Assam’s Manuscript Painting Exhibition Highly Praised at the Ashtalakshmi Festival
Nagaon, December 8:
The Ashtalakshmi Festival, organized in New Delhi with the aim of showcasing the rich culture and promising economy of Northeast India, is concluding today. The festival emphasizes traditional arts, textile industries, tourism, and GI-tagged products from the Northeast. Hosted by the Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) and the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation, the Ashtalakshmi Festival has garnered special appreciation for Assam’s manuscript painting exhibition.
At the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Assamese artist Sujit Das was invited to display this traditional art. Renowned artist Das demonstrated the ancient art form that originated during the Vaishnavite era under Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev. His exhibition highlighted the preparation of these paintings on sanchipat (traditional bark paper) using natural materials like hengul (red pigment), haital (yellow pigment), white clay, indigo, and bel (wood apple) gum.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, and chief ministers and ministers from various states admired the manuscript paintings, including depictions of Guru Sankardev’s life and other themes. Additionally, paintings by trainees from the “Art Village” project, mentored by Sujit Das from Nagaon, were also displayed at the exhibition.
