‘Sahaj Parav’ is fundamentally a carnival of rediscovering and redefining our roots. The manner in which 19th century learning perceived ‘roots’, was based on an essentially colonial, urban construct. Nevertheless, being in the present Post-modern time, we attempt to search for our roots from a free, sovereign perspective. The setting is now distinctly new. Secondly, the constant, global advertis
ing of the culture and aesthetics of a particular nation endangers the cultural sovereignty of every other people, and hence, ‘Sahaj Parav’, the Root Music Festival aims to provide an “other” narrative to the ongoing phenomenon of cultural homogenization across the globe. Thirdly, it is an established fact now that the culture of our ‘roots’ is facing extinction, owing rightly to a larger sense of naivety. Quite obviously, thus, the responsibility to conserve and continue this culture falls on us. But, this process does not merely end with urban replications or performances of the same. Consequently, conserving the art generates the need for protecting the artist, as well. Fourthly, Even we desire cultural universality, but not at our cost. Equal treatment is essential. “As I play the Blues, our Baul finds voice in you!” From this train of thought, ‘Sahaj Parav’ is born.
