Film historian Lalit Mohan Joshi’s poignant film ‘‘Angwal’’explores the vibrant yet often overlooked culture of Kumaoni poetry.

“Angwal,” which translates to “embrace,” is a documentary directed by Lalit Mohan Joshi that explores the vibrant yet often overlooked culture of Kumaoni poetry. A BBC journalist based in the UK and founder of the South Asian Cinema Foundation, Joshi returns to his roots in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas in northern India to rediscover his cultural heritage, specifically through the lens of Kumaoni poetry. With well-known cinematographer Rangoli Agarwal, Joshi captures the region’s breath taking landscapes alongside the history and essence of its unique poetic tradition.

 

In this 74-minute film, Joshi speaks with various historians, cultural scholars, and poets to trace the history of Kumaoni poetry and the legacy of his family’s contributions. As the documentary unfolds, viewers encounter poems that speak to the natural beauty of the area, express nostalgia, and address social issues like migration, deforestation, and even British colonial rule. Kumaoni poetry diverges from mainstream Urdu or Hindi verse by focusing less on romance and spirituality, instead drawing more deeply from the environment and social realities.

 

 

“Angwal” also explores the challenges that accompany preserving a lesser-known regional language and its poetry in a world that increasingly favours mainstream, economically dominant languages like Hindi. The film’s premiere at the British Film Institute in London received emotional responses, with many Kumaoni attendees feeling a sense of pride mixed with guilt over the neglect of their heritage.

 

Despite setbacks, particularly due to the pandemic, Joshi successfully completed the film, integrating music composed by Chandrasekhar Tiwari and Harish Pant, along with vocals by his own daughter Uttara Sukanya Joshi. The documentary closes poignantly, with scenes acknowledging the loss of some individuals featured in the film, accompanied by a melancholy song that underlines the cyclical nature of life.

 

Lalit Mohan Joshi’s documentary “Angwal” is both a personal journey and a cultural exploration that reveals the intricacies of Kumaoni poetry and identity. This film combines various themes—migration, ecological concerns, cultural preservation, and personal identity—delivered through an immersive experience in visual storytelling. The documentary uses the art of Kumaoni poetry to reflect on contemporary issues facing the region, showcasing Joshi’s deep attachment to his homeland and his mission to celebrate its rich literary tradition. Through his film ‘‘Angwal’’, Lalit Mohan Joshi has talked about seven major themes. The theme of personal and cultural Identity has been nicely depicted in “Angwal” as it demonstrates Joshi’s quest to reconnect with his homeland, an exploration of identity that is universal, especially among diasporic communities. 

In leaving his homeland for professional opportunities, Joshi embodies the experience of countless individuals whose relocation comes with a sense of cultural loss. The filmmaker’s return highlights the complex bond between people and their place of origin, a relationship defined by both love and guilt, as he expresses an underlying remorse for having abandoned Kumaon, much like the many who have migrated from the region for better economic prospects.

 

The Essence and its allied themes of Kumaoni Poetry, as presented in the documentary, are both grounded in and inspired by the unique landscapes and lifestyle of the Kumaon region. The poetry is deeply rooted in nature, focusing on the mountains, rivers, and flora, and is less concerned with romantic themes common in Urdu poetry. Joshi’s selection of poems highlights not only the region’s beauty but also its struggles, such as ecological degradation and cultural erosion. This thematic focus adds depth to the poetry, as it speaks to the urgent need for environmental preservation and the sorrow that accompanies population decline in these villages.

 

The Impact of Migration and Environmental Challenges emerges as one of the most poignant aspects of “Angwal” is its examination of the impact of migration on Kumaoni culture. The exodus of young people to urban areas has created “ghost villages” throughout Kumaon, and Joshi’s film poignantly captures this emptiness. Migration’s impact is evident in the poetry itself, with themes of loneliness, loss, and nostalgia woven through verses that lament the region’s fading human presence. Simultaneously, the documentary touches on issues like deforestation and natural resource exploitation, which further threaten the already delicate balance between tradition and modernity.

 

Director Lalit Mohan Joshi has worked efficiently to depict cultural preservation in the face of modernization as “Angwal” presents Kumaoni poetry not just as a creative form but as a vessel for preserving Kumaon’s cultural identity. Joshi’s work becomes an act of resistance against cultural assimilation, as Hindi and other dominant languages increasingly overshadow local dialects. The film makes a powerful case for regional languages as repositories of unique cultural histories, suggesting that losing these languages would mean the erasure of diverse perspectives, especially as they relate to environmental concerns and regional identity. Joshi’s inclusion of contemporary poets and scholars allows the film to examine Kumaoni poetry’s evolution over time, while his use of local voices and music brings authenticity to the preservation of this unique oral and written tradition.

