AATMANIRBURN

What is Aatmanirburn?

Aatmanirburn is a 5 day long event based on the 10 principles of Burning Man and focused on "community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance". The event's name is a portmanteau of the Hindi word Aatmanirbhar, meaning self reliant and burn. It symbolizes how this event is a self reliant burn at the intersection of Indian culture and the Burning Man Ethos Aatmanirburn is guided by ten stated principles: radical inclusion, gifting, decommodification, radical self-reliance, radical self-expression, communal effort, civic responsibility, leaving no trace, participation, and immediacy.

At Aatmanirburn, there are no headliners or scheduled performers. Instead, the participants design and build all the art, activities, and events. Artwork includes experimental and interactive sculptures, buildings, performances, and art cars, among other media. These contributions are inspired by a theme which is The Fifth Principle for 2023. The Fifth Principle of Burning Man is Radical Self Expression

What is Burning Man?

Guided by the values expressed by the 10 Principles, Burning Man is a global ecosystem of artists, makers, and community organizers who co-create art, events, and local initiatives around the world. Most recognizably, tens of thousands of Burners gather annually to build Black Rock City, a participative temporary metropolis in the Nevada desert.

The nonprofit Burning Man Project produces the annual Burning Man event in Black Rock City, and provides year-round support, connection, education, and grants to an ever-growing network of Regional Burning Man communities in more than 40 US states and 35 countries.

Read on to learn all the ways you can get involved in Burning Man culture!

What are the 10 principles we follow?

Our core principles mimic the principles of Burning Man. Following the principles means adhering to a set of values that define the event's unique culture and ethos. It's not just about partying or attending a festival; it's about embracing a way of life, even if only for a week. These principles, ranging from radical self-expression to communal effort, guide participants in their interactions, creations, and contributions. By adhering to these guidelines, attendees ensure that the spirit of Burning Man remains consistent, fostering a sense of community, creativity, and shared responsibility. In essence, to follow these principles is to commit to the heart and soul of what Burning Man represents.

RADICAL INCLUSION

“Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.”

Everyone is welcome, all types, all kinds, friends, strangers, and in between. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Welcome every individual you encounter, regardless of their background or appearance. Actively reach out to newcomers, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging. Avoid forming cliques or exclusive groups.

GIFTING

“Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.”

Gifts are unconditional offerings, whether material, service oriented, or even less tangible. Gifting does not ask for a return or an exchange for something else. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Share freely without expecting anything in return. This could be in the form of tangible items, a song, a dance, or even a listening ear. Remember, the essence of gifting lies in the act of giving, not in the expectation of reciprocation.

DECOMMODIFICATION

“In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.”

Hand in hand with gifting, burns are environments with no commercial transactions or advertising. Nothing is for sale - we participate rather than consume. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Steer clear of commercial transactions and branding. Instead of buying or selling, focus on sharing and exchanging in a non-commercial manner. This fosters a sense of community over consumerism. Money is banned at Aatmanirburn

RADICAL SELF-RELIANCE

“Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on their inner resources.”

Bring everything with you that you need. Burns are an opportunity for you to enjoy relying on yourself. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Equip yourself with everything you might need for the event. This includes food, shelter, and other essentials. By being self-sufficient, you not only take care of your own needs but also free up resources for those who might be in genuine need.

RADICAL SELF-EXPRESSION

“Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.”

What are your gifts, talents, and joys? Only you can determine the form of your expression. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Showcase your unique personality, talents, and perspectives without fear of judgment. Whether it's through art, dance, or conversation, let your individuality shine. At the same time, be respectful and appreciative of others' expressions.

COMMUNAL EFFORT

“Our community values creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.”

Cooperation and collaboration are cornerstones of the burn experience. We cooperate to build social networks, group spaces, and elaborate art, and we work together to support our creations. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Engage with others in collaborative projects or shared tasks. Whether it's setting up a communal space or creating art, the emphasis is on teamwork. Recognize that the collective experience is enriched by everyone's contributions.

CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

“We value civil society. Community members who organize events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavor to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. They must also assume responsibility for conducting events in accordance with local, state and federal laws.”

Civic responsibility involves the agreements that provide for the public welfare and serve to keep society civil. Event organizers take responsibility for communicating these agreements to participants and conducting events in accordance with applicable laws. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Stay informed about the community's guidelines and any local laws. Ensure that your actions, and those of your group, align with these rules. Actively promote safety and well-being for all participants.

LEAVING NO TRACE

“Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavor, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better state than when we found them.”

