Shanghai Consulate Highlights Bihar's Folk Art on Milestone Freedom Day

Shanghai – In the run‑up to India’s 80th Independence Day, the Indian Commercial Consulate in Shanghai held a cultural workshop focusing on the celebrated Mithila (Madhubani) painting style of Bihar. The gathering, overseen by Commercial Ambassador Prateek Mathur, attracted roughly 200 participants, ranging from Indian expatriates to Chinese cultural enthusiasts.

The ambassador highlighted how folk and cultural traditions serve as a living archive of a nation’s history, helping to sustain a vibrant communal spirit while projecting soft power abroad. He reiterated that Madhubani’s origins lie in the Mithila region of Bihar, where the art has been passed down through generations, embodying both religious symbolism and everyday life.

A special segment of the event recognised two Shanghai Jin Sai International School students, Han and Liu, who returned from India after a bilateral exchange. The duo is developing a technology‑driven platform designed to raise awareness of traditional Indian arts, including Madhubani, among Chinese youth.

Madhubani’s global profile has expanded dramatically. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently presented a hand‑painted Madhubani piece and a marble inlay work‑box to the Governor‑General of Victoria, underscoring the craft’s role in cultural diplomacy. The featured artwork portrayed a peacock amidst verdant trees, symbolising elegance, happiness and the interdependence of humanity and nature.