You can't ask common people to meditate in a vacuum or on an abstract idea," Sneha Nagarkar says, explaining why we need icons. In simple terms, iconography refers to the use of images and symbols to represent ideas but to the common person, it goes beyond theory and requires a leap of faith. At a workshop-cum-heritage walk on Sunday, Nagarkar an archaeologist and Indologist who helms Pancajanya Cultural Heritage Initiatives will offer participants an introduction to Indian iconography, while specifically delving into Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

"Nowadays, iconography has gone for a toss. You cannot have a Ganpati idol dressed as Buddha. I'm not against the freedom of expression but it just doesn't make sense," Nagarkar says. The event will also highlight cultural and temporal differences.