Governor Arlekar Explores Bhagalpur’s Unique Manjusha Art | Patna News – Times of India
Bhagalpur: Governor-cum-chancellor of universities, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, was introduced to Manjusha Art, a distinctive folk art of the Bhagalpur region, during an informal meeting on Thursday evening. Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary and SSP Anand Kumar presented the governor with a Manjusha Art painting on Tasar silk fabric. This art form graphically illustrates the local folklore of Bihula-Bishari, which dates back to the 7th century.
“Manjusha Art portrays the dedication of Bihula, who saved her husband from the wrath of Bishari, the snake goddess,” said Choudhary. The art’s core theme revolves around snakes as a mark of veneration to Naag Devta (snake god), depicted through serpentine motifs and nature-inspired pictographs in predominant pink, green and yellow hues.
Manoj Pandit, who has promoted Manjusha Art since 1992, said, “This art form has survived through religious artefacts and offerings during auspicious occasions. Our efforts are aimed at modernising and preserving it.”
“Earlier, the Bihula-Bishari story was sung orally. Today, we are reviving it through narrative illustrations, making it the first folk art to depict such folklore,” another artist, Kaushal Kishor Kaushal, said.
Sanjeev Sharma, president of the Bhagalpur Chamber of Commerce, lauded the DM and SSP’s initiative. “This step could bring Manjusha Art into the mainstream, much like Madhubani painting. It will showcase Bhagalpur’s rich cultural legacy on a larger platform,” he said.
However, social activist Anuj Shivlochan expressed concern over the art’s obscurity. “Manjusha Art has long been overshadowed by Madhubani paintings due to a lack of awareness and govt support. The DM and SSP’s efforts to involve the governor can create the much-needed awareness,” he said.
“Manjusha Art portrays the dedication of Bihula, who saved her husband from the wrath of Bishari, the snake goddess,” said Choudhary. The art’s core theme revolves around snakes as a mark of veneration to Naag Devta (snake god), depicted through serpentine motifs and nature-inspired pictographs in predominant pink, green and yellow hues.
Manoj Pandit, who has promoted Manjusha Art since 1992, said, “This art form has survived through religious artefacts and offerings during auspicious occasions. Our efforts are aimed at modernising and preserving it.”
“Earlier, the Bihula-Bishari story was sung orally. Today, we are reviving it through narrative illustrations, making it the first folk art to depict such folklore,” another artist, Kaushal Kishor Kaushal, said.
Sanjeev Sharma, president of the Bhagalpur Chamber of Commerce, lauded the DM and SSP’s initiative. “This step could bring Manjusha Art into the mainstream, much like Madhubani painting. It will showcase Bhagalpur’s rich cultural legacy on a larger platform,” he said.
However, social activist Anuj Shivlochan expressed concern over the art’s obscurity. “Manjusha Art has long been overshadowed by Madhubani paintings due to a lack of awareness and govt support. The DM and SSP’s efforts to involve the governor can create the much-needed awareness,” he said.
