Lucknow: Art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs in the city will have an opportunity to explore one of Bengal’s most celebrated folk art traditions as Kokoro Art Gallery hosts a Kalighat Patachitra Exhibition beginning June 12, 2026.
The exhibition aims to promote India’s rich folk and traditional art heritage while introducing younger generations to the country’s diverse cultural legacy. The event will be inaugurated on Friday, June 12, at 5 p.m. by Padma Shri Dr. Vidya Bindu Singh, renowned author and folk literature scholar.
The exhibition will showcase nearly 50 Kalighat Patachitra artworks by eminent traditional folk artist Manoranjan Chitrakar from West Bengal. A dedicated practitioner of the Patachitra tradition for more than three decades, Chitrakar has played a significant role in preserving and promoting the art form and has exhibited his works at numerous national and international platforms.
In addition to the exhibition, Kokoro Art Gallery will organize a two-day Kalighat Patachitra workshop on June 13 and 14. The workshop will provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the history, techniques, colour application, and creative processes associated with this distinctive folk painting tradition. Attendees will also get the opportunity to interact with the artist and gain hands-on experience in creating artworks inspired by the Kalighat style.
Kalighat Patachitra is one of Bengal’s most significant folk art traditions, which emerged during the nineteenth century around the famous Kalighat Temple in Kolkata. The art form is widely recognized for its fluid brushwork, bold colours, expressive figures, and unique narrative style. Over the years, Kalighat paintings have earned a special place in the history of Indian folk and traditional art, influencing generations of artists and art lovers alike.
The exhibition and workshop have been curated and coordinated by Vandana Sehgal, curator of Kokoro Art Gallery. According to the organizers, the initiative seeks to create greater awareness about India’s traditional art forms and encourage wider appreciation of the country’s cultural heritage among young audiences.
By bringing a master practitioner of Kalighat Patachitra to Lucknow, the gallery hopes to provide visitors with a rare opportunity to experience an authentic folk art tradition that continues to thrive despite changing artistic trends.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors following its inauguration, offering art lovers, students, researchers, and cultural enthusiasts a chance to engage closely with one of India’s most vibrant and historically significant folk painting traditions.
