Nestled in the cultural hub of Ajrakhpur, Kutch, the Living and Learning Design Center (LLDC) stands as a testament to architectural innovation and cultural celebration. Tasked with curating and designing their Winter Festival, our studio, renowned for its architectural prowess, embarked on a journey to redefine the intersection of tradition and modernity. The winter festival is a cultural exchange between Kutch and Madhya Pradesh.

Our team meticulously selected artisans spanning diverse disciplines, each contributing to "M.P. Darshan". 

To whisk visitors away on an immersive odyssey through the cultural tapestry of Madhya Pradesh and Kutch.  Drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate motifs of Madhya Pradesh's cultural heritage, we set out to transform LLDC's grounds into a sensory wonderland, inviting visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and delight. Thus, our design narrative commenced right from the festival's entrance where we created a space frame that had Kutch work fabric on it and as you walk through it—a grand gateway adorned with towering bamboo sculptures of tribal deer; their forms embellished with indigenous motifs. These larger-than-life installations, crafted by master artisans from Tikamgarh, reminiscent of the traditional Ravan effigies crafted during Dussehra, symbolized the convergence of tradition and innovation—a theme echoed throughout the festival. We also created a long wall full of tribal animal figures that worked as a photo wall, everyone that came to the festival took pictures there.

Central to our design ethos was a commitment to sustainability. Leveraging bamboo, repurposed fabrics, and eco-friendly paints, we sought to not only showcase artistic brilliance but also advocate for environmentally conscious design practices. The result was a harmonious blend of creativity and conservation, reflecting our belief in architecture's potential to effect positive change. Every detail was meticulously curated to evoke the spirited essence of Madhya Pradesh.

The centerpiece of the festival, the "Narmada Parikrama", offered visitors a chance to embark on a symbolic journey along the banks of the sacred Narmada River. Fabric cascades symbolizing the river's meandering course, adorned with avian and aquatic motifs, invited visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of this revered waterway.

Continuing the journey, visitors were transported to the courtyard, where bamboo frames adorned with fabric panels delineated the diverse regions of Madhya Pradesh. 

As the festival unfolded, visitors were beckoned towards a bustling marketplace the ‘Craft Bazar", its angular stalls reminiscent of paper fortune tellers, strategically designed to maximize circulation and visibility., the colours that we decided were all bright, magenta, red orange, cobalt blue, tiffany blue and sunrise yellow. By having bright colours, it helps in having an organized space and giving attention to each craft and it also represents the spirit of Madhya Pradesh and Kutch. Workshops on Bhil and Gond paintings, crochet techniques, and the mesmerizing art of tribal tattoos enriched the cultural experience, spearheaded by Lalita Didi, Devlal Thekam Ji, and Aileen Kerketa, respectively.

And what's a festival without indulgence? The gastronomic journey beckoned with tantalizing aromas wafting from tribal kitchens. From the flavors of Dindori to the culinary traditions of Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Malwa, and Nimar, every dish served as a testament to the rich tapestry of Madhya Pradesh's culinary heritage. Near the stalls we have our giant Tiger as a display in tribal shape and art work on it.

One of the tiny details that we did at the stage was that we painted the tribal sign of Tree of life, and near the stage we placed an Elephant with tribal symbols.

As dusk descended, the festival grounds came alive with the glow of lanterns and the rhythmic beats of tribal music. Against this backdrop of creativity and camaraderie, our team stood proud, knowing that months of tireless effort had culminated in a celebration of architectural ingenuity and cultural exchange.