Some experiences leave a lasting impact, and my recent online Madhubani Art Workshop with NIT Patna was undoubtedly one of them. Conducting a session for over 100 enthusiastic participants from a premier engineering college in the city I hail from was both memorable and fulfilling. The workshop took place on March 27, 2025.
A Homecoming of Sorts
Patna holds a special place in my heart, not just as the birthplace of my brand but also as my hometown. My parents still reside there, and connecting with young minds from NIT Patna made this workshop even more meaningful. It felt like bringing a piece of my journey back home, sharing the rich heritage of Madhubani Art with students who may not have had the chance to explore it otherwise.
Flawless Coordination & Seamless Execution
When ExpressonITP, NIT Patna’s Premier Art and Literary Hub, invited me to conduct this workshop, I was thrilled at the opportunity. Expresso was formed in 2019 with a vision to celebrate the infinite mind. Expresso amalgamated the Literary and Arts Clubs of NIT Patna and brought them together, 'Infinite Ideas, One Place.'
Their team displayed impeccable coordination from the planning stages to the execution, ensuring a smooth experience for everyone involved. While I’m more accustomed to Zoom for online sessions, Google Meet worked flawlessly, making the transition seamless.
Engagement, Enthusiasm & Exploration
The session was a deep dive into the world of Madhubani Art, covering:
The History & Cultural Significance of Madhubani
Symbolism of Key Motifs like the fish (prosperity), peacock (beauty & love), sun (energy), and elephant (wisdom & strength). I focussed on one fish during my demo.
The Madhubani Technique – the double-line approach, intricate patterns, and vibrant color schemes
Live Demonstration – guiding participants through traditional borders and a simple yet beautiful Madhubani composition. I introduced the fish motif, a significant element in Madhubani art symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and good fortune. I demonstrated different ways to create this motif, showcasing variations in shapes, patterns, and detailing. The first image captures a detailed Madhubani fish with intricate linework and ornamental patterns, emphasizing the traditional double-line technique. The second image presents multiple stylistic variations, allowing participants to explore diverse interpretations while maintaining the essence of Madhubani aesthetics. This exercise encouraged them to experiment with composition, border integration, and symbolic storytelling, making their artwork unique yet rooted in tradition.
The level of engagement and curiosity from the students was inspiring. Questions poured in about technique, motifs, and even modern applications of Madhubani in contemporary art and fashion. It was heartening to see the interest of students from a technical background appreciating this heritage art form's artistic and cultural depth.
A Truly Rewarding Experience
Conducting this session felt like bridging tradition with technology and heritage with modernity. It reinforced the idea that art has no boundaries – that creativity thrives even in an engineering college, and students are eager to explore traditional Indian art.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ExpressonITP for their flawless organization and to all the participants who made this workshop so special. The energy, coordination, and enthusiasm made this one of my most memorable online workshops.
Looking forward to more such enriching interactions!
