Mumbai

Harshit – Experience the Joy of Indian Arts, a vibrant exhibition celebrating Indian folk and tribal traditions, has drawn wide appreciation from eminent personalities in Mumbai.

Organised by the Indian Folk Art Corridor, the exhibition opened on April 6 at the Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery and will run until April 11. Founded by Vidisha Pandey, IFAC is a UAE-based initiative focused on promoting Indian folk, tribal and traditional art forms globally. The showcase marks its debut exhibition in India.

The event was lauded by noted bhajan singer Anup Jalota, Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar, Vice Chancellor Him Kumar Chatterjee of Sir J.J. School of Arts, veteran actor-sculptor Vijay Kashyap, and Rupali Suri.

Praising the initiative, Jalota said that Vidisha Pandey, through IFAC, is providing Indian folk artists with a global platform and the recognition they deserve while preserving their rich cultural heritage. During his visit, he engaged with participating artists and even joined a Bengali artist in singing traditional songs.

Ashish Shelar, along with Rupali Suri, encouraged artisans by purchasing artworks, while Suri also spent time interacting with artists to understand their creative processes.

The exhibition features works by state and national award-winning artists representing diverse Indian folk and tribal art traditions. A key highlight is a three-day Pichwai art workshop conducted by a third-generation master artist, offering visitors an immersive cultural experience.

In addition, a live art demonstration at Marine Drive showcased traditional forms such as Tikuli, Jogi, Sohrai and Pichwai, drawing significant public interest. A panel discussion with art experts is also scheduled as part of the event.

Speaking about her vision, Vidisha Pandey emphasised the importance of presenting Indian art with clear identification of its regional roots, enabling future generations to connect deeply with their heritage.

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Trained in six Indian art forms, Pandey has previously showcased Indian art internationally, including exhibitions at the Indian Consulate in the UAE and the Nehru Centre in London.