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Short cultural snippets for an easily digestible India

Words Baahar and Bahaar

Baahar, or bahar, in Hindi simply means ‘outside’. In the Urdu language, spelt slightly differently, bahaar has more nuanced meanings. In a more straightforward sense, bahaar means spring time, and often features in poetry and the lyrics of folk and movie songs that tell of the coming of the season. The word also indicates ‘bloom’, ‘beauty’ and ‘glory’, and the plural version, bahaaron, implies ‘flourishing’. The pronunciation of these words, as well as the name of the state Bihar, are very close, so ask for clarification when you hear Indians speak – they will be delighted by your interest!

Art, Craft Cane Haversacks – Arunachal Pradesh

Cane and bamboo are the raw materials that fulfil many of life’s daily needs for the tribal peoples of the mountain state of Arunachal Pradesh, in India’s far northeast. The men of the region are expert at constructing everything from suspension bridges and houses to fishing traps, containers and hats from cane. The Adi Gallong tribe is well-known for making backpacks, or haversacks. One type, the rathak, is shaped like a rectangular pouch. It is woven in a herring-bone pattern as a mat and then folded in half, with the sides joined and the top left open. The other, the pathu, is woven like a basket, in a diagonal weave. Carried by two shoulder straps, the haversacks are lined with natural materials to protect the contents from rainwater.

Interpretations Spinning a Prayer Wheel