Context: 

The indigenous mural art tradition of Sohrai from Jharkhand was recently celebrated at Kala Utsav 2025, held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This ten-day artist residency programme aimed to honour India’s diverse folk and tribal arts. The event marked a moment of national recognition for an art form that has long remained on the margins of mainstream attention.

What is Sohrai Art?

Sohrai is a tribal mural painting tradition rooted in the agrarian and spiritual life of indigenous communities in eastern India. It is primarily practised by women from various tribal groups such as the Kurmi, Santal, Munda, Oraon, Agaria, and Ghatwal communities.

• Origin of the Term: The word 'Sohrai' comes from soro, meaning "to drive with a stick"—referring to cattle herding, which is closely associated with the festival of the same name.
• Historical Roots: The art form is believed to date back to the Meso-chalcolithic period (9000–5000 BCE). Notably, the Isko rock shelters in Barkagaon, Hazaribagh, feature prehistoric paintings that closely resemble present-day Sohrai designs.
• Geographical Spread: While centred in Jharkhand, Sohrai painting is also practised in parts of Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Key Features of Sohrai Paintings:

• Themes and Symbolism:
• Inspired by nature and rural life—forests, rivers, animals, and agricultural symbols.
• Reflects spiritual beliefs and community rituals tied to seasonal changes.
• Artistic Techniques:
• Made using natural pigments—charcoal, clay, red and white soil.
• Brushes are crafted from chewed twigs or bamboo sticks.
• Painted directly onto the mud walls of homes during festivals, especially the Sohrai harvest festival.
• Visual Style:
• Known for geometric patterns, symmetrical forms, and vibrant colours.
• Motifs include peacocks, bulls, elephants, plants, and other natural elements.

About Kala Utsav 2025:

• The ten-day artist residency programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan brought together traditional artists from various parts of India. Sohrai artists from Hazaribagh district showcased their work, offering a window into their community’s heritage and ecological wisdom.
• The event was organised in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and its regional centre in Ranchi, which played a crucial role in selecting and coordinating the participating artists.

Significance of the Recognition:

• Cultural Preservation: It strengthens efforts to preserve indigenous traditions that are facing decline due to modernisation and lack of institutional support.
• Artist Empowerment: It validates the contributions of rural women artists who carry forward the tradition with limited visibility or financial support.
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Sohrai art from Hazaribagh has received a GI tag, further securing its intellectual and cultural property rights.

Conclusion:

Showcasing tribal art on prestigious platforms such as Kala Utsav 2025 ensures that the voices of indigenous communities are heard and their heritage is valued. With continued support from institutions and public awareness, Sohrai art and similar traditions can thrive—enriching India’s cultural landscape and empowering those who have kept these legacies alive for generations.