The Patna chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) is set to host a significant three-day art exhibition titled 'Arghya'. This event will shine a spotlight on the cultural grandeur of Patna's revered Chhath festival.
Exhibition Details and Inauguration
The exhibition will take place at the Lalit Kala Academy's art gallery from November 28 to November 30. Anjani Kumar Singh, the Director General of the Bihar Museum, will formally inaugurate the event, marking a prestigious start to the cultural showcase.
A Diverse Showcase of Artistic Talent
According to Intach convener Bhairab Lal Das, the exhibition promises a rich visual feast. A total of 53 eminent artists will display their work, representing a wide spectrum of traditional and contemporary art forms. The collection will include Madhubani paintings, Manjusha art, Tikuli work, Bhojpuri folk art, the historic Patna Kalam, Sujni embroidery, terracotta, cross-stitch, Baidyanath paintings, and photography.
The event will see participation from distinguished guests, including Intach chairman Ashok Singh Thakur, Karl Zankal from Germany's University of Applied Sciences, and Ajay Khare from the School of Planning and Architecture in Bhopal. They are scheduled to interact with the audience, providing deeper insights into the cultural significance of the artworks.
The Push for UNESCO Recognition
Intach co-convener Shiv Kumar Mishra highlighted a crucial objective behind the exhibition. This initiative is a key part of the ongoing campaign to secure UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for the Chhath festival. In a significant move, the state art and culture department has officially nominated Intach as its knowledge partner for this ambitious project.
Mishra further explained that the organization is actively gathering all relevant material related to Chhath for inclusion in the official dossier to be submitted to UNESCO. This comprehensive collection includes sculptures, paintings, writings, folk songs, and photographs that document the festival's profound cultural and social roots.
The exhibition is receiving support from the Madhubani Art Centre in New Delhi and Lovely Creations from Patna. The artistic direction is being managed by the joint curatorship of noted artists Alka Das and Manisha Jha, ensuring a professionally curated and memorable experience for all visitors.
