Udit Vani, Jamshedpur: In a vibrant celebration of India’s rich folk and tribal art heritage, President Droupadi Murmu welcomed 29 eminent traditional artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme.
This unique initiative, conceptualized by Rashtrapati Bhavan to promote and preserve India’s intangible cultural heritage, brought together practitioners of Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua art forms for a fortnight-long creative residency.
The participating artists – many of whom come from remote tribal villages and have been practicing their craft for generations – were provided accommodation within the Presidential Estate and given the opportunity to live, interact, and create amidst the historical grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
During their stay, they engaged in collaborative art-making, workshops, and cultural exchanges, culminating in a curated exhibition of their works.
Art That Tells Stories of Land and Legacy
The Sohrai artists, primarily women from the tribal heartland of Jharkhand, used natural earth pigments and brushes made from twigs to create stunning murals inspired by agrarian life, forest creatures, and fertility symbols.
This ancient wall art form, traditionally practiced during the Sohrai harvest festival, was adapted onto canvases, preserving the visual language of tribal ritual and mythology.
From Odisha, the Pattachitra artists showcased the meticulous palm-leaf etching and cloth-based scroll painting traditions that depict scenes from Jagannath culture, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
Their fine detailing, bold lines, and natural colors echoed centuries-old aesthetics rooted in temple art and storytelling.
Meanwhile, the Patua artists of West Bengal – known for their narrative scroll paintings – brought contemporary relevance to traditional themes. Blending satire, folklore, and social commentary, their works addressed modern issues like climate change, women’s rights, and digital dependency, all through rhythmic visual storytelling accompanied by sung verses (pater gaan).
President Murmu Applauds Cultural Ambassadors
During her interaction with the artists, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her deep appreciation for their commitment to preserving India’s artistic traditions. “You are the custodians of our collective memory, our cultural wisdom, and our aesthetic soul. Through your hands and hearts, the stories of our people live on,” she remarked.
The President, herself hailing from Odisha and having a deep connection with tribal culture, spent time engaging with the artists, viewing their works, and discussing their inspirations.
She also emphasized the need for greater recognition and institutional support for folk artists.
“India’s cultural policy must ensure that these heritage practices are not only documented and preserved but also sustained as living traditions, passed down through generations,” she said.
Kala Utsav: A Platform for Artistic Legacy
The ‘Artists in Residence Programme’ under the broader Kala Utsav initiative was launched in 2023 as part of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s cultural outreach. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional artists and mainstream art spaces, encouraging intergenerational learning and national exposure.
This year’s edition included curated workshops with art historians, educators, and contemporary artists.
A final exhibition titled “Echoes of the Soil” was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Marble Hall and will soon be opened to the public.
The event was coordinated by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with Lalit Kala Akademi, and supported by state cultural bodies from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal.
The President also awarded certificates of appreciation and felicitated senior artists for their lifelong contribution to the preservation of indigenous art.
Preserving the Future by Honoring the Past
As India strides forward in technological advancement, initiatives like Kala Utsav reaffirm the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its diverse cultural roots.
The presence of Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua artists within the grand corridors of Rashtrapati Bhavan marks a symbolic and literal inclusion of grassroots artistry into the nation’s highest echelons of recognition.
For these 29 artists, the programme was not just a platform for showcasing their work but a moment of pride, validation, and hope.
As one of the Sohrai artists from Hazaribagh noted, “We’ve painted our homes with these motifs for generations. Today, we painted at the home of the President. This is a blessing for our art and our community.”
