New Identity to the Diminishing Art Form of Pinguli Painting at Mahalakshmi Saras 2026

 by Pranita Kurani 

From Gondi to Pinguli, Reviving India’s Forgotten Art Legacy Through Culture, Creativity and Public Participation

*Mumbai*: Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) is steadily emerging as much more than a marketplace for rural products and women entrepreneurs. Organised under UMED Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission, the exhibition has transformed into a large-scale cultural platform dedicated to preserving and promoting Maharashtra’s folk traditions, indigenous art forms, and cultural identity.

Deepali Designs  Reviving Traditional Art Through Immersive Cultural Experienced 

In a conscious effort to revive fading Indian art traditions, Deepali Designs⁠ has been creating immersive cultural experiences through large-scale public events and thematic exhibitions.

The initiative first gained recognition during Mahalakshmi Saras Nagpur, where the organisation curated an entire theme village dedicated to the indigenous Gondi art form. Artists from different districts of Maharashtra were invited to create live paintings and directly engage with visitors, creating awareness around tribal and folk art traditions.

Continuing the same cultural vision at Mahalaxmi Saras 2026, the focus this year has shifted towards reviving the diminishing Pinguli Painting tradition by integrating it across installations, storytelling spaces, event collaterals, souvenirs, and creative display concepts.

“*AIndian Art Forms Need Visibility and Recognition” — Kavita Bisht*

Kavita Bisht, Creative and Communication Advisor at Deepali Designs⁠, said: “I have been on a mission to revive the lost arts of India. This is our small step towards preserving the local art forms that make us proud as a nation. Today, the world draws inspiration from Indian arts and designs, and it is time we restore their visibility and lost glory. We possess authentic cultural treasures — all they need is a platform to be showcased. And the time is now.”

*Pinguli Painting Becomes a Major Cultural Attraction*

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s exhibition is the presentation and revival of the traditional Pinguli Painting art form from Sindhudurg district. Originating from Pinguli village in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, the centuries-old folk art beautifully depicts rural life, mythology, folk performances, and local traditions through hand-drawn figures, bold colours, and storytelling-based illustrations.

The art form offers visitors a rare and authentic glimpse into Maharashtra’s living folk culture and traditional artistic heritage, making it one of the most appreciated attractions at the exhibition.

*World-Class Cultural Presentation Receives Appreciation*

This year’s edition of Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 has been widely appreciated for its world-class presentation and immersive cultural storytelling. Grand thematic installations, modern interpretations of traditional elements, visually engaging displays, and artistic representations of Maharashtra’s heritage have transformed the exhibition into a unique cultural experience for visitors.

As part of this broader concept, Pinguli Painting has been seamlessly incorporated into the exhibition design to ensure greater visibility and renewed recognition for the traditional art form.

*Beyond Women Empowerment A Movement for Cultural Preservation*

Overall, Mahalaxmi Saras 2026 is emerging not only as a platform for women empowerment and rural entrepreneurship, but also as an important initiative for preserving Maharashtra’s folk traditions, indigenous art, and cultural heritage.

Through such efforts, traditional art forms like Pinguli Painting are receiving renewed appreciation, visibility, and encouragement helping ensure that these priceless cultural legacies continue to inspire future generations.

*Creating Awareness Among the Younger Generation*

The initiative aims to introduce younger audiences, tourists, and urban visitors to India’s fading artistic treasures while also providing traditional artists with a meaningful platform to showcase their talent before wider audiences.

Visitors attending the exhibition have shown keen interest in Pinguli Painting, with many expressing that they learned about the art form for the very first time through the exhibition experience.