How Bengal’s Labhandhar Village Highlights its Issues through Art and Paint

West Bengal will go to the polls early next year, and soon, a lot of local problems and issues will be highlighted around that time. However, many far-flung areas, mostly located within the dense forests of both the southern and northern parts of West Bengal, remain untouched by the mainstream limelight. 

Labandhar village, located in the Purba Bardhaman district, amidst dense forests of Sal, Mahua, and Segun trees, has a unique way of sharing its issues, for which the entire state is known for its art. "Many of the walls in Labandhar depict themes of livelihood, forest conservation, tribal identity, and the daily struggles of the community," says Anjan Ghosh, the Kolkata-based photographer, who recently went to the village to capture the artworks.

What was once a cluster of mud homes surrounded by forest, as Ghosh says, the village has transformed into a living canvas where the walls act as storytellers. Every house, courtyard, and narrow lane in the village here is dotted with vivid 'Alpona-style' paintings, Ghosh shares his experience. "Reds, whites, greens, and earthy shades flow across the mud surfaces like handwritten memories. Each artwork carries a piece of rural life: dancing tribal figures, birds in flight, sun motifs, forest scenes, symbols of harvest and hope."

The folk art representation is not the only thing to talk about in the village. Reportedly, any sort of political graffiti here is strictly prohibited by the locals. So, all that is left are the villagers' lives, displayed through art. 

In the forests of Borodoba in the Ausgram II block, it is part of the Ausgram assembly in Burdwan East with the Bolpur Lok Sabha seat. Even last year, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was no political graffiti, and only a few political party flags could be seen.

From one temple to more

It goes back to the efforts of a group of Bengal Artist Warriors, who began the transformation by painting the walls of Annapurna Temple. Slowly, the team covered the entire village, depicting themes ranging from social issues to religion and nature. 

"Through my photographs, I have tried to capture how these murals speak about preserving culture, fighting marginalisation, celebrating local heroes, and reminding visitors of the deep relationship between people and nature," Ghosh says. 

Reportedly, artists from across the country came from different corners of India, visited the village, worked with local families, and helped them rediscover their own traditions. " For the villagers, many of whom live with limited economic opportunities, this art village is more than just creativity on mud-walls," says Ghosh, adding how it gives them recognition. "It also brings small but meaningful tourism-based income and helps outsiders understand their cultural and ecological world," Ghosh adds.

So, in a state known for its art and culture, could it also be a talking point during elections, or do the issues displayed through art actually reach the mainstream? One doubts. "I believe Bengal’s artistic heritage must have its space in public discussions. Art has always been a voice for social change here. At a time when many issues need attention, acknowledging the struggles of artists and rural art communities is important, they are part of Bengal’s cultural backbone," Ghosh opines.

With the polls knocking on the door, even Ghosh is eyeing the opportunity to document communities, culture, and lesser-seen stories. "While mainstream media will focus on political narratives, I want to highlight the people, traditions, forests, rural art, and the everyday realities that often get overshadowed."