Bhopal: ‘Kohbar’, a book exploring various dimensions of Indian folk culture, marital traditions and family values, was formally launched by Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker and former Union Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

The event was attended by the book’s author Anil Jha, senior journalist and political analyst Krishna Mohan Jha, and senior journalist Rizwan Ahmed Siddiqui as distinguished guests. Several eminent personalities from the fields of literature, journalism, social service and culture were also present, including Dr H.M. Mishra, Dr H.R. Raidas, Ramesh Dubey, S.K. Behre, Shivdatt Mishra, Vinay Kumar Jha, Kaushal Jha, Sudhir K. Jha, Navindu Mishra, Jyotiraditya Jha and Ramesh Jha.

‘Kohbar’ Explores Indian Marriage Traditions and Life Philosophy

The book presents the values of love, dignity, traditions and family life embedded in Indian marriage customs from a broader cultural perspective. The author interprets Kohbar not merely as the room traditionally associated with a newly married couple, but as a cultural concept rooted in Indian philosophy of life, marital values and the nurturing of future generations.

The book draws upon mythological and literary narratives involving Lord Ram and Mata Sita, Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, King Aja and Indumati, and Nala and Damayanti to highlight the elevated and dignified expression of love in Indian traditions.

It also explores the folk tradition of Kohbar paintings, highlighting symbols of the Sun, Moon, Navagrahas, animals, birds, trees and various elements of nature. Through these motifs, the book underlines the Indian understanding of the deep relationship between human life and nature.

Preserving Cultural Values for the Next Generation

Author Anil Jha said the objective behind writing ‘Kohbar’ was not merely to document a particular folk tradition, but to bring before the younger generation the Indian values, marital traditions, family responsibilities and cultural consciousness embedded within it.

He noted that with changing times, many traditional practices and folk traditions are gradually fading from collective memory. In such circumstances, understanding India’s cultural heritage and conveying its essence to future generations has become essential. He described ‘Kohbar’ as a humble effort in this direction.

‘Values Are the Foundation of the Future’

Senior journalist and political analyst Krishna Mohan Jha, in his address, said that in Indian culture, values and traditions are not merely memories of the past but the foundation for building the future.

He said ‘Kohbar’ provides an opportunity to understand love, marriage, family and values within the broader framework of the Indian worldview. He emphasised that the younger generation should not only be introduced to India’s traditions but should also be helped to understand the values and social perspective underlying them.

From this perspective, he described ‘Kohbar’ as an important cultural work.

Narendra Singh Tomar Congratulates the Author

At the book launch, Narendra Singh Tomar described ‘Kohbar’ as an important work connected with Indian folk culture and family values and extended his best wishes to author Anil Jha.

He said that in the Indian tradition, marriage is not merely a relationship between two individuals but also a commitment towards the family, society and future generations.

Tomar expressed confidence that books such as ‘Kohbar’ can play a meaningful role in carrying India’s cultural traditions and values forward to the younger generation.

The event concluded in a simple and dignified atmosphere. The guests congratulated author Anil Jha on the publication and launch of the book and expressed their best wishes for its wider reach and dissemination.