Arts

Across Nepal and India, the bull is revered as a sacred animal, although it's often seen on the streets or outside Shiva temples. Whereas its different avatar, the Ox is often used either to draw carts or, as in Nepali hills and plains, plough fields.

But as Nepal heads for twin elections on November 20, the bull – with the map of Nepal right over its head - appears calm, patient yet mobile. That’s what Ragini Upadhayay’s new artwork endeavours to show.

Upadhayay has shared her artwork on her Facebook page. Talking to NepalMinute, Upadhayay said: “It was an artwork of 2006 but as this is relevant to upcoming elections I felt like sharing it now.”

Then, she painted the bull to symbolise Nepali masses who were angry against then king Gyenendra's direct rule and were all set to join People's Movement II. That movement eventually forced the king to kneel down and restore multiparty democracy.

Now she has re-named her artwork #NepalMove. But then, one wonders, why did she choose to draw a bull with multiple avatars this time around? And what would it symbolise?

The Nepali people

The answer, according to Ragini, is simple: the bull – or the Janata-rupi Sandhe or Bull - symbolises Nepali people gearing up for parliamentary and provincial elections due on November 20.

Then, 18.6 million Nepali voters – including numerous young first-time voters - will line up outside nearly 11,000 polling centres to cast their ballot.

As the elections draw near, political parties and independent leaders are in election mode. So are people, who seem to be actively participating in discussions and interactions. From tea shops to offices and homes, elections are beginning to top the agenda.

In her artwork, Ragini shows her bull – the people – with three heads and five tails. The bull’s now calm head is eyeing the map of Nepal. The animal has six limbs, with four limbs indicating people on the move. 

​Ragini says: “The bull is a symbol of the people. The bull remains calm, but when poked, it becomes very aggressive and even attacks people. Just like the bull, when the people are poked, they will revolt. They are the ones who bring changes in the country.” 

Strangely, though, the animal has five tails resembling five scary-looking serpents that seem desperate and angry and ready to bite should anyone offend them. What is she trying to portray? Mood of the people? Or familiar political faces such as Sher Bahadur Deuba, Prachanda, Madhav Nepal, KP Oli and Baburam Bhattarai?

Explaining her work, Ragini said: “The serpents are the symbols for desires. Keeping them on the back part is a symbol of how people have not been able to prioritise their desires. If they can prioritise their desires they will go forward and help develop the country. But bigger desires are often counterproductive. They can be as dangerous as a snake’s venom.” 

Also, there is a picture of a swan on the back hump, symbolising political parties’ declarations most of which never see the light of the day. Ragini explains: “Swan is peaceful in nature. This represents the dream of people.”

The hind and the fore limbs in a raised position might symbolise the country about to leap forward.

The brown colour represents the soil, she said: “It is the love and attachment of public towards the country’s soil. The red colour used in the serpents is often used to grab people's attention."