Elephant in the room

Madhubani art goes back to the time of The Ramayana

Madhubani is one of India's oldest art forms, and its origins can be traced to the Ramayana. Originating from the Mithila region in Bihar and Nepal, this art form has been passed down across generations.

It usually included scenes of religious significance and weddings, but now includes social causes and folklore. A visual merchandiser by profession, Kavita Das (@mithila_palette), a graduate from NIFT New Delhi, has mastered the art of Madhubani from her ancestors who hail from Mithila and have practised it for generations. "The workshop will include lessons based on traditional techniques of making Madhubani art that I learnt from my family, and my time at NIFT," shares Das.

Kavita Das

The workshop will guide participants about learning the basics, its history, various motifs and the significance of different styles of this art form with the focus being on Bharni. Bharni is a style within Madhubani art that predominantly uses vibrant and distinct colours usually depicting flora and fauna. "I will be teaching the participants the tricks to maintain symmetry while painting as that is very important. The workshop is very hands-on and will engage the participant in proper application of colour and finishing as well," she adds.

On: November 6 and 7, 5.30 pm
Log on to: insider.in
Cost: Rs 1,400