Varanasi’s art, Yoga-kshema, depicts that the divine resides in us

The Epic Project is an 11-month-long immersive storytelling session that focuses on modern conversations by tracing them back to bygone sagas. Aalaap, a Chennai-based arts outfit, has joined hands with Varanasi to explore our ever-changing relationship with Indian epics and their applicability in our current world.

Poll

Who will win the Punjab Elections?

BJP 32.79%

AAP 42.62%

INC 24.59%

Submit

View All In Poll

About the topics for each session, Varanasi says they went ahead with themes that are part of routine happenings. As he discusses the objective of the session with this writer, he mentions anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder as concepts quite alive in Bhagavad Gita. “We feel these are new things because the terms were introduced in our vocabulary only a few years ago. But they did exist in ancient times, too. The first chapter of Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna Vishadayoga [often translated as Arjuna’s sorrow] is actually a lesson in anxiety. That realisation made Arjuna real for me,” he maintains. The storyteller feels such observations take epics beyond restrictive religious limits.

With one interaction every month, The Epic Project will also answer questions from attendees after each session. Some of the topics are called Women on the fringe, Wintering, Rituals, Antagonists and In the now. As per Varanasi, the project is especially meant for those who feel the need to realign with their roots.

On: One Saturday each month, 8 pm to 10 pm
Log on to: tikkl.com
Cost: Rs 400 onwards