In an effort to respect the environments where we hold our burns, we commit to leaving no trace of our events after we leave. This means everything that you bring with you goes home with you. Everyone cleans up after themselves, and whenever possible, we leave our hosting places better than we found them. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Adopt a proactive approach to cleaning up, ensuring you leave no waste behind. If you see litter, even if it's not yours, pick it up. The goal is to leave the environment as pristine, if not better, than when you arrived.

PARTICIPATION

“Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.”

The radical participation ethic means you are the event. Everyone works; everyone plays. No one is a spectator or consumer. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Dive into activities, workshops, and communal efforts. Avoid being a mere spectator; instead, be a part of the experience. Remember, the event's vibrancy is a direct result of everyone's active involvement.

IMMEDIACY

“Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.”

From the Burning Man website: "Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience. How we practice it at Aatmanirburn - Immerse yourself fully in the present moment, connecting deeply with those around you. Set aside digital distractions and be genuinely present in your interactions. Value the raw, unfiltered experiences that the event offers.

What to expect at Aatmanirburn?

Aatmanirburn unfolds over five days, uniting a diverse group of individuals bound by ten guiding principles. Here, burners converge to co-create a realm of artistic liberty, active engagement, and a commerce-free camaraderie.

At Aatmanirburn, attendees can expect:

Community and Self-Expression: A 5-day event deeply rooted in the 10 principles of Burning Man, emphasizing community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance.

Cultural Intersection: A unique blend of the Burning Man ethos with Indian culture, symbolized by the event's name, which merges the Hindi term "Aatmanirbhar" (meaning self-reliant) with "burn."

Participant-Driven Content: Unlike typical festivals, there are no headliners or scheduled performers at Aatmanirburn. Instead, participants themselves design, build, and contribute all the art, activities, and events.

Diverse Artwork: Attendees will encounter experimental and interactive sculptures, buildings, performances, and art cars. The art and contributions for 2023 are inspired by the theme "The Fifth Principle," which stands for Radical Self-Expression.

Emphasis on Self-Reliance: True to its name and the principle of "Aatmanirbhar," attendees are encouraged to be self-reliant, bringing everything they need and relying on themselves during the event.

Inclusive Environment: The principle of Radical Inclusion ensures that everyone, regardless of background or appearance, is welcomed. There's a strong emphasis on community, with participants actively reaching out to newcomers.

Gifting Culture: Aatmanirburn promotes a culture of unconditional gifting, where offerings, whether material or intangible, are shared without expecting anything in return.

Absence of Commercial Transactions: The event environment is devoid of commercial transactions or advertising, emphasizing participation over consumption. Money is banned at Aatmanirburn.

Environmental Respect: Attendees are expected to leave no trace, ensuring that the environment remains as pristine as when they arrived.

Active Participation: Everyone at Aatmanirburn is both a contributor and a participant. The event discourages passive spectating, urging everyone to be an active part of the experience.

Immediacy and Presence: Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the present moment, valuing direct, unfiltered experiences over digital distractions.

In essence, Aatmanirburn offers a transformative experience that combines the core principles of Burning Man with the rich cultural tapestry of India, fostering a space for creativity, community, and individual growth.

How can I contribute & Participate?

Contributing to Aatmanirburn involves embracing its core principles and actively participating in the event's co-creation. Here are some ways you can contribute:

Artistic Contributions: Design and create art installations, interactive sculptures, or performances that align with the event's theme or your personal interpretation of the Burning Man principles.

Workshops and Activities: Host workshops, discussions, or activities that promote the event's principles, such as self-expression, communal effort, or gifting.

Gifting: Embrace the principle of gifting by sharing items, skills, or experiences without expecting anything in return. This could range from offering handmade crafts to providing musical performances or even hosting a meal for fellow attendees.

Camp Creation: Set up a theme camp or join an existing one. Theme camps are collective spaces where participants offer experiences, services, or interactions to fellow burners.

Volunteer: Aatmanirburn, like Burning Man, relies heavily on volunteers for various roles, from gate operations to safety patrols. Reach out to the event organizers to see where help is needed.

Environmental Stewardship: Embrace the "Leave No Trace" principle by not only ensuring you clean up after yourself but also by participating in group clean-up efforts or organizing eco-friendly initiatives.

Promote Inclusivity: Actively practice the principle of radical inclusion by welcoming newcomers, facilitating introductions, and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Share Knowledge: If you've attended Burning Man or other regional burns, share your experiences and knowledge with newcomers of Aatmanirburn to help them navigate and embrace the event's ethos.

