Art Mandai Marks a Decade of Democratizing Art in Pune's Bustling Vegetable Market
As India prepares to celebrate Republic Day, Pune's vibrant cultural scene witnesses a unique milestone. Art Mandai, the annual art exhibition held in the city's oldest and largest vegetable market, is turning 10 this year. What began as a simple idea to make art accessible beyond gallery walls has blossomed into a beloved tradition, transforming Mandai into a hub of creativity every January 26th.
The Genesis: Bringing Art to the People
The story of Art Mandai dates back to 2015, when a group of prominent artists pondered a pressing question. "Why should art be confined to galleries frequented only by a select few?" they asked. Recognizing that many Indians feel intimidated by formal art spaces, these visionaries decided to take art directly to the people. Their solution was ingenious: set up shop at Mandai, where daily life unfolds in a cacophony of colors and commerce.
The initial skepticism from vegetable vendors was palpable. "Who are these people selling paintings next to our tomatoes?" they wondered. But within a year or two, curiosity turned into camaraderie. Today, the vendors are among Art Mandai's biggest supporters, noting how the event draws new crowds to the market.
A Decade of Growth and Impact
This year's edition, themed 'Beauty in the Everyday', features 27 artists, most of them emerging talents. They have crafted works using humble materials—rocks, wood, ceramics, cloth, and scrap—transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary art. Three performance artists will enliven the market with brief acts of poetry, dance, and music.
The core committee, including Gauri Gandhi, Sujata Dharap, Rashmi Bhadkamkar, Falguni Gokhale, Shyam Dhavale, Indrani Garai, and Ruby Jhunjhunwala, reflects on a decade filled with wonder. "We've discovered hidden art lovers among stressed-out everyday people," says Dharap, a Pune-based artist. "This might be Pune's best-kept secret—a booming market for art among an invisible population."
Affordability and Social Responsibility
At the heart of Art Mandai lies a radical principle: art should be affordable for everyone. Prices start at just ₹500, with the highest capped at ₹3,000—a policy unchanged since inception. Every piece is an authentic original, and 35% of proceeds support social causes. Visitors flock to buy works for personal collections or as gifts, while many others come simply to admire and find joy.
"Being around art clears your mind and brings wellness," Dharap emphasizes. "It's about stress relief and a sense of betterment. We're promoting a movement that reimagines how art can touch lives."
Looking Ahead
Art Mandai opens at 9 AM on Republic Day and runs until 2 PM, offering a brief but powerful immersion into creativity. As it enters its second decade, this initiative stands as a testament to Pune's innovative spirit—proving that art thrives not just in galleries, but in the bustling heart of a vegetable market, where beauty meets the everyday.
