A six-day painting exhibition titled “Aalekhya” was inaugurated at the Bal Gandharva Art Gallery, Pune, organized by the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur (Ministry of Culture, Government of India). The exhibition will continue until 22 September. It is dedicated to the 300th birth anniversary of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar and the grandeur of the Mahakumbh.
The exhibition showcases works by various artists from across the country, bringing alive Indian culture, tradition, and history. The inauguration ceremony was graced by chief guest Sudarshan Shetty, Director of ICCR Sub-Center Pune, and Deepak Kulkarni, Assistant Director (Programs) of the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, along with veteran theatre artist Satish Indapurkar.
Approximately 200 artists from across India submitted their works, from which 53 paintings were selected for display. The artworks reflect themes based on both topics and present glimpses of India’s culture, history, and traditions.
Shri Astha Karlekar, Director of the South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur, stated that the artists portrayed everything on canvas—from Devi Ahilya’s devotion to Lord Shiva to her efforts to educate women. All these artworks were created during a workshop held in Raipur, in collaboration with Sanskar Bharati.
One painting depicts Devi Ahilyabai Holkar draped in a Maheshwari handloom sari, while another shows artists protesting against the Sati practice. In yet another artwork, Devi Ahilya is seen holding a Shivling at the river ghat.
Many artists also created artworks at the Kalagram set up during the Kumbh. These paintings depict scenes ranging from saints meditating to the vast crowds at the Kumbh. Observers felt as if they had been transported to Prayagraj, the city of Kumbh.
The exhibition attracted a large number of art lovers, students, and citizens. The art gallery witnessed enthusiastic participation from visitors. Through the paintings, audiences experienced the spirit of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar’s sacrifice, service, and welfare work, along with the amazing cultural and spiritual vibrancy of the Mahakumbh.
