The Indian epics—Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata—stand apart from other classical epics worldwide due to their vibrant, living traditions that continue to thrive today. Unlike many global epics, which are primarily studied as historical or literary artifacts, these Indian epics remain deeply woven into the cultural, spiritual, and social fabric of India and beyond. Their characters, such as Rama and Hanuman, are not merely figures of the past but are revered as deities, with dedicated shrines where devotees gather in large numbers for rituals, fairs, and festivals. Sthalapuranas (sacred place legends) of numerous pilgrimage sites draw directly from or connect to these epics. The origin stories of many jatis (endogamous communities with traditional hereditary occupations) and forest-dwelling tribes are rooted in these narratives. These epics also inspire a vast array of classical, folk, and tribal art forms, including sculptures, music, theater, dance, and modern media like films and comics. The living nature of these epics often leads to intense debates over their representation, reflecting the deep emotional and cultural connection people maintain with them.
To celebrate and explore this unique vitality, INDICA is launching a series of symposiums on the Living Traditions of Indian epics. The first event, an online symposium on the Living Traditions of Ramayana, is scheduled for April 27, 2025.
The following are some of the sub themes that we seek to explore:
- Sthalapuranas and place legends inspired by the Ramayana
- Jati and tribal origin stories linked to the Ramayana
- Ramayana-based performing arts, including theater, puppetry, doll performances, scroll painting narratives, Pagati Veshalu, and Gangireddulatalu
- Temples dedicated to Rama, Hanuman, and other Ramayana figures, along with their associated fairs and festivals
- Ramayana’s influence on linguistic artifacts, such as proverbs, idioms, metaphors, place names, and personal names across Indian languages
- Festivals and vratas rooted in the Ramayana
- Classical dance forms inspired by the Ramayana
- Ramayana-based classical music, poet-singers, their lyrics, and their contemporary relevance
- Any other topic highlighting the Ramayana’s living presence in the culture and art forms of India and other countries
Invitation for Speakers
Scholars, Seekers, Skillers, Artists, Artisans etc interested in presenting or nominating a speaker for the symposium are invited to submit their brief profile and outline of topic that they wish to cover to namaste@indica.org.in. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.
About INDICA Symposiums
INDICA hosts an online symposium every month, exploring a unique theme and inviting scholars and seekers to share their insights. Past topics have included diverse subjects such as Hindu Traditions of Sex, Gender, and Sexuality, Vedic Dialogues, The Art & Science of Sutra-s, IKS Polymaths: Exploring the Legacy and Future of Multidisciplinary Thinkers in Bharat, Hindu-Buddhist Philosophical Dialogues, Symposium on Philosophical Contributions of Sri Madhusudana Saraswati, Jati Puranas, Retropective on Devadasi Traditions, and The Significance of Guru in Hindu Traditions. These symposiums provide a platform for deep exploration of India’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage.
