aspects, health positives and recipe of this traditional delicacy, in conversation with Dr. Prateek Hira (Expert on Awadhi Heritage & CEO, Tornos ), Mr. Dipayan Chanda (Executive Chef,Best Western Levana) and Mr. Mohd. Rais Qureshi (Expert Chef & 'Custodian of Awadhi Cuisine'). This was also the first initiative to promote soft tourism in the state of Uttar Pradesh via short films.
Culinary Heritage of Lucknow : Short Films on Awadhi Biryani to promote Soft Tourism
Azamgarh
(2013-15)
Azamgarh District, just 96kms from the tourist hub of Varanasi, presents a unique opportunity for heritage and craft revival, growth and development along with a balanced, structured and planned approach towards rural development. Although, it is one of the poorest districts in India, it continues to be invaluable in its abounding cultural and heritage resource. Its inhabitants being its biggest asset. Here, heritage can play a powerful role in economic development of the region.
The artisans from this sun-soaked countryside take pride in their ancestral artistry, from classical and folk music to intricate silk zari sarees to exquisite black pottery. The three village heritage clusters of Mubarakpur, Hariharpur and Nizamabad, all within easy distance from the main city of Azamgarh, represent centuries of refinement in their respective arts, crafts and culture. And, while the strength and income of these artisans has dwindled drastically over the years, their passion and dedication to their traditional occupation is steadfast. Lacking basic education, skills, exposure and innovation, to cater today’s ever changing trends and markets, they are struggling to maintain even the basic standard of living. Yet the generous quality of their culture and roots impresses everyone. Steeped deep in culture and traditions, the genuine warmth of the people overwhelms by their sincerity and simplicity, defying the pressure of extreme rural hardships.
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Tadaamyaham has been involved with comprehensive documentation, development and conservation plans of Azamgarh Craft Clusters in various capacities, since Nov. 2013. ITRHD, a highly esteemed organization spearheading the rural and heritage development works in Azamgarh, entrusted our team with the task of creating a detailed documentation of the three heritage villages of Mubarakpur, Hariharpur and Nizamabad along with plans and proposals for rural development in the region. The Detailed Project Report (33 Pages) thus created by Tadaamyaham team, after extensive field surveys and village community interactions, elaborated schemes for rural development with respect to Heritage Development, Drinking Water, Primary Health Care, Sanitation, Skill Development, Women Empowerment, Vocational Training, Panchayat Training Programs, Tourism and Hospitality Training, Computer Training, Tailoring Courses, Youth Core Group, Tourism Infrastructure Development, Solar Energy, Home Stays, etc. The relative outcomes and impact of these schemes, for both the village community and prospective tourists, were also duly worked out.
The Report has ever since helped the Government with a development roadmap for the cluster, by not only interventions on a local level, but also on a national level. The report helped anchor profile of Hariharpur Sangeet Gharana, Mubarakpur (Banarasi) Saari and helped identify Nizamabad Black Pottery under ODOP scheme for UP Government. A testament to the successful outcomes of Tadaamyaham's work in Azamgarh is, the Hon Prime Minister, India, Shri Narendra Modi presenting Azamgarh's Black Pottery to Hon PM of Japan in 2022 G-7 Meeting.
Azamgarh Heritage Clusters : Integrated Project Report and Proposals for Development
Mubarakpur
" the Weaver's Village"
Famous for the exquisite Banarasi saree, each family in this weaving community toils together to produce the 9 yards that outline Indian Culture in a gist. While the sarees they produce speak of colourful opulence, their impoverished setup expresses despair. Weavers work their looms in fitted out cramped rooms and manage meagre income. The household industry here, although the oldest and largest in the district, requires prompt reforms to provide better standard of living for its workers.
The name Mubarakpur was coined after a Muslim saint Raja Mubarak Ali Shah visited the town in 15th century. Prior to that, it was known as Qasimabad. During Sultan Muhammad Bin Shakaib Tuglak’s Era (14th Century) there were reportedly 4000 weavers in Mubarakpur. While today, there are around 25,000 handlooms active in Mubarakpur and 15,000 semi handlooms (called so for using 0.5 horsepower mechanism). Average daily income of a weaver-household is Rs. 150/-.
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Hariharpur
" the Musician's Village"
A small village cluster, it is famous as an offshoot of the Banaras Gharana of classical singing and music. Its inhabitants are descendants of traditional classical court musicians. This village nurtures the talent of many instrumental and vocal child artistes. Though the musical traditions live on, the children and their parents try to tackle the constraints of livelihood, education and other basic necessities. The young talent abounding in this small village, requires immediate mentorship, guidance and education.
According to locals, a ‘Jagir’(land holding) of 989 Bigha was granted by a Shah ruler of Azamgarh to the talented musicians of Hariharpur. The village musicians trace their origins from Kanauj and Allahabad. Some of the country’s renowned and legendary classical artists such as Pt. Chhanu Lal Mishra (Padam Bhushan), Pt. Sarda Maharaj, relatives of Pt. Birju Maharaj (Padam Vibhushan), etc. have their origins in Hariharpur.
Nizamabad
" the Potter's Village"
Nizamabad produces a unique form of Black Pottery and is the only village in India to do so. Unflinching to modern pressures on their livelihood, this settlement takes pride in their unique craft; from the young to the elderly, providing a dignified model of equal skilledparticipation of all members in a family. The determination to fight odds is witnessed in their active involvement in opportune events and platforms to showcase their craft. This unique craft urgently needs effective curative measures to ensure poverty alleviation and sustainable growth.
According to historical accounts, the art of black pottery practised today in Nizamabad originally came from Gujarat. It is believed that the ancestors of these potters had accompanied Abdul Farah Nizamabadi to the village during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, about 400 years ago. The creative and artistic produce from this cluster also found mention in the British Colonial times. Moreover, many potters have earned State and National awards for excellence in craftsmanship.
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Tadaamyaham's work in Azamgarh, by way of articles and photographs, has been published in "Rural India" Magazine and State Heritage Event publicity material, such as posters, banners, etc.
Featured work in Magazine Articles
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Kampilya
(2013-)
Kampil is a small town in Farrukhabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Located about 45 km from Farrukhabad, it is of immense heritage value from a historical and mythological point of view. It was the Capital of the Panchala Kingdom ruled by Drupada during Mahabharata period and the birthplace of Princess Draupadi. Draupadi Dream Trust, under Chairperson Ms. Neera Misra, has been working tirelessly to bring the city of Kampilya the recognition it deserves while also working on rural development of the region as a whole. Tadaamyaham is providing Designing and Print Production Consultancy to the trust to help further the cause. Below is a Coffee Table Book cover designed by our team for a book by the trust highlighting the journey and relevance of Draupadi.
