The indigenous mural tradition of Sohrai Art from Jharkhand took centre stage at the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This ten-day residency programme was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu and marked a significant milestone in celebrating India’s rich folk and tribal art traditions.
President visited the exhibition and personally interacted with the artists. In her address, she praised their dedication, 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.”
On the occasion, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), along with Dr. Kumar Sanjay Jha, Regional Director, and Mrs. Sumedha Sengupta, Project Associate, IGNCA Regional Centre, Ranchi, were present on behalf of the institution. As a gesture of respect and tradition, the Hon’ble President was felicitated by IGNCA with a traditional saree.
The Project Assistants of the IGNCA Regional Centre, Ranchi – Mrs. Bolo Kumari Oraon, Mr. Prabhat Linda, and Dr. Himanshu Shekhar – played an instrumental role in coordinating with the artist collective and managing the participation of the artist team for the event, held from 14th to 24th July 2025.
Sohrai, a ritualistic wall-painting tradition practised by tribal communities in Jharkhand, is typically created by women during harvest and festive seasons. Using natural earth pigments and bamboo brushes, the artists transform mud walls into vivid depictions of animals, plants, and geometric motifs-deeply connected to agrarian life and spiritual beliefs.
Ten acclaimed Sohrai artists from Hazaribagh district ; 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, and Ms. Reena Devi participated in the ten-day residency and showcased their traditional artistry to a national audience.
Artists Ms. Malo Devi and Ms. Sajwa Devi shared their joy, saying: “We are extremely happy to have been a part of this initiative. Had a great experience presenting our state’s Sohrai Art form.”
It is a matter of pride for Jharkhand that Sohrai Art, which is yet to receive the same level of national attention as other traditional paintings such as Godna, Mithila, and Warli, has now found such an esteemed platform and stature. This opportunity has helped bring the traditional wisdom and cultural richness of Jharkhand to the forefront of India’s artistic landscape.
The IGNCA and its Regional Centre in Ranchi played a crucial role in this cultural initiative by identifying, coordinating, and supporting the participation of Sohrai artists from remote villages of Jharkhand. Their tireless efforts ensured that this unique tribal art form was showcased on a national stage, giving the artists long-overdue recognition. IGNCA continues to work with dedication to uplift and promote such traditional art forms.
Through Kala Utsav 2025, Sohrai Art received national recognition, standing as a vibrant affirmation to the enduring spirit of Jharkhand’s tribal communities. The IGNCA’s commitment to promoting and preserving India’s indigenous art forms ensured that the cultural significance and beauty of Sohrai were honoured and celebrated on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.
