Untold Ladakh

Arrive in the blue city of Jodhpur and head to Kaner Retreat - India's first desert botanical resort. Refresh and meet your fellow storytellers for a quick round of introductions. Settle-in for the night and exchange stories of explorations and discoveries with our Fellow Storytellers.

Kickstart the day with a short stroll to the sacred grove, locally known as Oran, opening the doors to the world of desert plants. Experience miles of untouched desert wilderness and a walk through hundreds of indigenous as well as cultivated plant species. Session Perspectives: Through stories and anecdotes from local culture, we explore desert botany and its role in the culture of the Thar Desert. Come back for a traditional lunch and reconvene for the evening session and presentation, over tea and coffee, with our fellow storytellers. The presentation will give you insights over diversified forms of art and storytelling, using photography and films. Session Perspectives: Diversify your learnings and knowledge on 'Broadcast and Film Journalism' and 'Environmental Portraits' as means to create impact storytelling. End the evening with a showcase musical performance by the Bhil tribe, and post the performance a short Q+A with artists.

Explore the dunes of Thar and discover the life of nomads, their culture, and untold stories of co-existence with nature. Spend the day at Kheechan, a village cluster in Jaisalmer, known for the resting grounds of Demoiselle cranes. Every September, these cranes take flight above 16,000 feet from Mongolia, crossing the mighty Himalayas and landing in a small village in Rajasthan – Kheechan. Locally known as ‘Kurja’ these birds are fed and looked after by the villagers who collect money to feed them tons of grains in the ‘Chuga Ghar’ or feeding point. Kheechan is also home to beautifully carved havelis, telling tales of merchants who were once part of the silk route. Session Perspectives: Through storytelling and field-documentation, we will shape narratives of conservation & communities, that can tell a tale of preserving our lasting habitats. Come back to experience a starry night in the dunes and explore some night photography.

Communities play an important role in shaping society and drive social change. A day we spend on understanding Rajasthani craftsmanship and skill at Pokhran. Pokhran is home to exquisite handicraft work, a dying skill that needs to be revived to preserve the heritage of this place. Gomat a tiny village in Pokhran is home to these exceptionally talented weavers who produce the “Pattu work “on variety of shawls, bedsheets, Kurtis, cushion covers etc. Weaving has instilled courage in the women living in the veil to be financially independent and earn a respectable place in the society. It has not only generated employment for the village, but also empowered women to take part in decision making. Session Perspectives: Document the intricate challenges and underlying narratives in traditional arts and artisan skills. Come back to exchange perspectives, reflect on narratives, build and shape stories and exchange our collective experiences. The night ends with a celebratory dinner on the dunes.

Check-outs are at 12pm. We close the program with a pledge to continue the trail of stories through our art. Spend the day at Jodhpur city and take the evening flights, while keen adventurers can stay back to explore the blue city.