Promoting Mithila

Celebrating Maithil Culture at MCS UK

At MCS UK, we take immense pride in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of Mithila through a variety of engaging activities. Our initiatives aim to connect members with the essence of Maithil traditions, art, music, cuisine, and festivals, fostering a deep appreciation for this unique cultural legacy.

Musical Celebrations

Music has always been at the heart of Maithil culture, and MCS UK has brought together celebrated artists to share their artistry and inspire our community. Highlights include:

• Performances of Maithili folk songs by the renowned Dhrupad singer, Pandit Hari Nath Jha, whose mastery captivated audiences.

• A soulful evening of Maithili folk songs with Ranjana Jha, who also conducted Maithili song classes for enthusiastic MCS UK members, creating a platform for learning and preserving traditional melodies.

• Musical sessions with Sushmita Jha, a celebrated classical singer, whose renditions of Maithili songs brought our community closer to their cultural roots.

• A memorable performance by Vandana Bhardwaj, the talented daughter of the late Sharda Sinha ji, herself an acclaimed folk singer, adding another dimension to our musical explorations.

Script Revival and Language Promotion

Recognizing the importance of the Maithili script (Tirhutakshar), we collaborated with groups in India to organize Maithili script classes for interested members. These sessions played a crucial role in reviving interest in the ancient script and fostering language preservation within our community.

Culinary Heritage

To revive the culinary traditions of Mithila, MCS UK hosted live cooking sessions featuring lost and rare Maithil recipes. These interactive sessions not only showcased the richness of Maithil cuisine but also inspired participants to reconnect with their roots through food.

Festivals and Customs

We celebrated the vibrancy of Maithil festivals through educational and interactive sessions on their history, cultural significance, and customs. These included:

• Holi, the festival of colors.

• Jud Sheetal, marking the traditional new year.

• Sama Chakeba, a festival celebrating sibling bonds.

• Chhath, dedicated to the worship of the Sun God.

• Aripan Art and Its Significance

• Mithila Painting and the many meanings this intricate handiwork carries

One of our most cherished events was a session on Aripan, the traditional Maithil floor art. We were honored to host the legendary Godavari Dutta ji, who shared her unparalleled knowledge about the history, importance, and significance of this iconic Maithil custom.

Through these diverse activities, MCS UK continues to celebrate and promote the enduring cultural treasures of Mithila. Our goal is to inspire future generations to embrace their heritage and carry forward the legacy of Maithil traditions with pride.