Sanatan Siddhashram

Crossing the Divide

In association with
Sanatan Siddhashram
In collaboration with
Curator's Note

In the orange glow of renunciation lies the courage to face the vast blankness of the universe and to root faith in the enduring essence of humanity. This is the world of the Bauls and Fakirs of Bengal - mystics who dismantle the walls that divide us through their music and philosophy. Raghav Pasricha and Eva Zanettin embarked on a journey in 2023, inspired by the music of Pasricha’s aunt that led them to the Kenduli Mela, a vibrant gathering of Bauls. Their path took them through Bardhaman, Birbhum, Purulia, Bankura, Murshidabad, and Gaurbhanga, where they documented the layered histories and living practices of Baul and Fakir traditions. Combining visuals and poetry, this exhibition immerses viewers in a vibrant tradition that transcends barriers. In the Bauls’ quiet ease, their songs, and connection to the world around them, we find a path forward - not of escape but of engagement, where the divine resides not above but within and between us all.