Aashaawad Ke Aaine se Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav

"Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" was celebrated on 6th & 7th October 2013 at Mahishi. Here we are sharing an experience and review of Mahotsav of Dr. Pankaj K Mishra, associate professor, St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. Dr. Mishra was an invited guest for the national seminar during Mahotsav and was actively involved and witnessed many of the unfolding events. 

Dr. Pankaj K Mishra  is largely been involved in academic and research works of university. He has a great research interest in Mandan Mishra and Ugratara. He has also authored many books in the respective fields.

He has a strong interest in theatre works and has directed and accted in many plays in sanskrit. Now he wants to direct a small visual commentry on the "SHASHTRARTH between Shankaracharya and Mandan Mishra".

Apart from academics and research activities,he is involved with Doordarshan and AIR for sanskrit news reading in morning and evening bulletins. To know more about Dr. Mishra, please follow : http://mahishi.org/scholars.html

Here is the experiences shared by him in his own words.

vk'kkokn ds vkbZus ls mxzrkjk lkaLd`frd egksRlo

egksRlo dh izrh{kk gh Lo;a esa jksek×pdkjh gSA fdUrq ,slk egksRlo rc lokZf/d jksek×p mRi djrk gS tc vki mlds izfrHkkxh gksrs gSa] lgHkkxh gksrs gSa ;k fuR;Hkkxh gksrs gSaA mxzrkjk lkaLd`frd egksRlo esjs fy;s dqN ,slh gh vuqHkwfr Fkh] ekuks vk¡[kksa ds fy;s ;K] dkuksa ds fy;s lqe/qj laxhr rFkk Ropk ds fy;s js'keh Li'kZA

fu/kZfjr frfFk 06@10@2013 dk Hkh vkxeu gqvk] fdUrq irk ugha bl vkuUne;h volj ls ,d fnu iwoZ bUnznso D;ksa :B x;s Fks] ,slk yx jgk Fkk ekuks vius ny] cy o 'kL=kkL=kksa dks mUgksaus blh volj ds fy;s cpk j[kk FkkA fo|qRiru ,oa ewlyk/kj o`f"V us lek;kstdksa] dk;ZdrkZvksa o izfrHkkfx;ksa dks fuf"Ø; lk cuk fn;k FkkA iqujfi] ;g mu lek;kstdksa] dk;ZdrkZvksa o izfrHkkfx;ksa dk n`<fu'p; Fkk ftls {kf.kd fujk'kk D;k bUnznso Hkh fopfyr ugha dj Ikk;sA iz'kklu ,oa izehyth dh lefiZr e.Myh ds vFkd ifjJe dk ifj.kke Fkk fd iwoZfu;ksftr dk;ZØe ds vuqlkj] dk;ZØe dk liQy 'kqHkkjEHk gqvkA ik.Mky esa mifLFkr n'kZdksa dh ck<+ us ,d fnu iwoZ dh okLrfod ck<+ dh ihM+k dks Hkqyk fn;kA i=kdkjtxr~ dh mifLFkfr us egksRlo ds egÙo dks eguh; cuk fn;kA

bl f}folh; egksRlo dk ewY;kadu rhu [k.Mksa esa fd;k tkuk visf{kr gksuk pkfg,&

(d)mn~?kkVu l=k                                                                 ([k) lkaLd`frd l=k rFkk                                                           (x) fo}r~ l=k

(d) mn~?kkVu l=k&lekjksg dk mn~?kkVu leLr visf{kr vkSipkfjdrkvksa ds lkFk gqvkA pkgs og eaxykpj.k gks ;k oSfnd eU=k IkkB] u`R; gks ;k xku] Lokxr gks ;k lEeku] Lokxr Hkk"k.k gks ;k vfrfFk Hkk"k.kA vkcky&o`¼ dh lgHkkfxrk bueuksgkjh dk;ZØeksa dks mRl iznku dj jgh FkhA Lokxre×p ^gkmliQqy* FkkA u lekIr gksus okyh Hkk"k.kijEijk dk Hkh n'kZd djryèofu ls Lokxr djrs jgsA mn~?kkVue.Mi ds lkeus gh ftykiz'kklu ds }kjk lEikfnr izn'kZuh yksxksa ds vkd"kZ.k dk dsUnz cukA fdUrq] n'kZdksa esa fujk'kk rc fn[kh tc ,d vk/ LVkWy ds vfrfjDr lkjs LVkWy nUrfoghu eq[k dh rjg yx jgs FksA

vk¡[kksa dks fn[kusokyh bu vkfr'kckth dh fgykusokyh vkokt] dkuksa dks lquus dks feyhA ekuks ;s vkokt iw.kZfodflr iq"i ds ihM+ksRiknd 'kwy gksaA dbZ yksx dgrs ik;s x;s fd ik.Mky dh vis{kk e×p ij vf/d yksx FksA ;g O;aX;ck.k FkkA lek;kstd fu#Ùkj Fks] D;ksafd lcdks izl j[kus dh mudh foo'krk gksrh gS] lkjs iz'uksa ds mÙkj u nsus dh foo'krk gksrh gS] lcdh Identity cpkus dh foo'krk gksrh gSA

gesa ;g Hkh le>uk pkfg, fd izR;sd dk;Z dk dksbZ u dksbZ dkj.k vo'; gh gksrk gSA ge iwtk Hkh blhfy;s djrs gSa fd gekjh vfHkyk"kk iw.kZ djus ds fy;s bZ'oj izl gksaA ,sls esa e×pklhu gks ;fn bl dk;ZØe dks izk;ksftr djus okys jkT; iz'kklu ds izfrfuf/ viuh lfnPNk ,oa ;kstuk n'kZdksa ds lkFk ck¡Vrs gSa rks buesa nks"k D;k gS\ mUgha ds izHkko ls rks bl misf{kr /eZLFkyh dks jkT;@jk"Vª ekufp=k ij LFkkfir djus dk iz;kl gks jgk gSA vU;Fkk vkxkfeo"kksZa esa bl egksRlo dh ifjdYiuk dh tk ldrh gS D;k\ gesa bl dVqlR; ls eq¡g ugha eksM+uk pkfg, fd nq/k# xk; ds iSjksa dh pksV lguh gh iM+rh gSA

fdlh ds eq¡g ls ;g Hkh lquk x;k fd leqn~?kksf"kdk dh mn~?kks"k.kk iqjkus xzkeksiQksu ds lwbZ dh rjg ^pUn* ,oa ^vkxkt+* bUgha nks 'kCnksa esa iQ¡lh jghA mn~?kks"k.kk esa cklhiuk dh cw FkhA D;k djsa egk;K ds lEiknu dh Rojk esa vuk;kl ,d vk/ =kqfV;k¡ jg tkrh gh gSaA

