The Sānskritik Grāma /Cultural Village of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara

The Sānskritik Grāma at #NavaNalandaMahavihara serves as a vibrant center for cultural exchange, education, and exploration.

The SānskritikGrāma (Cultural Village) has been conceived to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Nalanda. The Sānskritik Grāma cradles community institutions around art, craft and culture and thus promotes sustainable livelihoods from tourism. Tourism products identified under the project are sustainable and shall help to showcase vibrant spiritual and cultural heritage of Nalanda.

It aims to revive and promote the cultural and intellectual traditions of ancient Nalanda while providing visitors with an immersive experience of India's rich heritage.

The Sānskritik Grāma serves as a living embodiment of the cultural heritage and practices associated with Nalanda University and the broader Buddhist tradition. It is designed to recreate the ambiance of an ancient Indian village, offering visitors an immersive experience of the traditional lifestyle and artistic expressions prevalent during the time of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara existence.

LOCATION: The Sanskritik Grama is 1.5 km. from the Ruins of Ancient Nalanda Mahavihara and is situated beside the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall.

PROJECT STATUS: Sanskritik Grama is a sprawling infrastructure spread over 50 acres of land around the Xuan Zang Memorial Hall. It is meticulously designed to cradle and promote art, craft and culture of Nalanda. First phase of construction which consists of Workshop and Artisans stay, Open-air Theatre, Haat and Guest house is almost completed. Second part of construction consisting of a meditation hall, an Exhibition Hall and an Auditorium are under process.

The village comprises various structures and facilities that showcase different aspects of Indian culture, art, and spiritual practices. These include:

Traditional Houses: The Cultural Village features authentic replicas of ancient Indian dwellings, providing visitors with a glimpse into the architectural styles and living conditions of the past. These houses are built using traditional materials and techniques, showcasing the diversity of regional architectural forms across India.

Crafts and Artisans: Skilled craftsmen and artisans within the village engage in various traditional art forms, such as pottery, weaving, sculpture, and painting. Visitors have the opportunity to witness these artisans at work and even participate in workshops to learn these traditional crafts.

Performances and Festivals: The Cultural Village hosts regular cultural performances, including folk dances, music, and theater, showcasing the vibrant artistic heritage of India. It also celebrates important festivals from different regions, allowing visitors to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the country.

Meditation and Yoga: Nava Nalanda Mahavihara emphasizes the practice of meditation and yoga as integral parts of its curriculum. The Cultural Village provides spaces for meditation and yoga practice, offering visitors an opportunity to engage in these contemplative traditions.

Libraries and Research Facilities: As an extension of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, the Cultural Village houses libraries and research facilities dedicated to preserving and studying ancient Indian texts, scriptures, and scholarly works. Scholars and researchers can access these resources to delve deeper into the intellectual legacy of Nalanda.