From Mithila to Modern
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Art Carnival Unites Diverse Artistic Voices
In a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture, the ‘Art Carnival’ exhibition, hosted by the Navodaya Art and Cultural Development Welfare Trust, recently took place at the Adarsh Hostel auditorium on Kalambagh Road, Muzaffarpur. The event offered a rich visual experience, uniting contemporary art, folk traditions, Mithila paintings, and handicrafts. Over two days, the exhibition became a cultural melting pot featuring artworks by both senior and emerging artists from across the region.
The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony, graced by eminent personalities including renowned pediatrician Dr. Arun Sah, social activist Kislay Kishore, senior artist Suresh Gupta, and trustees of the organizing body. Trust President Ranjana Jha and Secretary Uday Kumar Gupta, along with team members Pranav Jha, Munna Rafi, Praveen Pappu, Sanjay Srivastava, Sujit Srivastava, Vandana Jha, Sujata Jha, Sunil Kumar Munna, Anni Sharma, Uday Shankar Kumar, and Atul Srivastava, were instrumental in curating the event and welcoming the audience.
Among the participating senior artists were Mukesh Sona, Gopal Phalak, Shrinivas Chaudhary, Subhash Kumar, and Santosh Kumar, whose works brought a deep sense of authenticity and mastery to the show. Their presence also offered motivation and guidance to younger participants, creating a truly inclusive art experience.
On the opening day, aside from the official inaugural session, the venue hosted a painting competition for children, encouraging artistic expression among the younger generation. The children’s artworks reflected themes of culture, imagination, and social harmony, setting a vibrant tone for the rest of the exhibition.
The gallery space buzzed with art lovers and curious visitors, exploring a diverse array of paintings, installations, and crafts. The synthesis of Mithila and folk art with modern expressions drew admiration from audiences, as artists displayed not only visual excellence but also their cultural heritage. This rare juxtaposition of traditional motifs with experimental techniques became a standout feature of the show.
The second day of the exhibition, held on Sunday, June 15, 2025, featured extended viewing hours from 10 AM to 8 PM, allowing more art enthusiasts to experience the collection. The highlight of the day was the Cultural Evening, starting from 2 PM, where local performers entertained the audience with traditional music and dance, creating a festive atmosphere.
The day concluded with a prize distribution ceremony at 5 PM, recognizing young talents who participated in the painting competition and appreciating the contributions of artists who made the exhibition a success.
President Ranjana Jha expressed her gratitude, saying, “This Art Carnival was not just about showcasing art—it was about building a platform where different generations, backgrounds, and art forms can connect and inspire each other. We are overwhelmed with the love and response received.”
With its successful conclusion, the Art Carnival reaffirmed Muzaffarpur’s place on the cultural map as a hub for meaningful artistic engagement. The event left an indelible mark on the local art community and laid the groundwork for future collaborations that celebrate India’s artistic heritage in contemporary contexts.