blh l=k esa fpjizrhf{kr Lekfjdk ^/jksgj* dk Hkh yksdkiZ.k gqvkA blesa ftuds vkys[k Ni x;s Fks muds psgjs ij nwt ds pk¡n dh rjg eqLdku Fkh vkSj ftuds ugha Nis Fks muds psgjs ij fujk'kk dh eksVh js[kk Li"V fn[k jgh FkhA iqujfi dbZ vkys[k] /jksgj dh ;ksX;rk esa U;wurk dh J¼k×tfy;k¡ lefiZr dj jgh FkhaA ;|fi lcls lq[kn Fkk Lekfjdk dk dysoj] rFkkfi nq%[kn Fkk fo"k; dk lek;kstuA eq[ki`"B ls izkjEHk v'kqf¼;k¡ vUr rd Lekfjdk dk lkFk NksM+us dk uke ugha ys jgh FkhaA e.Mu ds bl izns'k esa izkjfEHkd f'k{kk dh nqjoLFkk dk] ;g if=kdk vkxkfeo"kksZa esa izek.ki=k u cu tk,] blds fy;s fpUru ijeko';d gSA lekjksg dh liQyrk mruh izlÂrk ugha ns jgh ftruh fd /jksgj ds ys[kksa esa NikbZ dh v'kqf¼;k¡A buls tqM+s yksxksa ds leiZ.k ,oa lfnPNk dk ge Js; ugha Nhuuk pkgrsA fdUrq vk/qfud ;U=kksa ds lkFk lke×tL; fcBkus dk nkf;Ro iwjh rjg ls ,d ;qok Vhe dks ns nsuh pkfg,A

([k) lkaLd`frd l=k & ;g ,d ,slk dk;ZØe Fkk ftlds fy;s ftyk iz'kklu esa lokZf/d leiZ.k ns[kk x;kA egksRlo ds fy;s izkIr jktLo dk lokZf/d O;; blh ds fy;s FkkA cM+s cM+s foKkiu Hkh blh ds fy;s FksA lqj{kk dk rFkkdfFkr rke >ke Hkh blh ds prqfnZd~ fleVk FkkA LokHkkfod gS fd bl egksRlo dh liQyrk blh dk eq¡g tksg jgh FkhA vUrkjkf"Vª; [;kfr izkIr xkf;dk dYiuk vkSj ekfyuh us e.Myiz'kklu dks fujk'k ugha gksus fn;kA n'kZdksa ds lkFk&LkkFk iz'kklu ds izgjh Hkh muds rku o xku ij vius iSj fFkjdkrs ns[ks x;sA nsj jkr rd gj oxZ us lwnlfgr vkuUn ywVkA lkaLd`frd 'kCn dh ekuks ;gk¡ lksís'; O;k[;k dh tk jgh FkhA

dbZ yksxksa dk ,d dqrdZ lquus dks feyk fd bl dk;ZØe esa Hkkstiqjh xkf;dkvksa dks cqykdj egksRlo ds izfr U;k; ugha fd;k x;k gSA eSfFkyh xkuk gksuk pkfg, FkkA ;g rdZ ,d gn rd vo'; gh lgh yxrk gS fd eSfFky izns'k esa eSfFkyh xkuk dks gh c<+kok feyuk pkfg,A ysfdu esjk er blls loZFkk fHk gSA eSa ekurk gw¡ fd fodflr ekufldrk ls gh laLd`fr fodflr gksrh gSA jkT;O;kfi egksRlo esa gj ns'k dksl ds yksx vkrs gSaA blfy;s lcds euksj×tu dk è;ku j[kk tkuk Hkh vk;kstu dk è;s; gksrk gSA lkFk gh ;g dksbZ vkf[kjh vk;kstu ugha Fkk fd ge vc eSfFkyh vk/kfjr dk;ZØe ugha ns[k Ikk,¡xsA ;g egksRlo rks bl izns'k ds fy;s vonku cuus tk jgk gS] blfy;s gesa fujk'k ugha gksuk pkfg,A [kkl dj izcq¼ oxZ viuh fVIi.kh ls cpsa vkSj vius lkFkZd lq>ko ls dk;ZØe dh n'kk vkSj fn'kk cnyus dh lksp fodflr djsaA

lkaLd`frd dk;ZØe esa rks viuh gj foyqIr vFk ok foyqfIr dks izkIr gksus okyh fojklr dk izn'kZu vko';d :i ls gksuk pkfg,A vU;Fkk viuh ijEijk Hkh jsfM;ks vkSj vUrnsZ'kh; i=kksa dh rjg foyqIr gks tk,xhA lkek&pdsok] tVk&tfVu] >wjh] vnkSjh vkfn dsoy ckck nknh vkSj ukuk ukuh dh dgkuh ek=k cudj u jg tk,A

(x) fo}r~ l=k& lekjksg ds nwljs fnu fo}r~ l=k dk vk;kstu FkkA dbZ txgksa ls cqyk;s x;s vius vius {ks=k ds fo'ks"kK fo}kuksa us bl l=k esa fgLlk fy;kA dqN us dsoy vkykspuk dh] dqN us eqn~ns dh ckr dh rks dqN viuh dgkfu;k¡ lqukrs jgsA dqN ,sls Hkh fo}ku~ Fks ftUgsa vius fopkj izLrqr djus dk volj izkIr ugha gqvkA dbZ fo}ku~ vkt Hkh blh Hkzked fi"Vis"k.k esa yhu Fks fd 'kadj vkSj e.Mu ds 'kkL=kkFkZ dk D;k eryc gS] og Hkh rc tc fd 'kadj dh bl izns'k esa mifLFkfr Hkh ,d diksy dYiuk gSA ;s fo}ku~ ,sls rky Bksd dj cksy jgs Fks tSls ekuks os ml 'kkL=kkFkZ ds lk{kh gksaA ;k e.Mu vkSj 'kadj ds nwr cu dj vk;s gksaA

blh l=k dk lk{kh o izfrHkkxh eSa Hkh FkkA fofo/ fo"k;ksa ds foospu ds lkFk eq>s Jksrkvksa ds iz'uksa dk mÙkj nsus dk Hkh lkSHkkX; feykA ogk¡ ds yksxksa esa ,d vnE; ftKklk fn[khA gj Jksrk dqN dgus dh izfrHkk j[krk FkkA ,slk yx jgk Fkk fd ,sls ftKklqvksa dh fiiklk ds 'keu ds fy;s vkSj le; feyuk pkfg, FkkA blh e×p ls eq>s Hkh vius rhu izfrosnu dks izLrqr djus dk volj izkIr gqvkA ;s rhuksa izfrosnu Fks&

(1) efg"kh dk ukedj.k ekfg"erh fd;k tkuk]

(2) ogk¡ ds f'k{k.k laLFkkuksa ds ikB~;Øeksa esa e.Mu dks lfEefyr fd;k tkuk rFkk

(3) e.Mu ds uke ls ,d 'kks/ alaLFkku dk izkjEHk fd;k tkukA

lq[kn i{k ;g Fkk fd 'kh?kz gh bl lUnHkZ esa e.Myiz'kklu dh vuqdwy izfrfØ;k Hkh izkIr gks x;hA

