A Vibrant Showcase of India’s Folk Traditions
On July 25, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu welcomed 29 renowned folk artists to Rashtrapati Bhavan. These artists represented three iconic art forms—Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua—as part of the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025: Artists in Residence Programme.
Hailing from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, the artists stayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan from July 14 to July 24. Their artworks, created during the 10-day residency, were exhibited for the President and dignitaries.
Kala Utsav: A Cultural Celebration
The Artists in Residence Programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan is more than an event. It’s a platform for nurturing living cultural traditions. It celebrates India’s folk and tribal heritage and supports communities that preserve traditional knowledge through art.
This year’s Kala Utsav 2025 reaffirmed the cultural pride and artistic spirit of India’s grassroots. From earthy Sohrai murals to intricate Pattachitra scrolls, the exhibition reflected centuries-old artistic wisdom passed down through generations.
President Murmu praised the artists for their dedication to preserving India’s rich artistic legacy. She visited the exhibition personally and interacted with each artist. Her warm words and encouragement highlighted the importance of such platforms in promoting India’s intangible cultural heritage.
She said, “These traditional art forms are the soul of India. They connect us to our roots and must be celebrated at every opportunity.”
Meet the Art Forms
Sohrai Art (Jharkhand)
Sohrai is a ritual mural art form practiced by tribal women in Jharkhand. It uses natural pigments derived from clay, stones, and plants. Painted during harvest festivals and auspicious occasions, the art symbolizes fertility, nature, and ancestral blessings.
Pattachitra (Odisha)
Pattachitra is one of the oldest scroll painting traditions in India. Practiced mainly in Puri and Raghurajpur, these paintings depict tales from Hindu epics. The artists use natural colors and fine detailing, often involving entire families in the process.
Patua Art (West Bengal)
Patua is a narrative scroll painting tradition from Bengal. It blends visual storytelling with songs known as ‘Pater Gaan.’ These scrolls depict mythological stories, folklore, and social themes, making art a vehicle of education and entertainment.
Empowering Grassroots Artists
Events like Kala Utsav give visibility and respect to artists from remote villages. They also help younger generations discover India’s vast cultural diversity. Many artists, during the interaction, shared how this experience was life-changing for them.
One Sohrai artist remarked, “I never imagined painting in the President’s home. It’s a proud moment for my village.”
Why This Matters
In a fast-paced world, traditional arts are often sidelined. However, initiatives like the Artists in Residence Programme bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern recognition.
According to the official PIB release, this is part of a broader vision to mainstream folk arts into national consciousness and global platforms.
Looking Ahead
As the programme grows, it promises to include more regional art forms. The President has expressed her hope that future editions will foster cross-cultural collaborations and reach more aspiring artists.
Through Kala Utsav, Rashtrapati Bhavan is not just a seat of power—it is becoming a center of living heritage and cultural renewal.