Promote and Advocate: Spread the word about Aatmanirburn in your community, inviting more people to join and contribute, ensuring the event's growth and vibrancy.

Remember, the essence of Aatmanirburn lies in active participation. It's about what you bring to the event, be it in the form of art, energy, or spirit, that defines your contribution. Reach out to the event organizers or check the official Aatmanirburn website for more specific opportunities and guidelines on how to contribute.

PARTICIPATE NOW!

Aatmanirburn 2023 - The Fifth Principle

What's `The Fifth Principle`?

The Fifth Principle is the theme for Aatmanirburn 2023. The Fifth Principle of the burn is Radical Self-Expression. Within the parameters of our reality, we bring gifts of ourselves to Aatmanirburn that make us unique. The Fifth Principle encourages us to contribute to the burn with our talents, our skills and even our temperament to the community, while respecting the liberties of the receiver.

"The Ten Principles of Burning Man: Values for a New World" by Harlan Emil Gruber explores each of the ten principles of Burning Man, including the principle of Radical Self-expression.

The author describes Radical Self-expression as an invitation to explore and express oneself authentically and creatively, without fear of judgment or criticism. He notes that this principle encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and creativity, and to share their gifts with the community. The principle of Radical Self-expression is seen as a way to celebrate diversity, individuality, and creativity in all forms, including art, music, dance, performance, and more.

Gruber also emphasizes that Radical Self-expression is not just about personal expression, but also about creating a culture of acceptance and respect for all forms of expression. He notes that the principle of Radical Self-expression is a call to embrace diversity and to create an environment where everyone feels free to express themselves fully and authentically.

Through radical self-expression, we can begin to create a culture of inclusivity founded on the celebration of individual gifts.

What? Where? When?

Dates & Venue

Dates - 20-24 October

Build Dates - 18-19 October

Location - 2 hours south of Bangalore (in Tamil Nadu). We’ll send you the location once you confirm your participation.

You will need a vehicle to arrive. Best is it pool vans/cars to bring all yourself with least movement through the villages we pass. We’ll send out the exact location to those who have registered with us a week before the event.

Art

👹 The Man

The Man built in classic Indian style made as a tribute to all the Ravans that are built and burnt around the country. The Man represents the confluence of Indian culture with the ethos of Burning Man.

🛕 The Temple of Quest By NAGARAJ

The Temple of Quest, stands as a testament to the innate power and spirit within every individual.

This sanctuary invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the boundless potential and energy that resides deep within.

It's a space where one can reflect, connect, and honor the profound essence of their being, transcending the confines of the mundane and touching the infinite within.

👁️‍🗨️ Confluence by Camp Mosaic

Intersection of 'I' and 'U' is indication of the transformative power of connection and unity, as letters morph, boundaries blur, and a new shared language of beauty and understanding is born. Confluence portrays the beautiful amalgamation of self and other, a journey of personal and relational worlds to collide, creating a singular, intertwined form, symbolizing our interconnected existence.

🧿 Centric by Camp Mosaic

Traverse through five elements, engage your five senses, and journey through five worlds with concentric circles of immersive digital projections. As you walk through each diminishing circle, experience the seamless transporting you into a realm where each step forward brings you deeper into a harmonious exploration of connection and wonder.

Dance of Shadows by Vignesh & Dipesh

A festival installation offering a daytime shadow puppet build workshop with storytelling, followed by a mesmerizing nighttime shadow puppet performance. Festivalgoers can also interact with each other by creating their own shadow avatars on a canvas or boulder, fostering community and creativity under the night sky.

Hatha/Balance by Sanah

This art installation personifies the balance between the sun and the moon, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system that is constantly on in our bodies and in nature.

Workshops & Performances

🤸🏼‍♀️ Dhyanam by Sanah Agarwal

Hip opening, releasing of blocked energy and pranayama workshop

Over the course of 3 days, we will explore hip openings( the seat of suppressed emotions and energy) and kundalini practices with breathwork to release stored energies. Gentle and basic pranayama for all level of practitioners will end the classes. Philosophy of the gunas and chakras will be shared with those interested for the first half an hour before the practice and the participants are encouraged to attend this but can also just choose to come for the practice. Each session will be 2 hours long with the following sequence:

💠 Impossible shapes by Psuedo

Come make trippy geometry projects out of paper and learn weird things you can do with Möbius strips!

Bring pens/markers, paper, and scissors if you have them, If you don't come anyway.

🎭 Contact improv jam by Bala

Contact improv is a free-form dance in we which we use touch to explore a world of movement possibilities. No experience required! Wear comfortable clothes.