,d oDrk ;g [ksn izdV djrs ik;s x;s fd yksx eSfFkyh ugha cksy jgs FksA eSfFkyh ds izfr budh Hkkouk dks ge lHkh eSfFkyizseh iz.kke djrs gSaA ;s ,slh ekufldrk ds yksx gksrs gSa tks nwljh nqfu;k esa Lo;a dks eSfFky ;k fcgkjh dgus ls fgpdrs gSa fdUrq ?kj esa nks pkj rkyh ctokus ds fy;s viuh Hkk"kk dh nqgkbZ nsus yxrs gSaA iz;ksx esa mlh Hkk"kk dks ykuh pkfg, tks lcds fy;s xzká gksA

bl lksp dks Hkh lexzrk esa ns[ks tkus dh vko';drk gSA ge LokFkhZ u gksus dk nEHk rks Hkjrs gSa fdUrq O;ogkj esa ;k vkpj.k esa bls ugh yk ikrsA Hkkjr ds lUnHkZ esa fcgkjh gks tkrs gSa] fcgkjh ds lUnHkZ esa eSfFky] eSfFky ds lUnHkZ esa lgjlk okys] lgjlkokyksa ds lUnHkZ esa efg"kh ds] efg"kh ds lUnHkZ esa mÙkj ;k nf{k.k VksYkk ds] irk ugha mÙkj ;k nf{k.k Vksyk ds lUnHkZ esabl ?kj ;k ml ?kj ds Hkh gks tkrs gksaxs ghA jk"Vªh;rk ;k vUrkjk"Vªh;rk dh ckr djus okys cqf¼thfo;ksa dks dsoy eSfFkyh] Hkkstiqjh ;k vaxzsth dh ckr ugha djuh pkfg,] og Hkh rc tc fd Hkk"kk lEizs"k.k dh fo/k ek=k gS] og Hkh rc tc jkT;iz'kklu (ftyk ;k xzkeh.k iz'kklu ugha) bl egksRlo dks jkT; ds ekufp=k ij ykus ds fy;s iz;kljr gks vkSj og Hkh rc tc gj O;fDr viuh /jksgj ds lUns'k dks nwljksa ls ck¡Vus ds fy;s vuqfnu lksp jgk gksA oSls Hkh laLd`fr lkoZHkkSe gksrh gSA

vkxkfeo"kksZa esa bl Segment dks vkSj vf/d izkS<+ cukus dh vko';drk gSA fo"k; dh ,dfu"Brk gksus dh fLFkfr esa lkjs fo}kuksa dks dqN u dqN viuk vuqHko ck¡Vus dk volj vo'; gh feysA fo}ku~ fo"k; ls lEc¼ ckr djs rks Js;Ldj gksA dsoy e×p ij mifLFkfr fn[kkus ek=k ds fy;s dqN ls dqN cksyuk vdknfed v#fp mRi djrh gSA

mxzrkjk lkaLd`frd egksRlo ds v#fp mRi djus okyh dqN Reviewi<+us dk ekSdk feykA oLrqfLFkfr] fo"k; ,oa izfrik| dh lexzrk dks tkus fcuk fu"d"kZ fudkyus dh geyksxksa dh ,d Rojk gksrh gSA tuJqfr ,oa ijEijk dks gh lR; le> ysus dk vKku lesVs jgus dk geesa uSlfxZd LoHkko gksrk gSA dnkfpr~ ogh fLFkfr mu Reviews dh Hkh gSA lfork th us viuh izfrfØ;k esa bu rF;ksa dks Li"V djus dk egku~ nqLlkgl fd;k gSA

bl izdYi esa fdlh [kYokV (xatk) ds cky dh rjg efgyk dh mifLFkfr {ks=kh; f'k{kk O;oLFkk dh nqf'pUrk gSA ukjh izfrHkk dh mis{kk ugha gksuh pkfg,A dsoy euksjatu esa gh efgyk dks ns[kuk vkxkfefnolksa esa ekufld fod`fr dks vk/ku djus dk iz;kl u cusA

,d ckr vkSj] bl lkaLd`frd egksRlo dh liQyrk esa gh izns'k dk fodkl fufgr gSA ;g fodkl vizR;{k gksrk gSA izR;{k fodkl ds fy;s fdlh vU; e×p ls jktdh; mn~?kks"k.kk,¡ gqvk djrh gh gSaA gesa ,d tqV ls blds fy;s 'kqfprkiwoZd lefiZr gksuk pkfg,A

ehfM;k us nksuksa fnuksa rd bl izdYi dk vk|ksikUr fooj.k izLrqr dj egksRlo ds izpkj izlkj esa egÙoiw.kZ Hkwfedk fuHkk;h gS] muds izfr lk/qokn gekjk nkf;Ro curk gSA

vUr esa izehyth lfgr mudh ;qok Vhe ds lnL; vfer};] fnyhi th] eqDrs'ojthvkfn ds lkFk lkFk 'kf'kHkw"k.kth (ftyk/h'k) ds usr`Ro esa dk;Z djus okys izR;{k o vizR;{k tu dks c/kbZ] ftUgksaus brus lqUnj egksRlo dh ifjdYiuk dhA

fuLlUnsg vkxkfeo"kksZa esa mxzrkjk lkaLd`frd egksRlo vius ije o pje y{; dks izkIr gksxkA

bfr 'ke~

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WWe take this opportunity to thank Dr. Pankaj K Mishra via our platform MAHISHI.ORG to attend the Mahotsav and made the event of National Seminar fruitful. We propose to take extreme care about his suggestions made about the organization of Mahotsav and would like the mass to also give a thought about it. Such a kind of large event will never be successful and would meet its objective till each person of society will not be connected with it. 

The views shared by him and published here is entirely the experiences and view of Dr. Mishra and we would like you to put your views on this via comments or emails. 

You are also requested to share your experiences with us , we would like to publish it via our platform. You may send your experiences on info@mahishi.org 

Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 : A complete coverage

Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 , Mahishi :

“Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav” organized by Department of Tourism , Bihar on 6^th and 7^th October, 2013 at the divine land of Maa Ugratara filled with the spirits of famous meemansak Mandan Mishra and culturally rich place Mahishi in the district Saharsa, Bihar  presented a true image of Maithili culture with rich folk traditions. There were plenty of events organized to showcase the rich cultural traditions, historical heritage, spiritual values and many more.

The Mahotsav was inaugurated on October 6^th ,2013 by the Sri Narendra Narayan Yadav ,Hon. Cabinet Minister Law, Planning & Development, Govt. of Bihar amidst the chants of Vedas by disciples of “Ved Vidya Kendra” at Mahishi. The other present guest of honors were Sri Dinesh Chandra Yadav Hon. MP Loksabha, Sri Arun Kumar Yadav  Hon. MLA Bihar Assembly, Sri Alok Ranjan Hon. MLA Bihar Assembly, Prof. Abdul Gafoor Hon. MLA Bihar  Assembly, Sri A N Pandey Director SAP  and Former Nuclear Scientist  BARC Mumbai , Sri Pankaj K Mishra Asst. Professor Delhi University, Sri Dev N Pathak Asst. Professor SAARC University New Delhi and local district administration officials.

In his inaugural speech Hon. Minister Sri Yadav threw the light on the historical and archeological importance of Mahishi and importance of the place as Shaktipeeth. He repeated the commitments of Hon. CM Bihar Sh. Nitish Kumar to protect the cultural, archeological, religious and historical heritage of Koshi region and bring it on tourism map. He also instructed to speed up the beautification work of Ugratara temple and development of it as tourist place initiated by Hon. CM Bihar Sri Nitish Kumar himself during first “Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav” in 2012.  

The inaugural session was also addressed by Hon. MP Loksabha, sitting MLAs, Vice –President Ugratara Temple Trust committee Sh. Pramil K Mishra, invited scholars and guests under the president ship of   DM Saharsa.

