Independence Day ‘At Home’ Highlights Eastern India’s Craft Traditions

Rapid Summary

• President Droupadi Murmu’s 79th Independence Day evening reception (“At Home”) highlights artisanship from Bihar,Jharkhand,Odisha,and West Bengal.
• Invitations are curated by the National Institute of Design (NID) and handcrafted by various artisans, predominantly women.
• The invitation package includes:

– A Tikuli art piece created by Padma Shri awardee Ashok Kumar biswas and his team in Bihar (750 pieces produced).
– A Sikki Grass Box encasing the invitation frame made of bamboo from Dumka,Jharkhand; this frame is reusable as a photo frame.
– additional items such as a bookmark with Madhubani painting, a tussar stole featuring traditional Madhubani block prints, Tala Patachitra paintings (odisha), Bengali Patachitra postcards (West Bengal), Paitkar paintings (Jharkhand), and Tikuli art postcards from Patna.

• Thirty Sikki grass artists from Raiyam village in Bihar wove the box. Fifteen bamboo artisans contributed to the design.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The initiative to feature folk art and craftsmanship on India’s Independence Day invitations underscores an effort to honor regional cultural heritage. This year’s focus on eastern India aligns with previous Republic Day themes that celebrated southern states’ artistry. By engaging local artisans-especially women-and intertwining national identity with their work, Rashtrapati Bhavan elevates traditional crafts into a realm of national recognition.

Such initiatives support rural livelihoods while preserving dying art forms like Tikuli painting or Sikki craftmaking. Moreover, reusable design elements reflect sustainability principles while showcasing India’s adaptability in harmonizing tradition with modern utility. These efforts not only celebrate diversity but also spark deeper recognition for India’s rich cultural fabric amid its globalized narrative.

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