New Delhi, July 26, 2025 — In a proud cultural moment for Jharkhand, the ancient tribal tradition of Sohrai Art was showcased at Rashtrapati Bhavan during the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025, under the Artists in Residence Programme. The 10-day event, held from July 14 to 24, celebrated India’s vibrant folk heritage and was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, who praised the participating artists for preserving India’s soul through their brushstrokes.
During her visit, President Murmu engaged personally with the Sohrai artists, stating:
“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.”
The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), along with its Ranchi Regional Centre, played a pivotal role in organizing the event and facilitating the artists’ participation. Representing IGNCA at the event were Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi (Member Secretary), Dr. Kumar Sanjay Jha (Regional Director), and Mrs. Sumedha Sengupta (Project Associate). In a symbolic gesture, the Hon’ble President was honoured with a traditional Jharkhandi saree.
Project Assistants Mrs. Bolo Kumari Oraon, Mr. Prabhat Linda, and Dr. Himanshu Shekhar coordinated logistics and ensured the smooth participation of the artists, many of whom had traveled from remote villages in Hazaribagh district.
Ten women artists, each a master of the Sohrai painting tradition, showcased their work at the event:
- Ms. Rudan Devi
- Ms. Anita Devi
- Ms. Sita Kumari
- Ms. Malo Devi
- Ms. Sajwa Devi
- Ms. Parvati Devi
- Ms. Asha Devi
- Ms. Kadmi Devi
- Ms. Mohini Devi
- Ms. Reena Devi
Artists Malo Devi and Sajwa Devi expressed their happiness, saying,
“We are extremely happy to have been a part of this initiative. It was a great experience presenting our state’s Sohrai art form.”
Sohrai is a ritualistic mural art form rooted in the tribal culture of Jharkhand. Traditionally painted by women on mud walls during harvest festivals, Sohrai uses natural earth pigments and bamboo brushes to depict animals, plants, symbols, and agrarian motifs. Rich in spiritual and environmental symbolism, it remains a living testimony to the tribal community’s bond with nature.
The IGNCA’s Ranchi Centre has been instrumental in reviving and promoting tribal and folk arts. By curating this national platform for Sohrai, the Centre has helped uplift the art form to the same stature as Madhubani (Mithila), Warli, and Godna paintings.
Through initiatives like Kala Utsav, IGNCA continues to empower tribal artists, spotlight underrepresented art traditions, and ensure India’s indigenous heritage thrives for future generations.
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