On occasion of Maotsav a souvenir “DHAROHAR” is also published with rich articles on Maa Ugratara, Vidushi Bharti, Acharya Mandan Mishra , Mithila and Maithil Culture. The souvenir published is a research book in itself as it has various research articles on relevant subjects of eminent national and international level scholars.

An “Udyog Mela” and “Agriculture Fare” was also organized by District Administration which was inaugurated by Hon. Minister Sri Yadav and District Judge Kumar Deodutta jointly. In the agri fair focus was on display of techonology based scientific methods of agriculture. In the “Udyog Mela” there were stalls of various industrial setups in the region, handicrafts, local food items and financial institutions. Apart from them, there were stalls of various govt. departments informing about different govt. schemes to public and utilizing them.

The evening of first day of “Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav” was filled with the joys of local folk cultural programmes by troops of “SWARANJALI” which was later taken over by famous bollywood and Bhojpuri bhajan singer Kalpana Patowary. In the performances of SWARANJALI main focus was to present rich cultural and musical heritage of Mithila region via different songs of poet Vidyapati, songs on Maa Ugratara and various occasional songs like sama-chakewa, sohar, crop harvesting time, and many more such songs.  

  

The famous singer KALPANA PATOWARY from Mumbai started her performance late in evening with her famous number “Jekar nath bholenath…………. ”after addressing everyone in local maithili language and Ganesh vandana. The magical moment of stage was presentation of rich Bhojpuri folk Bideshiya & Nautanki of Late Bhikhari Thakur  often called “The shakespear of Bhojpuri”  by one of his fellow troop member 105 Yrs. Old Sri Ramagya Ram and his team along with Kalpana Patowary. People even from remote places were stationed till end of programme around 2 O’clock and hardly there was any space left in ground which has capacity of more than 10 thousand people. Singer Kalpana presented various songs in different folk languages Bhojpuri, Maithili, Rajsthani, Punjabi and ended with her famous bollywood numbers in Hindi.

The second day of Mahotsav on 7^th oct. 2013 witnessed a convention of national and international level intellectuals gathered from various parts of country under the stage organization of Vice President, Ugratara Temple Trust committee Sh. Pramil Kumar Mishra and President ship  of Former Nuclear scientist BARC and Director SAP Hyderabad Sh. Amrendra N Pandey. The list of dignitaries include Professors from various universities, Authors, Writers, researchers and local intellectuals. All the speakers put on their views on Maa Ugratara, the discourse between Mandan Mishra and Adi Shankaracharya, the relevance of philosophy of meemansak Mandan Mishra in modern times and correlation of it with various other philosophical and spiritual domains. A speaker Sh. Pankaj K Mishra from St. Stephen’s college, Delhi University focused on the need of including Mandan Mishra and his philosophies in school and college level syllabus. A verbal resolution was also passed among the present guests and audience to change the name of Mahishi to “Mahishmati” to correlate it with its original glory and unique identification. All the present speakers were later honored by presenting a Memento featuring Maa Ugratara Temple by Hon. Distt. Judge Kumar Deodutta and DM Saharsa Sri Shashibhushan Kumar.

In the evening of second day of Mahotsav the popular radio programme of Akashvani Darbhanga “GAAM- GHAR” was relayed from the stage of “Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotav” and people were very happy upon seeing and hearing their artists live. The programme was later extended with the presentation of many Maithili folk regional songs and dances by various artists of region.

The last artistic performance of Mahotsav was a magical one and will be in memory of people from years as it was of famous Bhojpuri Singer MALINI AWASTHY. The magical performance started at around 10 O’clock in night and then it was a complete 3 Hrs. unforgettable moments with songs in Bhojpuri, Awadhi and Hindi ranging from patriotic songs to bhajans and Bhojpuri. All these three hours people were dancing on her tunes and specially ladies and children enjoyed the show much as once she reached among their gallery and started performing there.  Her performance covered bhakti songs on Devi Ugratara like “Tohre saran mein aaye hain jagdamba maiya….”,patriotic songs, chhath puja songs and various relevant social cultural songs. At the end she was presented memento of Mahotsav by DDC, Saharsa Sh. Yogendra Ram.

The organization of such kind of state govt. events in Mahishi is indeed a historical one and proves the commitment of Hon. CM Bihar Sri Nitish Kumar to bring it on tourism map as developed place which was earlier announced by him during Seva Yatra 2011 and later repeated in first Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav in 2012 which was inaugurated by him. The deptt. Of tourism is doing a job of appreciation by providing adequate funds and guidance for development to local administration and Temple trust committee.

The Village Mahishi , Maa Ugratara and Mandan Mishra :

Mahishi is a village situated 16 kms west of district headquarter Saharsa and 296 Kms east of state capital Patna.  The village has a great archeological, historical, religious and linguistic values. The village is famous for ancient temple of “Ugratara”, the discourse held between Mandan Mishra and Adi Shankaracharya, the great poet and author of Maithili and Hindi Rajkamal, and many modern marvel scholars. The village has a rich history and tradition which has been proved by excavation works carried time- to- time in the village.

The idol of goddess “Ugratara” is thought to be of stone - age and bear resemblance with Buddhist culture also. Many of the other idols found during excavation in a pond and other places in the village have Buddhists architecture.  The remains of “Pal Dynasty” and “Maurya Dynasty” have been found in and around Mahishi during excavation. The temple is of ancient times and is a main center of “Tantra Meditation” too due to its specialty of forming an equilateral with “Chandi Temple” of Biratpur and “Katyayani Temple” of Dhamara Ghat near Nepal Border. Thus this temple is an immense source of power and draws devotees from far and wide not only from India but also from adjoining countries like Nepal, Bhutan, China and Tibbet, etc.
The history of Mahishi goes back in 8^th Century as it has been learnt and later established   that Mahishi was the birthplace of great Meemansak and Advait Vedanti  Acharya Mandan Mishara in 8th century and he lived here with his wife Devi Bharti. A religious discourse (“Shastratha”) was held between Pt. Manadan Mishra and Adi Shankracharya in mahishi and later it was joined by the wife of Pt. mishra, Devi Bharti. Finally Adi Shankaracharya was defeated by Bharti and again came second time for the discourse. The place of discourse is still lying in Mahishi and needs a major excavation work to establish these theories of history.

The places around Mahishi also have archeological and historical importance which was duly recognized by Archeological survey of India and state government. There is located Sun Temple established by  King Narsimha Dev  of Karnataka Dynasty in Kandaha near Mahishi. This is the temple where Sun is worshipped as god and his idol is placed over here carved over a single stone slab.

A website has also been raised to give information and connect people from across the countries to Mahotsav and Mahishi. The details can be found at visiting the community website of Mahishi http://usm.mahishi.org or http://www.mahishi.org and official website http://saharsa.bih.nic.in .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The above report has been prepared by Sh. Amit Kumar Choudhary . Administrator Mahishi.org  for detailed view on the events organized during Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav, Mahishi  on 6th and 7th October, 2013. Sh. Choudhary is involved in the organization  of mahotsav since its inception and has contributed in various duties for organization. The website of Mahotsav "http:\\usm.mahishi.org" is also the brainchild of him and all the intellectual designs of cover page of souvenir, logo are provided by him. He is happy presenting his day to day accessing for the mahotsav and we request you to share it the most and put your views via comments. We also request you write your experiences and reviews and mail it to us on info@mahishi.org. We will publish it via our on handle with due credits to you.

