Digital Storytelling for Preserving Traditions with Immersive Media

India’s folk traditions are more than just performances—they are living, breathing expressions of our history, beliefs, and emotions. From the energetic Bhaona of Assam to the soulful Baul music of Bengal, the powerful storytelling of Pandavani in Chhattisgarh, and the vibrant Yakshagana of Karnataka, each folk art form carries the spirit of the communities that have nurtured them for centuries. These performances are not just about entertainment; they are a means of preserving our stories, values, and collective memories.

However, as the world moves rapidly towards digitalization, these traditional art forms face the risk of being forgotten. At the Centre for Media and Policy Research (CMPR), we are committed to ensuring that India’s folk traditions not only survive but thrive in the modern world. By leveraging immersive media, we aim to create experiences that capture the essence of these performances, making them accessible and engaging for newer generations.

Using Virtual Reality (VR) to Preserve Folk Traditions

Our research at CMPR focuses on how technology, especially Virtual Reality (VR), can be used to preserve and enhance folk storytelling. Recently, we explored the impact of VR on Theyyam, a ritualistic art form from Kerala. By analyzing audience reactions to Theyyam through immersive media, we gained valuable insights into how technology can bring deeper engagement and understanding of folk traditions.

Now, we are turning our attention to Maharashtra, a state rich in folk heritage, with traditions like Dashavatara, Gondhal, Tamasha, Powada, Lavani, and Kirtan. Our latest project focuses on Gondhal, a captivating folk tradition deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural storytelling.

Gondhal: A Spiritual and Theatrical Experience

Gondhal is more than just a performance—it is a sacred ritual, a form of storytelling that honors deities like Goddess Bhavani and Khandoba. The rhythmic chants, striking costumes, and powerful drum beats create an experience that is both spiritual and theatrical. Traditionally performed during religious ceremonies and community gatherings, Gondhal connects people to their roots, making it an invaluable part of Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

Bringing Gondhal to the Digital World

At CMPR, we are taking a groundbreaking approach to document and preserve Gondhal using immersive media. Here’s how we plan to do it:

360-degree filming of an authentic Gondhal performance: We will capture a real Gondhal performance by the Gondhalis in Pali village, Maharashtra. This footage will preserve the raw energy, rhythmic chants, and powerful storytelling of the tradition.
Transforming footage into a VR experience: The recorded performance will be converted into a fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience, allowing audiences to feel as if they are physically present at a Gondhal ritual.
Understanding audience engagement: We will first document the experiences of people who have traditionally witnessed Gondhal in its original form. Their emotions, memories, and interpretations will help us understand how meaning is transferred through this medium.
Experimental studies with VR audiences: By comparing traditional audience perspectives with those experiencing Gondhal through VR, we will analyze how folklore is perceived, internalized, and emotionally connected across different platforms.

Why This Matters for Folk Traditions and Digital Preservation

An image where little kids are experiencing Indian folk traditions with immersive media

Our initiative at CMPR is just the beginning of a larger effort to use technology for cultural preservation. By leveraging immersive media, digital storytelling, and VR, we can ensure that India’s rich folk traditions remain a vibrant part of our cultural landscape for generations to come.

With the rise of digital media, AI, and immersive experiences, the way we consume and interact with cultural performances is evolving. By combining traditional storytelling with modern technology, we aim to create new avenues for cultural engagement and education.

Join Us in Preserving India’s Cultural Heritage

At CMPR, we believe in the power of media, research, and technology to preserve and promote India’s diverse folk traditions. Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a researcher, or a technology innovator, you can be part of this journey by supporting our initiatives.

Follow our work at CMPRIndia.org and stay updated on how we are blending tradition with innovation.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out if you’d like to collaborate in our mission to keep India’s folk traditions alive in the digital age.

References

Sahapedia – Folk Arts of India:https://www.sahapedia.org/
IGNCA – Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts:http://ignca.gov.in/
Cultural India – Folk Dances & Music:https://www.culturalindia.net/
Google Arts & Culture – India’s Traditional Arts in Digital Formats:https://artsandculture.google.com/
Stanford University – VR & Heritage Preservation:https://realityvirtually.org/
Smithsonian Institution – VR & Digital Storytelling in Folk Arts:https://www.si.edu/