'Titas akti Nadir nam' in folkloric thought: novel vs. film/ লোকায়ত ভাবনায় ‘তিতাস একটি নদীর নাম’ : উপন্যাস বনাম চলচ্চিত্র

Abstract

The Titas River, originating from and merging back into the Meghna River, is a culturally and historically significant river in Bangladesh. Flowing through Brahmanbaria in Bangladesh and Tripura in India, the Titas River served as the central theme of Advaita Mallabarman's renowned novel ‘Titas Ekti Nadir Naam’, which depicts the lives of the Malo community. Their livelihood, festivals, music, and folk beliefs form the core of the novel. Based on this literary work, Ritwik Ghatak created a film of the same name.

           The Malo community depends on fishing in the Titas River for their sustenance. They observe various traditional customs and beliefs, such as rituals after childbirth, writing fortunes with Chitragupta’s ink, and offering special foods for the deceased. Their vibrant festivals include playing with colors and music during Dol Purnima. Music is an integral part of their lives, reflected in genres like Murshidi, Sari, and Baromasi songs, which express their joys, sorrows, and cultural identity.

           The Malo community's lifestyle is rich in diversity, including unique dietary habits and proverbs reflecting societal realities and humor. The Titas River symbolizes more than just a river; it represents the life, history, and cultural identity of a community.

          This essay delves into how Ritwik Ghatak's film portrays the life of the Malo community as depicted in the novel. It examines which aspects the director excluded, which he added, and provides reasons for these creative choices.