Gala grand festival “ Shri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav” by Sri Amrendra N Pandey

Sri Amrendra N Pandey, Director Spiritual Awareness Programme  Hyderabad and former nuclear scientist BARC Mumbai is sharing his experience about "Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" held on 6th & 7th October 2013. Sri Pandey was an invited guest for the national level seminar on Ugratara, Mandan & Bharti and Maithili Culture during mahotsav by Deptt. of Tourism, Govt. of Bihar , District Administration Saharsa and Ugratara Mata Mandir Nyas Samiti. 

Sri Pandey has worked as a senior scientist at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for more than three decades till 2006 and now  is the director of a Hyderabad-based institute, 'Spiritual Awareness Programme', is actively working in the fields of Yoga, space and Energy and its correlation with Dvait and Advait.He proposes a strong correlated concept betwen Dvaita & Advaita in 8th Century (to represent the wholesome effect of Veda) its endorsement in 17th century by Tulsi; in 20th Century by Science and in 21st Century by Yoga. Currently he is engaged in research into the reason for debate between Mandan Mishra and Shankaracharya at this place.

Pandey has published books on "Yoga - A Solution to Manage International Problems Related to Swine Flu and Post-Nuclear Leakage Crisis" and "Spiritual Approach to Combat Influenza A (H1N1)". To know more about Sri Pandey , please follow our link : http://usm.mahishi.org/scholars.html

Here we are happy to present the experience of Sri A N Pandey in his own words about his stay and participation during "Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 ".

Gala grand festival “ Shri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav”

                                               :::::: Amrendra N Pandey:::::::

Thrilling Experience:

          During events of “Shri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav “(held during 6^th & 7^th of October) at Mahishi, in Saharsa, Bihar, I was invited to participate in the events. Total five speakers were invited along with local intellectuals to participate and to explore the hidden themes of Shri Ugratara, Mandan, Bharti contributions along with Adi Shankaracharya. There were very good arrangements to the extent possible consisting welcome/cultural hospitality by the department of tourism (Government of Bihar), Saharsa District Administration officials and Ugratara Mata Mandir Nyas (trust) . The officials of district administration were very cordial while receiving, rehabilitating/ accommodating and transporting the guests from Saharsa (developed town of Bihar and Head quarter for district and commissioner officials) to the Mahotsav site.

Excellent Management and Vision of Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav Committee including Deptt. Of Tourism, District Administration and Ugratara Mandir Trust committee :

The wider vision of committee is appreciated when all the sections of the society like i) political ii) cultural iii) intellectual iv) local public of Mahishi and nearby villages  were given equal importance to participate and come out with their views for the basic mission and vision of the Nyas (trust). The representation of each section has properly been taken care (to the extent possible). Event related to cultural program was given the wide dimensions to accommodate Maithili and Bhojpuri speaking artists.

Traditional Cultural Program:

Many traditional cultural programs were organized in local Maithili and Bhojpuri language (one of the prominent languages spoken by large number of people in Bihar). In addition, Hindi was a link to provide the platform for entertainment while large number of people of Mahishi and associated rural areas were present. The cultural programs indicate the wider visions of the Mahotsav committee to accommodate many artists of different cultural background in connection with music and dance. The organizing committee of Mahotsav deserves many appreciations for selecting the artists who have expertise and the program delivered the sweat memory in the minds of large sections of people.

Intellectual dimensions were explored:

Ugratara Mata Mandir Nyas (trust) has organized intellectual discourse (based on its objectives) to bring out the value with added theme of Shri Ugratara, Mandan, Bharti concept. It has given the emphasis on moral, ethical and virtuous values prevailing in the local areas along with  special topics like i) Purkha Divas ii) importance of Shakti Peetha iii) gift of Mandan and Bharti to then society (8th century) and also for modern society in terms of science and technology. The wider coverage of local as well as national intellectuals was given. District administration along with management officials of the trust were present throughout the convention of intellectuals (held on 7^th of October 2013). District Magistrate Saharsa Sri Shashibhusan Kumar and District Judge Sri Kumar Deodutta were himself present throughout the seminar and patiently listened all the intellectuals and agreed to take necessary actions to include Mandan Mishra in school and college level syllabus and restore back the original glory of Mahishi as Mahishmati suggested by one of scholars Dr. Pankaj K Mishra from University of Delhi.

    

Win win dialogue of two spiritual masters (Pandit Mandan Mishra and Adi Shankara) in 8^th century was explained, taking into consideration of different angles like i)views of Shri Tulsi Das of 17^th century; ii) theme of Swami Vivekananda of 18^th century and iii)energy and space theme of science of 20^th century. The dialogue between Pandit Mandan Mishra and Adi Shankara was also analyzed taking the four nobel paths of Buddha. The participants (local and urban) understood the magnanimous vision of the Nyas to strengthen  the mission and vision of it (the Nyas /trust) for educating and also for providing the platform for human evaluation.

Role of the Ugratara Mata Mandir Nyas (trust):

The trust played a commendable role where all the members of Executive body were silently doing the best possible services to the people of the village, artists & also to the guests.  The role of Shri Pramil Mishra, Vice President of Nyas and his wife is worthwhile to be mentioned.  Madam Mishra can be equated for her help and devotional action towards Nyas (trust) with Vidushi Bharti. As Bharti had extended her contribution to the growth of Pandit Mandan’s Mission and vision; similar way, Madam Mishra is performing her role to grow the Nyas. The Secretary, the treasurer, the publication officials, volunteers associated with hospitality and other works have extended their services to make the function very successful.

Shri Amit Choudhary, Shri Amit Anand, Shri Dilip Choudhary, Shri Ajay Kumar Jha, Shri Murari Ji, Shri Vachaspati Jha   are the prominent personalities who were the back bone of the events along with Secretary and Vice President.

          

Role of District Administration Saharsa and Deptt. of Tourism:

The district administration saharsa and deptt. of tourism jointly played a vital role in organization of the mahotsav. The district officials have put their best effort to make the events successful despite having unfavorable weather conditions and large mass to manage. The DM saharsa has himself taken personal interest to make the event successful along with his other officials working on ground day and night. Sri Mukteshwar Mukesh from District administration has specially appreciated and honored by district judge Saharsa for excellent core organization of mahotsav and successful publication of the souvenir "DHAROHAR 2013".

The Management committee of the mahotsav along with district administration officials and trust committee members were very efficient to take care of all sections of the society and intellectuals along with administrative staff of the Govt. of Bihar associated with the events. Over all, a grand successful and fruitful gathering was organized to deliver the objectives of Shri Ugra Tara, Mandan Mishra and Vidushi Bharti trust. It was a thrilling and memorable moment for me and also for the people at large. 

UGRATARA SANSKRITIK MAHOTSAV , MAHISHI : An Excellent Event

"Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" was celebrated on 6th and 7th October at Mahishi. The Mahotsav is celebrated by Deptt. of Tourism, Bihar and managed by Distt. Administration and "Ugratara Temple Trust Committee" jointly. Here is a report -cum- review of Mahotsav organized at Mahishi by well know feature writer and reviewer "MUKTESHWAR MUKESH"

 .

