Art workshop concludes in Kailai

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Sept. 9: The ‘Tharu Folk Painting and Sculpture Training Workshop’ jointly  organised by Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Janaki Rural Municipality of Kailali district concluded on Thursday. 

The workshop, held in the form of a competition, saw the participation of over 30 artists. This event encompassed all nine wards of Janaki Rural Municipality, with participants crafting ‘Ashtimki Chitra’ in their homes.

During the competition, the artists depicted various figures, including Krishna, Gopinis, Pandavas, Ravana, and others in their Ashtimki paintings, which are a traditional part of the Tharu Krishna Janmashtami festival.

 Ramgulam Chaudhary emerged as the first-place winner, receiving a prize of Rs.10, 000 while Menu Dagaura secured the second prize with Rs.  8,000.

 Rajkumar Rawat and Anil Chaudhary shared the third prize, each receiving Rs. 6,000 and Sangeeta Chaudhary, Anju Chaudhary, and Krishna Chaudhary were awarded consolation prizes, each receiving Rs. 4,000.

Devendra Kumar Kafle ‘Thumkeli’, member secretary of Nepal Fine Arts Academy, said that they conducted the workshop as per the academy’s mission to revive Nepal’s original art and culture. 

Ganesh Chaudhary, Chairman of Janaki Rural Municipality, emphasised that the collaboration with the academy had helped not only preserve the Tharu culture's authenticity but also raise awareness among the new generation. He stressed that Tharu paintings and sculptures are pivotal in recognising the essence of Tharu homes and culture, warning that when culture fades, a way of life disappears.