Beyond Words: Immersing in Indian Culture with Madhubani Art in Hindi Class

The familiar sounds of Bollywood hits echoed through the Hindi classroom as we engaged in conversation while drawing and coloring our artwork. It wasn’t a typical language class, but rather a hands-on experience that took us beyond grammar and vocabulary, offering a glimpse into India's rich cultural heritage. Today’s lesson focused on Madhubani art, an ancient Indian folk art form that uses bold patterns and vibrant colors to tell stories.

In class, Kusum Ji introduced us to Madhubani art. We learned that Madhubani art originated in Bihar, India. It is traditionally done by women using natural dyes and pigments on walls, cloth, and paper. Madhubani art is known for its intricate designs, which often depict nature, Hindu deities, and mythological stories. The art form has been passed down for generations, preserving both its aesthetic charm and its cultural significance. Kusum Ji also showed us examples of Madhubani art on walls, floors, cloth, and even phone cases.

The assignment for the day? We were tasked with creating our own Madhubani-inspired pieces. We set to work drawing symmetrical patterns, outlining borders, filling in designs, and emulating the essence of this art tradition. 

While we created our artwork, a student offered to be the DJ for the class. He played popular Bollywood songs in the background as we worked, setting a lively, creative atmosphere that connected us with the sounds of contemporary India. 

This hands-on activity was more than just a creative exercise. It was an opportunity for us students to engage deeply with the course material. By creating our own artwork, we formed personal connections with the culture, moving beyond mere textbook knowledge. This approach helped foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural tapestry behind the language. 

In Kusum Ji and Anshul Ji’s Hindi class, it’s not just about learning to read and write the language, it’s about immersing oneself in the stories, culture, and beauty behind the words.