In 2024, InterGlobe Foundation proudly launched the third edition of the InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships, reaffirming its commitment to celebrating and preserving India’s rich and diverse heritage. The aim of the initiative was to foster deeper public engagement with India’s built, natural, and cultural legacy through research and visual storytelling.

The InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2024 invited individuals across disciplines to explore and interpret the themes of 'associated intangible heritage' and 'associated craft traditions' through their unique perspectives and extensive knowledge around a built heritage site. The initiative encouraged the documentation and preservation of lesser-known aspects around a built heritage site using various mediums such as photography, written essays, illustrations, and more.

Following a rigorous selection process, two fellows were awarded support to pursue compelling projects that reflect the spirit of cultural preservation and community storytelling.

Topic: Through the Eyes of Bhand Pather – A Folk Theatre Legacy in Family Photo Archives and Musical Practices in Kashmir
Fellow: Khursheed Ahmad

Khursheed Ahmad’s project brought to light the marginalised tradition of Bhand Pather, Kashmir’s indigenous folk theatre, known for its unique blend of satire, music, and social commentary. Once a vibrant cultural force, Bhand Pather had begun to fade into obscurity.

Through an array of family photo archives, contemporary visuals, and audio interviews, Khursheed documented the performances, instruments, and oral traditions that defined this centuries-old art form. By focusing on three key families who had upheld this legacy, the project created a participatory archive that bridged generational memory and present-day practice.

By preserving the voices and artistry of Bhand Pather, the project reaffirmed its place in Kashmiri identity and cultural consciousness.

Topic: Documenting the Rituals and Oral Traditions of the Rudranath Temple
Fellow: Shiwani Dabral

Shiwani Dabral’s project centered on the Doli Yatra—the seasonal transference of Lord Rudranath’s chal murti between the Rudranath Temple and the Gopinath Temple in Uttarakhand. More than a religious procession, the yatra was a deeply rooted cultural tradition that united communities through shared rituals, songs, and stories.

Through fieldwork, participant observation, interviews, and visual documentation, Shiwani captured the intricate ceremonial practices and oral histories that surrounded the yatra. Her work built a repository of knowledge that not only preserved these traditions but also connected academic research with local heritage.

The project served as a tribute to Uttarakhand’s living traditions and a call to recognise the cultural significance of sacred journeys in shaping regional identity.

The InterGlobe HERITAGE Fellowships 2024 stand as a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving our shared cultural legacy. Through the lens of dedicated fellows, forgotten traditions and living rituals find new voice and visibility. As these projects unfold, they invite us all to listen, learn, and participate in the ongoing journey of heritage conservation—where every story matters and every tradition deserves to endure.