Mr. Mukteshwar was witness of the unfolding events of Mahotsav and is involved in it sicnce its inception. He is the man behind the many successful events of Mahotsav and largely been appreciated many times by authorities.He has successfully managed the publishing of souvenir "DHAROHAR" also and this time was honoured by Distt. Judge Kumar Deodatt. 

Writing is passion for him and besides his monotonus govt. job he has written many articles in various state and national level news papers and magzines on subjects related to History, Philosophy, Science and Fiction. A brochure on tourist locations of Koshi region is a novel work of him which was published during KOSI MAHOTSAV 2011.  

Here is accessing of him of Mahotsav organization is his own language.

उग्रतारा सांस्कृतिक महोत्सव में संस्कृति ?

"Ugaratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" was celebrated on 6th and 7th October, 2013 at Mahishi. This was the second celebration of the mahotav and it was a historic evenet. To see the details of the mahotsav , you may visit our website : http:\\usm.mahishi.org

Regarding the organization of Mahotsav, we have collected the reviews of the people, invited guests, performing artists, reporters and common maas who were present during the mahotsav and were witness of the events and are publishing in a series.

Second in the series, we are publishing the review of Shee Kundan Kumar Mishra. Shree Mishra is native of mahishi and is reporting for DAINIK JAGRAN from mahishi. Apart from reporting, Shree Mishra is a social activist also and doing extensive research on the archeological evidences in and around mahishi. Many of the archeologically important materials and manuscripts have been preserved by him and in safe custody. He has published various articles in news papers, magzines, books on the historical, archeological and religious importance of mahishi and is a true social fighter in his own sense. He is also covering "Ugratara sanskritik Mahotsav " since its inception and was present during the mahotsav this year also. Here is present his feelings and review in his own words.

 

उग्रतारा सांस्कृतिक महोत्सव  में संस्कृति ?

(द्वारा :श्री कुंदन कुमार मिश्र , पत्रकार , दैनिक जागरण )

उग्रतारा सांस्कृतिक महोत्सव  में हज़ारों कि संख्यां में उपस्थित लोगों में से शायद ही कुछ प्रतिशत लोग ऐसे होंगे जिसे आयोजित महोत्सव के  उद्येश्य से कुछ सरोकार हो। महोत्सव में उपस्थित राजनीतिज्ञों का मुख्य उद्येश्य सिर्फ  सरकार कि उपलब्धियां गिनाने तक सीमित रहा तो आयोजक मंडल ने  नामचीन  कलाकारों की मदद से भीड़ जुटाने को सफलता का आधार माना। सेमिनार में उपस्थित विद्वानों में से साउथ  एसियन यूनिवर्सिटी के श्री देव नाथ पाठक महोत्सव   आयोजन में   सामाजिक और  सांस्कृतिक सरोकारों कि  खोज करते नज़र आये वहीं  देलहि यूनिवर्सिटी के प्रोफेसर श्री पंकज कुमार मिश्र मंडन काल में जीवंत संस्था और आज के शैक्षिक एवं सामाजिक संस्थानों में मंडन मिश्र को जीवंत किये जाने के प्रयास पर बल देते नज़र आये। बाकी सारे विद्वान वही पुरानी तोता मैना की कहानियों में ढलते नज़र आये। 

इस वर्ष द्वितीय महोत्सव के पूर्व या पश्चात् इस धरोहर  भूमि के विकास सम्बन्धी योजनाओं पर चर्चा किसी भी मंच से किसी भी द्वारा नहीं की गयी। महोत्सव के मुख्य आयोजन स्थल पर  चंद दिनों पूर्व हुए बारिश के कारण जमा पानी एवं कीचड़ को उद्घाटनकर्ता मंत्रीजी ने भी देखा परन्तु जल निकासी या पूर्व में घोषित स्टेडियम निर्माण की चर्चा तक नहीं हुयी। उद्घाटन के पश्चात् स्टॉलों का निरीक्षण करते समय मंत्री जी ने प्रशासन से ये जानने की ज़रुरत नहीं समझी की सरकारी संश्थानों के अतिरिक्त गैर सरकारी संस्थानों की भागीदारी इतनी कम क्यूँ है? जनता के निजी स्टॉलों को तरज़ीह क्यूँ नहीं दी गयी जबकि कई सारे स्टाल खाली रह गए थे। 

प्रथम दिन के आधी रात तक सांस्कृतिक कार्यकर्मों का लुत्फ़ उठाने वाले मंत्री एवं प्रशासनिक पदाधिकारियों को शायद ये पता ही नहीं की मिथिला सांस्कृतिक रूप से कितनी धनी रही है जहां खेतों में धान कि रोप करते समय भी मज़दूरों द्वारा ख़ास गीत गाए जाते हैं। भगैत गायन इस क्षेत्र की प्रसिध आस्था का द्योतक है जिसे बार बार नज़रअंदाज़ किया जाता रहा है। इस क्षेत्र कि विलुप्त हो रही लोक परम्पराएं एवं लोकगीत जैसे जाता चलाते समय का गीत, ढेकी एवं ऊखल चलाते समय का गीत, सूत काटते समय का गीत , मधुश्रावणी गीत, विषहरा गीत, सलहेस और राजा चुहरमल के गीतों का प्रदर्शन मंच से क्यूँ नहीं हो सका। वहीं मिथिला पेंटिंग, अरिपन, दीप एवं स्थानीय सरोकारों से जुड़ाव रखने वाले लघु नाटिकाओं का प्रदर्शन क्यूँ नहीं हो सका। इस ग्राम के युवकों द्वारा संग्रहित पुरातातविक अवशेषों एवं पांडुलिपियों कि प्रदर्शनी क्यूँ नहीं हो सकी।

सांस्कृतिक कार्यकर्मों में भी मैथिलि से ज्यादा भोजपुरी कलाकारों को तरजीह दिए जाने से यह परिलक्षित होता है कि प्रशासन भोजपुरी फूहड़ गानों से लोगों में उन्माद पैदा कर इस स्थल को बदनाम करने की साजिश रच रहा है। 

इस वर्ष महोत्सव के पूर्व तैयरियों को लेकर भी प्रशासन ने संविदा के संवेदकों के भरोसे ही छोड़ दिया। 

महोत्सव के दशहरा के दो और तीन पूजा के बीच आयोजन के पीछे प्रशासनिक मज़बूरी चाहे जो भी हो परन्तु एक बात तो तय हो चुकी है और ग्रामीणों में भी इस बात की चर्चा है की आज से दो वर्ष पूर्व लोग दशहरा मेला देखने महिषी आया करते थे जिसमे जुटने वाली भीड़ के चलते अच्छे खासे बेरोजगारों को रोजगार मिल जाया करता था परन्तु अब सिर्फ लोग महोत्सव देखने महिषी आते हैं जिसमे आयोजन स्थल कि दूरी माँ उग्रतारा के मंदिर से लगभग दो किलोमीटर है। इससे सरकारी अधिकारीयों को तो रोजगार के अवसर प्राप्त हो जाते है परन्तु ग्रामीण बेरोजगार ही रह जाते हैं। माँ उग्रतारा स्थान में भी सन्नाटा फैला रहता है। दशहरा के दौरान मंदिर में होने वाली आमदनी में भी काफी ह्रास हुआ है। 