 

The role of women in Kumaoni Poetry should be construed as an interesting facet of the documentary through its inclusion of women poets, whose work often addresses themes of sacrifice and loss, particularly through the lens of familial bonds. By highlighting female voices in a field traditionally dominated by men, Joshi enriches the documentary with a nuanced perspective on how Kumaoni poetry reflects women’s experiences. This inclusion demonstrates how poetry offers a space for Kumaoni women to express their grief and resilience, as seen in the mournful poems of mothers who have lost sons to war or migration. 

 

The theme of cinematic Aesthetics and emotional Resonance has been deftly handled by Lalit Mohan Joshi as the  visual beauty of Kumaon, captured by Agarwal’s cinematography, plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s emotional appeal. The breath taking scenery of the Himalayas complements the lyrical content of the poetry, creating a poetic experience for the audience. The film’s musical choices, including Joshi’s daughter’s soulful renditions, blend with the natural landscape, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the sensory world of Kumaoni poetry. This audio-visual blend amplifies the emotional resonance, especially in the film’s concluding moments, where scenes of the deceased contributors serve as a sombre reminder of life’s transience.

 

Joshi’s journey underscores the difficulties often faced by documentary filmmakers in India, especially those attempting to spotlight lesser-known subjects or regional cultures. “Angwal” faced financial constraints and a challenging production process exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the film’s eventual premiere at the British Film Institute and the positive reception from critics indicate a growing appreciation for films that explore India’s regional identities and histories. Joshi’s work brings forth the need for greater institutional support for documentary films in India, as they hold the potential to capture, preserve, and communicate the nation’s diverse cultural heritage.

Lalit Mohan Joshi’s “Angwal” is a heartfelt cinematic journey that pays homage to the Kumaoni culture through its poetry. By weaving together personal reflections, visual storytelling, and lyrical expressions, the documentary invites viewers to consider the complexities of identity, migration, and cultural preservation. Joshi’s exploration of Kumaoni poetry becomes a broader commentary on the need to recognize and celebrate India’s regional languages and artistic expressions, which are often overshadowed by dominant narratives. “Angwal” stands as a testament to the beauty of Kumaoni poetry, its ties to the natural landscape, and the enduring significance of local cultures in a rapidly globalizing world.

 

There is something in store for all those erudite cinéphiles who love to travel in order to explore unknown territories as well as appreciate documentary films. There are numerous documentary films that have explored the Kumaon region, each focusing on different aspects of its cultural, environmental, and spiritual landscape. Some of the major documentary films that have depicted the Kumaon region are : 

 

Beyond the Known: Glimpses of Kumaon. This documentary was produced by Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster. It provides an in-depth look at Kumaon's natural beauty and cultural richness. It showcases the diverse landscapes, traditional Kumaoni lifestyle, folk dances, and festivals, providing a broad overview of the region.

 

Voice of the Himalayas  has been directed by Rajiv Mehrotra. This film explores the environmental and ecological challenges of the Himalayas, including Kumaon. It focuses on conservation efforts, highlighting how local communities strive to balance development with environmental preservation.

 

The Last Wilderness is directed by conservationist and filmmaker Rita Banerji that  takes a close look at the human-wildlife relationship in the Uttarakhand region, which includes Kumaon. It highlights efforts to protect wildlife habitats while addressing the challenges local villagers face in coexisting with animals like leopards and elephants.

 

‘‘Jageshwar: The Eternal Shiva’’ focuses on the famous Jageshwar temple complex in Kumaon which is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva shrines in the Himalayas. It covers the historical and spiritual significance of the temples, shedding light on Kumaon's deep-rooted religious traditions.

 

 The documentary film ‘‘The Living Tradition : The Folk Music of Kumaon’’  captures the unique folk music of Kumaon by presenting traditional musical forms and instruments that define the region’s musical heritage. By documenting folk songs and performances, it seeks to preserve Kumaon's musical legacy for future generations.

 

 

The documentary film ‘‘Kumaon: A Rediscovery’’ is produced by various travel and culture-focused networks. It provides a comprehensive exploration of Kumaon's landscapes, from Nainital and Almora to remote villages and trekking routes. This series also includes interviews with local people, offering insights into Kumaoni culture and daily life.

 

‘‘Seeds of Change’’ is a unique documentary films that focuses on environmental issues in Uttarakhand, includes sections on Kumaon. It looks at the impact of deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change on local communities and their efforts to implement sustainable agriculture practices.

 

‘‘The Himalayas’’ (BBC Series). This film is an integral part of the BBC’s documentary series on the Himalayas. Some of its episodes feature Kumaon as they explore the greater Himalayan region. The series highlights the natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural tapestry of the area, showing it in the context of the broader Himalayan range.

 

These eight documentaries are some of the documentary films made in recent times that bring out varied aspects of the Kumaon region. They contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of its significance in terms of culture, nature, and spirituality. [1688 words]