Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the annual cultural festival held at Amrit Udyaan Rashtrapati Bhavan in March, showcased rich South Indian culture, giving connoisseurs a treat. Aimed at making the Rashtrapati Bhavan a hub for cultural exchange, it brought India’s vibrant heritage closer to its citizens.
The second edition of South India’s cultural vibrancy celebrated the artistic legacy of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. With over 500 artisans and craftsmen as participants, this edition presented handloom designs, ancient crafts, performing arts, and regional heritage.
The brainchild of President Smt Draupadi Murmu, the event was started in 2024. The first edition focused on the North-Eastern region. The event remains etched as a feast of traditional handicrafts, music, dance, and cultural arts and crafts.
It has emerged as a platform for artists, performers and experts to showcase their craftsmanship and share their art. The idea of involving generations in artifact making and imparting its sustainability remains the epicenter of this event. The Voices student reporter brings a photographic view of the grand fest.
Literary Heritage
Sahitya Akademi
Preserving and promoting 24 languages nationwide, the Sahitya Akademi’s stall drew people to its books. Each year, it publishes over 500 books, organizes literary events and book fairs, and honors writers with prestigious awards to promote the growth of Indian literature.
Handicrafts & Artisans
Coconut Shell Art
Coconut farming practices on the islands of Lakshadweep have given birth to coconut shell handiworks. Talking to The Voices, a skilled craftsman named Basheer from Lakshadweep said that his creations are often given as gifts for VIPs. The shells are crafted into different items such as ladles, spoons, cups, earrings, pendants, lamps, and chandeliers, reflecting the island’s culture and heritage. They also showcase the sustainable use of natural materials.
Fabric Portraits
Markendya’s Prime Minister Portrait
Markandeya, an artist from Dharmavaram village of Andhra Pradesh, is known for his complex fabric portraits and designs. His detailed handwoven artwork of the Prime Minister showcased a rare mixture of textile weaving and artistry.
Following the same creation technique, Hari Prasad from Sircilla town of Telangana created a beautiful fabric portrait of the President of India. Showing his mastery in making art in the fabric portrait. Also he has made a mini art form of it.
Nano Sculptures by Dr. Ganesh Subramanyam – Microscopic Masterpieces
Dr. Ganesh Subramanyam from Kerala has taken sculpture to the nano level! His gold sculptures were on display, including a tiny statue of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inside a needle’s eye and a Ram Mandir carved on a single grain of rice. His work, combining precision engineering and artistic vision, stunned audiences at the event.
Bamboo Craft – Sustainable Art & Traditional Weaving Techniques
Chintapalle, a town in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, is home to skilled bamboo artisans who have been crafting furniture, baskets, and decorative pieces for generations. Their work, showcased at the event, reflected a deep connection with eco-friendly craftsmanship and sustainable living.
Textile & Weaving Traditions
Tamil Nadu’s Stone Carvings- Sculptor Shri M. Devaraj
National Award-winning sculptor Shri M. Devaraj from Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, has spent his life mastering the art of traditional temple style stone carving. His sculptures capture the intricate details and spiritual essence of ancient Indian architecture. But his work goes beyond just carving. He has trained over 100 artisans, passing down his skills to keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
Channapatna Wooden Toys – Karnataka’s Colorful Craft
Channapatna wooden toys, famous for their bright colors and detailed designs, came from the town of Channapatna in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district. These handcrafted toys showcased the skill of local artisans and reflected India’s rich cultural heritage.
Kerala’s Aranmula Metal Mirror-A Royal Craft
The Aranmula Kannadi, a metal mirror from Kerala, is made from a secret mix of copper and tin. It was once exclusively owned by the royal family. Today skilled people continue to preserve this unique craft of making mirrors, symbolising Kerala’s rich cultural history.
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
N. Arulselvan, a person for Kanchipuram silk weaver, has spent years weaving perfectionism in this silk saree craft. His sarees blend traditional weaving techniques with modern designs, ensuring that Kanchipuram silk remains a premium handcrafted product.
Gajam Govardhana-Master Weaver of Kanchipuram
A popular figure in the textile weaving industry, Padma Shri award winner Gajam Govardhana is known for his expertise in gold zari work and silk weaving. His contributions have helped Kanchipuram sarees maintain their global reputation in the modern era of ready-made sarees.
Kolam Art from Pondicherry – 5989-Dot Kolam Design
Selvam Malathi, an artist from Puducherry, handmade a 5989-dot Kolam artwork. This masterpiece, made from rice flour, symbolises the prosperity and tradition of their culture. The design highlights South India’s rich culture in decorative art.
Etikoppaka Wooden Toys-Shri P. Satyanarayana’s Craftsmanship
Etikoppaka is a village in Andhra Pradesh famous for its handcrafted wooden toys, popularly known as Etikoppaka toys. These toys are made from soft Ankudu wood and colourful art. Artisans like Shri P. Satyanarayana play a key role in keeping the craft alive in this modern plastic toys industry.
Karuppur Kalamkari Art – Shri K. Lakshminarayanan’s Revival Efforts
Kalamkari, like many traditional Indian crafts, is made from entirely natural materials. The designs are drawn with charcoal sticks and outlined using black Kasimi liquid, with vibrant colors like yellow, red and blue. Shri K. Lakshminarayanan, a master of Karuppur Kalamkari art from Tamil Nadu, has spent over 32 years preserving and reviving this ancient craft.
Master of Cotton Durry Weaving
Pitta Ramulu is an award-winning weaver from Kothawada, Warangal, Situated in Telangana. He has been crafting cotton and jute durries for over 40 years. His mastery of traditional weaving techniques has earned him national recognition, especially for his detailed durry designs.
Traditional Games & Cultural Practices
A dedicated interactive space at the festival allowed visitors to experience and learn about South India’s traditional games, playing them with family and friends. So that people can also get to know these ancient recreational activities in the modern era.
Copyeditor: Drisya KK