ज़रुरत है इस पर विचार करने की कि महोत्सव के दौरान सामाजिक सहभागिता को कैसे बढ़ाया जाए? इसके लिए आयोजन के पूर्व जो बैठक जिलाधिकारी के कक्ष में आयोजित होती है उसे ग्रामीणों के बीच भी आयोजित किया जाये। अगर सम्भव हो तो प्रशासन एवं ग्रामीण दोनों को मिलकर आयोजन स्थल मंदिर के इर्द गिर्द सुनिश्चित करना होगा।

प्रशासनिक स्तर पर इस बात की समीक्षा भी ज़रूर होनी चाहिए की महोत्सव आयोजन के साथ इस वर्ष इस स्थल के विकास की कौन सी योजना लायी गयी और उसका क्रियान्वयन कैसे होगा, तभी उग्रतारा सांस्कृतिक महोत्सव की सही अर्थों में सार्थकता सिद्ध होगी।

Comment on Review of Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav

Here we are sharing a comment from Mrs. SAVITA MISHRA from Patna on the review of "Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" by Dr. Dev N pathak. You may find his review on http://ugrataramahotsav.blogspot.in/2013/10/ugratara-sanskritik-mahotsav-2013.html
Mrs. Mishra is a freelance journalist and was also present during the recent "Shree Ugratara Cultural Festival 2013". She is describing her views and comments on the review which we are sharing in her own language.

The Comment from Mrs. Savita Mishra :

I completely disagree with the view of Dr.Dev N Pathak.First of all when any missionary project is in its initial stage, it should be appreciated rather than criticized with factual error as it hurts seniments of no.of people involved in it. I have been witnessing this State Govt.’s two days prestigious mega event “Shree Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav” followed by a national seminar based on Mandan-Bharti and Mithila Sanskriti since its inception in 2012.

The joy and happiness of thousands of people have been felt as such type of grand event of entertainment n enlightenment is observed first time in the remote area of Mahishi. In fact, for them it is like A Oasis in The Desert. That's why seeing the popularity of the Mahotsav this year the involvement of locals, volunteers and media have increased manifold. It deserves much more appreciation as not only it represents the rich culture of this region but also provides a very good platform for so many hidden, outstanding talents.

I must say the crowd here was the best ever as I have noticed so far as it has been seen and read that whenever there is such programme in open space it goes most of the time uncontrollable. Chairs have been thrown n whistles have been blown not even in district headquarters, small towns but even in state capitals and administration becomes almost helpless to control it. Sometimes it has to be stopped in midway. But in this highly prestigious event right from a five year old child to 80 year old man and woman after finishing their dinner came out from their houses from miles and watched lovingly, enjoyed each and every performance till 4 a.m.What does it show?

The success of any event is the happiness of the classes not of the masses .Hats off to the Distt. Administraion, the volunteers, the Ugratara Trust members, the young local co-ordinators who perfectly n peacefully managed this mega event. The audience enjoyed the national n famous singers like Kalpana Patowari and Malini Awasthy as well as artists of popular programme GAAM-GHAR of Akashwani Darbhanga spreading Mithila Culture. Also superb presentation by the local talents like Sama- chakeva and bhagwati based dances etc.

So truely it shows the success of a mission started last year by the Honorable Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar on the request of vice- President of Ugratara Trust during his Seva Yatrain Mahishi in 2011.

Instead of displaying picture of muddy field of the venue ,Dr. Pathak you should please acknowledge that despite the heavy rains from couple of days couldn’t dampen the spirit of organizers and regarding corruption ,I should say that the fund is directly released by the State Govt. to the Distt. administration and not to the trust. And this fund is actually not sufficient for this mega event to preserve the rich cultural heritage. In fact there is a move to raise the fund from next year onward as said by organigers. So it is very sad to say that Mr.Pathak is quite unaware of the hard work and selfless dedication of Distt. Administration ,trust members n intelligentia.

Last year i have been so much touched by the fact that in a enthusiastic mood ,some of Govt officers donated money for tiles flooring in front of Maa Ugratara Mandir for the beautification and the work was done overnight.

I have witnessed the talks by the people over there .Also for your kind information the Trust members have not taken a single penny of the fund and their entire expenditure are being managed by their own pocket.  The mission of preserving the glorious past of the Mahishi was very much praised by the HOD English deptt.,Mithila University ,Mrs. Indira Jha in the seminar and she even desired such programme in the other part of the state. She has  chosen her speech in Maithili instead of English. So maithili culture is very much preserved here and don’t ruined.

In my opinion freedom of expression is right of everyone whether it is in any language. Yes it should be of common mass. Dr. Pathak has himself self written a article in English language in the second edition of souvenir  DHAROHAR. Will you please tell me how many common people will go through this? But it does not mean that you are against the MAITHILI culture. Yes I do agree that on the inaugural days local leaders tried to use this prestigious occasion for their political benefits but it is not a big thing. It can be controlled from next year.

But overall “Shree Ugratara Cultural Mahatosav” fulfilled its aim and was a grand success. One of the noted speakers of the seminar of both the seasons, Divisional Commandant, Patna,Mr.Tejnarayan Kherwar has told that the success rate of the seminar has increased by 100% this year.

   

Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 : A Review by Dr. Dev N Pathak (Asst. professor, South Asian University, New Delhi)

"Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013" was celebrated on 6th and 7th October 2013 at Mahishi. The celebration was historic event in many respects and set some standards in one or other ways. There were cultural events, Seminar, Exhibition, Agri fair and many more events throughout 2 days of the event. The list of invited guests were of national and international credits who have presented their views, suggestions for the betterment, uplifting of the status of treasured land Mahishi.

Regarding the Organization of Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 , we have collected some reviews of the invited guests, scholars, cultural performers who have attended the Mahotsav and were the witness of the events.

First in the series we are publishing the review of Dr. Dev N Pathak. Dr. Pathak was a invited guest of Sri Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav 2013 for National Seminar on 2nd day of Mahotsav. Dr. Pathak is asst. Professor with   South Asian University, New Delhi. He teaches sociology and social anthropology subjects to postgraduate students of SAARC countries. He is also conducting a research work on Ugratara and Mahishi . The details on Dr. pathak can also be found on http://usm.mahishi.org/scholars.html .

 Cultural Corruption in Ugratara Cultural Festival

 By Dr. Dev N Pathak (Asst. Professor, SAARC University, New Delhi)

It is nearly a truism that Mithila, the Maithili speaking region in Bihar,embodies a rich cultural tradition in Bihar. A lot of platitudes, and thereof pride and prejudices, determines the contemporary Maithili conscience. This is not an eccentricity for a cultural region. For, the drum beat of proud supremacy is heard in every cultural part of the Indian whole. The need of the hour is however to run the cultural performances through a litmus test and diagnose it ruthlessly, else cultural body will fester and decay with cancerous germs of corruption. In this context, it is but natural to cast a critical glance on the Maithili culture in Bihar. It is very much normal to seek for a fair representation of the cultural richness in a festival, which claims to celebrate Maithili culture. The Ministry of Tourism of the Government of Bihar sponsored a cultural festival ‘Ugratara Sanskritik Mahotsav’ on 6 and 7 October, 2013, at a village Mahishi in the district of Saharsa. Mahishi, along with other villages in the vicinity such as Chainpur, Kandaha and Bangaon, are renowned for historical significance. These cluster of villages are on the map of the archeological survey of India with statues and remainspertaining to the Pala dynasty. However, Mahishi excels in history and mythology owing to the presence of the deity Ugratara, a goddess whose existence blends Hindu and Bauddha dharma. The village is often perceived in association with the renowned Mimansa scholar Mandan Mishra. It is believed that Pundit Mandan Mishra and the propounder of Advaitism Shankar had a debate in Mahishi which confirmed the validity of the philosophy of non-dualism. Besides, Mahishi is home of rich folklore, cultural and social manifestation of the Vaidik and Tantrik traditions. Given the rich posterity of Mahishi, the first ever cultural and intellectual celebration took place in 1970. Intellectually active local youth, scholars, and lay residents strived to resume the annual cultural celebration to highlight the heritage embedded in Mahishi. After a long trail of persuasion, the Government of Bihar agreed to sponsor the annual cultural celebration in 2012.  

