Rinku

Festival Host, Ranti

 

I am Rinku a Dalit-Dusadh Feminist, poet, artist, researcher, and writer. I have written articles about the struggles and challenges of Dalit people in urban set-up which have been published in online feminist and youth platforms. My dream is to use Godna painting to show how marginalised people face atrocities and identity-based challenges in society. Today, I am vocal about experiences often viewed as harmless.

Feminist Friendships

Hosted by Rinku, Mentored by Dhwani Vij

Ranti, Bihar

 

My festival celebrates the feminist friendships among Dusadh women artisans from Jitwarpur and Ranti, Bihar. These bonds of solidarity and creativity have been shaped by years of caste-based oppression. Once marked by Godna tattoos as symbols of caste, these women transformed those marks into beautiful expressions of Mithila and Godna art, not only preserving their culture but also carving out economic independence.

This festival honours the resilience of these women, sharing their stories through digital media and creative sessions. We explored themes of identity, friendship, and survival, and participants reflected on the true meaning of feminist friendship—support, empathy, and mutual growth—expressing these values through artwork.

For me, this journey is personal. Growing up, I was fascinated by my mother’s Godna tattoos, and my research into Dalit art deepened my connection. This festival was not just about art; it’s about reclaiming identity and giving voice to those too often unheard

 

18

participants shared stories of feminist friendship and resilience, showcasing the strength of the Dusadh women artisan community.

Women artists

of Dusadh community from Bihar come together to reclaim identity and reflect on female friendships

Festival Keywords

empowerment, breaking taboos, acceptance, marginalised communities                                                          

Madhu* , Participant

"It This is the first time we got an opportunity to sit, leisure, laugh and talk about our lives openly.” 

Rajni* , Participant

"We don’t know how this whole day has passed, we were all fasting but still had so much energy!”

Rinku, Host

“Meeting Dulari Devi was a special experience to me, she comes from a marginalized community called Malha in Bihar. She, along with other women, of the Dalit community have done a lot of work. They still do and inspire people, she has got a prestigious award from the government of India and she always talks about including people, making women independent,  and to learn from the old generation to pass on to the next. She is a source of inspiration!”

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