President Murmu Honours Artists at Kala Utsav 2025 Residency Finale

In a vibrant celebration of India’s enduring folk and tribal art heritage, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, met with 29 distinguished traditional artists at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the culmination of the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme.

The artists, representing the intricate traditions of Sohrai (Jharkhand), Pattachitra (Odisha), and Patua (West Bengal), resided at Rashtrapati Bhavan for ten days (July 14–24). This immersive cultural initiative served not only as a platform for showcasing regional art but also as a conduit for cross-cultural exchange, innovation, and national recognition of indigenous creativity.

Kala Utsav: A Living Celebration of India’s Artistic Soul

Kala Utsav, initiated by the Rashtrapati Bhavan in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, seeks to honour and preserve India’s folk, tribal, and traditional art forms, many of which are carried forward through oral transmission and ancestral practices. The Artists in Residence programme is designed to:

• Celebrate India’s intangible cultural heritage

• Support rural and tribal artists

• Encourage intergenerational knowledge transmission

• Expose national audiences to lesser-known regional arts

This year’s edition featured creators of:

• Sohrai Art: An indigenous mural tradition practiced by tribal communities in Jharkhand, often painted during harvest and festive rituals using natural earth pigments.

• Pattachitra: A classical painting form from Odisha characterized by intricate mythological storytelling on cloth scrolls and dried palm leaves.

• Patua Art: Also known as Bengal scroll painting, this narrative art form blends visual storytelling with folk songs, traditionally performed by itinerant artists known as ‘Patuas’.

President Murmu Applauds Artistic Excellence

During the closing ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu interacted personally with each artist and toured the exhibition showcasing artworks created during their ten-day residency. She commended their creativity, perseverance, and role in preserving India’s pluralistic cultural fabric.

In her remarks, the President said:

“These artworks reflect the soul of India — our connection to nature, our mythology, and our community life. I deeply admire how each of you continues to uphold these invaluable traditions. Your art is not only a medium of expression but also a bridge to our shared cultural memory. I wish you all great success in continuing this journey and inspiring future generations.”

Residency Experience: Beyond Exhibition

While at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the artists were provided with:

• Studio spaces and materials

• Workshops and interactions with contemporary artists, historians, and curators

• Cultural visits to Delhi-based museums and heritage sites

• Collaborative storytelling and art exchange sessions across states

The artists also participated in interactive sessions with schoolchildren, university students, and art lovers, giving them a unique opportunity to pass on their traditional knowledge and techniques.

Revitalising Traditional Arts in a Modern World

The Kala Utsav initiative holds special importance in the context of safeguarding endangered art forms, many of which are threatened by:

• Urbanization and migration

• Lack of market access

• Interruption of traditional education lines

Through this residency programme, Rashtrapati Bhavan aims to empower artists by:

• Providing visibility at the national level

• Enabling documentation and digital archiving

• Fostering interdisciplinary collaborations

• Promoting market linkages and financial sustainability

Participants' Voices and Future Aspirations

Several artists expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity. Sabitri Murmu, a Sohrai artist from Dumka, Jharkhand, said:

“This was the first time I painted outside my village. Sharing my art in Rashtrapati Bhavan is a dream I never imagined.”

Rupak Pal, a Patua artist from Medinipur, West Bengal, remarked:

“The residency gave me a chance to innovate with my scrolls and connect with artists from Odisha and Jharkhand. It has strengthened my identity as a cultural storyteller.”

A Step Towards Cultural Empowerment

Kala Utsav is a strong testament to India’s commitment to cultural inclusion, preservation, and promotion. As India aspires to become a global cultural leader, initiatives like the Artists in Residence programme not only recognize artistic merit but also reaffirm the nation’s pride in its rich folk and tribal legacies.

The success of Kala Utsav 2025 lays the groundwork for future editions that will expand representation from other regions and art forms, amplifying the diversity and depth of Indian cultural expression.