The 2013 episode of the festival was a ‘grand success’ like the one last year according to the official assessment as well as the proactive youth leaders of Mahishi. However, there are issues emerging from the festival, which warrant timely attention.

The author of this article was an eyewitness to an unfolding evidence of irony in the face of Maithili cultural pride on 6 October, the first day of the UgrataraSanskritikMahotsav- 2013. The inaugural ceremony of the festival was unabashedly an irritating theater of politics by the representatives of the incumbent government. The overdose of politics on the stage was shamelessly disclosed in a long drawn and deadening political ritual. A large number of khadi-clad politicians, including a Member of Parliament, a cabinet minister, a huge number of insignificant cadres, along with the district administrators, on the stage had nothing to relate to the cultural festival. Except stating a hyperbole- this government is the only protector of the cultural pride, whatever that means, of Mithila!Each after the other popped up to name the same string of the people present on the stage, and since they were many on the stage the very act of naming took fifteen minutes every time. After parroting the names each said- thank you for being the savior of Maithili cultural pride! One wished they had an iota of imagination in making their politics a little subtle and nuanced. An anchor by mistake, as she seemed to have reached a cultural festival though she was planning to go for a television serial audition, was jarring in her Hindi pronunciation and baffling with innumerable names. None tried speaking in Maithili language in a festival, which claims to promote and celebrate Maithili culture. The district administrators, ranks and files, seemed to please their political bosses for known and unknown reasons. They were downright unreflective in their approach to the whole inaugural event. The four-hour long inauguration ended with a promise of a cultural program in the evening on the same day. The key attraction of the evening performance was a popular entertainer Kalpana Patowari. The evening performance had audience reveling to the peppy jigs of Kalpana which included a few new-age bhajan such as ‘hey ganeshke papa’ and many songs in Bhojpuri for which Kalpana is notorious in Bihar. Ironically enough, the event in the heart of Mithila, for ‘Maithili cultural pride’, had no interest in Maithili folksongs whatsoever .The land of Mithila pulsates with those folksongs even now in the villages and township. There was evidently little interest in those songs of Mithila. The political leadership, district administrators, and influential local folks sat in the front row and sent money on each performance of Kalpana. It did seem to be only a slightlymodified version of the feudal entertainment by courtesans for power to be. Maithili culture was conspicuous by absence in the cultural festival of Mithila, alas!

Upon empathetic enquiry the author of this article arrived at a biting realization. The festival is thoroughly controlled by the district administration to implement the bare minimum design of the Government of Bihar. The local class of intellectuals and youth activists from Mahishi have little say in the decision making process. There has been a unanimous concern about the way the Government of Bihar sanctions fund for the cultural festival, to be organized in close consultation with the Ugratara Trust and the interested locals. But then, year after year the district administration has been unilateral in making several decisions at odds with the local aspirations. The administration took a conscious decision to allow the inaugural function to be a naked political show, and to reduce the cultural event into a veritable live show of television based lewd-and-loud program. It makes the program popular, opined one of the potbellied district officials. On the other hand, some of the local activists have also indicated that in the background of the culturally impoverished‘cultural festival’ there is also a possibility of corrupt malpractices. The administration must have embezzled funds in the name of the festival, suggested a youth activist in Mahishi. Nobody really knows as to how much was spent and in what account! There is no open documentation of the festival of the bygone year; there won’t possibly be one for this year either. It is quite for the convenience of the district official to have the event non-documented. For, a documented event will become a vivid site of contestation. The district administration is intolerant to any kind of youthful questioning and has also threatened- if there are critical voices, the Government of Bihar will not release fund for the event anymore.

The second day was slotted for a seminar to discuss the significance of Mandan Mishra and Ugratara. Ironies piled up at the site of the seminar. It was the place where Mandan Mishra used to have his residence and Sadhna. A totally tattered government school on one side, and a little less attended school for Vedic learning on the other side, flanked the stage for the seminar. It was just by coincidence that I visited the schools before the seminar began. It was indeed revealing and hear-wrenching to see the durdasha around the Mandan dham. There was no sign of effort by the villagers or by the district administration to protect and facilitate an ambience for intellectual progress at the site of Mandan dham. What could be more ironical than this! Yet, the show went on, and every speaker in the seminar spoke one after the other. It was not much different from Nero playing on lute while the Rome was set on fire. Nobody really wished to highlight the ironical situation in which all were accomplishes. Instead, the seminar witnessed politics of propositions: change the name of the village! As if the mere changing of the name can resolve the issues of crises! It also seemed very clearly that seminar was not a necessary ‘item on the list of events’ for the organizers. Some of the invited guests were just for a window-dressing, to show off that ‘we are interested in intellectual discussions’. The truth was that scholars who were invited from Delhi were most neglected and redundant. Neither the audience nor the organizers were interested in a critical debate with them. Their interest was still some of those tiring-endless questions: whether Mandan was defeated by Shankar or not; whether Mandan was Sureshwaracharya or not; whether Buddha had an influence on Mahishi or not! It clearly showed that the debate was frozen in time and space and nobody really was keen to move forward. The only sign of moving forward, relating to new questions of contemporary Mithila, was expressed in the hollow tokenism: change the name of the village!

It looked like the festival was not ambitious, either intellectually or culturally. There was no attempt on the part of the organizers to give enough importance to intellectual deliberation. Nor were the invited intellectuals interested in calling a spade a spade! They too played it safe for some unclear goals and interest.Amid the vulgar politics of heritage in Mithila there lies a throbbing intellectual culture of the ordinary folks. It is visible in Mahishi too where children learn to recite mellifluously the ‘Vedic richas’, where green foliage hum in tune with the wind coming from the Koshi river, where a syncretic religious life weakens the caste hierarchy. The culture of Mahishi is beyond the politics of heritage, and thus it is an invitation to a visitor for a foray into the realm of ideals.The festival is yet to capture Mahishi’s culture. 

(Ugratara Sanskitik Mahotsav : The review published here is solely the views of Dr. Dev N Pathak about Ugratara Mahotsav 2013 , what he has seen and experieneced during it.We appreciate the critical reviews as there is always a chance to make the organization better and fruitful. It remains a lesson for further organizations.You are also requested to write the reviews if you were present during the Mahotsav 2013. You may mail us your reviews on info@mahishi.org )