Traditional artists use Teejotsav as a platform to showcase their work, engage with visitors and introduce younger audiences to Rajasthan’s centuries-old art traditions
New Delhi: The centuries-old artistic traditions of Rajasthan are finding a vibrant platform at Teejotsav-2026 at Bikaner House, New Delhi. The 10-day festival, which will continue until August 24, is bringing together artists from across Rajasthan to showcase traditional paintings and artworks alongside the state’s folk culture and cuisine, offering visitors an opportunity to experience its rich cultural heritage.
Principal Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar said Teejotsav has provided artists from different regions of Rajasthan with an important platform to display their work and connect directly with visitors. The fair features paintings in Bani Thani, Pichwai and other traditional styles, with artists using natural colours and traditional techniques to create detailed artworks depicting Rajasthan’s folk life, culture and artistic traditions.
Pushpendra Sahu Carries Forward the Bani Thani and Pichwai Traditions
Artist Pushpendra Sahu, who has travelled from Kishangarh, is showcasing his paintings at Teejotsav. He is participating in the festival for the third consecutive year. Sahu specialises in Bani Thani and Pichwai painting and belongs to the second generation of artists in his family to carry forward these traditional art forms.
Sahu said traditional paintings require considerable time, patience and concentration. Artists spend long hours working on intricate details to complete each artwork.
He said rapid technological development has made life faster and has made it increasingly difficult to attract younger people to art forms that demand patience and prolonged effort. He said this trend has raised concerns among traditional artists about preserving these art forms for future generations.
According to Sahu, events such as Teejotsav give traditional artists an important platform to showcase their work and interact directly with visitors. These interactions also allow artists to explain their techniques and introduce younger audiences to the finer aspects of traditional painting.
Third-Generation Artist Omkar Lal Works to Preserve Pichwai Art
Artist Omkar Lal Meghwal, who has travelled from Udaipur, is also participating in Teejotsav with his traditional paintings. He is attending the festival at Bikaner House for the third consecutive time.
Omkar Lal comes from Rajasthan’s Bhil tribal community and belongs to the third generation of artists in his family. He is carrying forward the tradition of Pichwai painting while working to preserve the art form for future generations.
He said support from the concerned Union government ministries and tribal communities helps traditional artists continue their work. He is also associated with the Maa Chamunda Self Help Group, which works with people from different tribal regions of Rajasthan to preserve traditional painting and pass the art on to future generations.
Omkar Lal expressed hope that the Rajasthan government would continue to support artists and self-help groups and provide them with more opportunities to showcase their work.
Children Take Part in Mathematical Race
Teejotsav has also organised several activities for children alongside its cultural and artistic programmes. Principal Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar said the organisers held a “Mathematical Race” competition for children on Friday.
Children participated enthusiastically in the competition, which combined entertainment with activities based on mathematics.
The organisers later hosted a folk cultural programme in the evening. Artists presented traditional music and dance forms from Rajasthan, creating a vibrant atmosphere at the venue.
Performances featuring traditional instruments such as the algoza, sarangi, bhapang, mashak and khartal added to the cultural experience. Artists also performed Chari and Ghoomar, which attracted considerable attention from visitors.
Through their music and dance, the performers brought Rajasthan’s centuries-old folk traditions to the stage. The audience appreciated the performances and encouraged the artists throughout the programme.
NGT Judges, Delhi University Students Visit Teejotsav
Several prominent visitors also toured Bikaner House during Teejotsav.
Principal Resident Commissioner Rohit Kumar said National Green Tribunal judges Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Professor A. Senthil Vel visited the fair and explored its various stalls and artworks.
Around 40 students from Indraprastha College, Delhi University, accompanied by their professors, also visited the event. The students explored Rajasthan’s traditional art and handicrafts and enjoyed the cultural performances.
Union Environment and Forest Ministry Secretary Tanmay Kumar also visited the fair. He interacted with artists and artisans and encouraged them in their efforts to preserve and promote Rajasthan’s traditional art and cultural heritage.
With its combination of traditional art, handicrafts, cuisine, music, dance and interactive activities, Teejotsav-2026 at Bikaner House is providing artists with a platform to promote Rajasthan’s cultural heritage while giving visitors, particularly younger audiences, an opportunity to experience its traditional art forms firsthand.
