#chitrakathi

Meet Chetan Gangwane, a passionate Chitrakathi artist who carries forward one of Maharashtra’s most ancient storytelling traditions. Through hand-painted narratives and soulful recitations, Chetan brings to life the epics, folklore, and heroes that have travelled across generations through this remarkable art form. Today at Kala Manch, he shares not just his paintings — but the stories, memories, and cultural wisdom that live within them. His work is a reminder of how India’s oral and visual traditions continue to thrive through artists who dedicate their lives to preserving them. Join us in celebrating his craft, his journey, and the timeless magic of Chitrakathi. Come experience this heritage up close at The Kunj.

The oral storytelling tradition of Chitrakathi is both the identity and pride of Pinguli village in western state of Maharashtra. In this unique art form, stories are brought to life through hand-painted picture panels. But like many of India’s oral traditions, Chitrakathi faces the threat of fading away, as modern forms of art and communication take over. Video by BBC Marathi

Before cinema, there was Chitrakathi… Long before stories played out on screens, they echoed through the streets — sung, painted, and performed by the Thakar artists of Maharashtra. Carrying scrolls of hand-painted tales, they weren’t just storytellers — they were walking theatres, bringing Ramayana and Mahabharata alive with songs, rhythms, and devotion. ✨ Even today, masters like Padma Shri Parshuram Gangawane keep this legacy breathing in Pinguli village. Chitrakathi is more than an artform — it’s a glimpse into the soul of our heritage. Let’s bring these stories back into the spotlight. [Maharashtra, Chitrakathi, Culture, Heritage, Indian Folk Artists, Art, Pinguliart, Storytelling] #chitrakathi #indianfolkart #culturalheritage #storytellingthroughart #artreels #folktraditions #pinguliart #handpaintedstories #forgottenartforms #akkaara #indiancraftrevival

Mythological stories are an integral part of our folklore. Our craftperson today along with his family, has made storytelling a work of art for generations. Chetan Parshuram Gangavane @chetangangavane is a 6th generation "Chitrakathi" artist from Pinguli in coastal Maharashra. His father was awarded Padma Shri in 2021 for the craft, whereas his brother Eknath Gangavane is the master artist for making Chitrakathi paintings. Chitrakathi is an art of story telling in the local tribal communities. Chetan's work involves a combination of visual art, music and oral narratives. He also creates and performs traditional string puppetry as means of storytelling. Chetan and his family have not only preserved the traditional craft , but also created awareness through encouraging tourism and documentation through a museum and art gallery. We wish Chetan and family the best in their endeavors @kalaaanganartgallery #chitrakathi #chitrakathiart #pinguliart #chetangangavane #folkartindia

Groove lies in the eyes of the beholder . . . . . . . #art #indianart #indianillustrator #trend #trendingreel #trends #chitrakathi #indiandesign #artedits

Deeply rooted in tradition, Chetan Gangawane’s works draw from the narrative richness of the Chitrakathi painting style. Presented here is the Shringar Series — a set of four works depicting women engaged in acts of adornment, capturing moments of grace, ritual, and feminine expression. Executed in watercolour on handmade paper, these works reflect a disciplined hand and a strong connection to inherited visual language. Line, colour, and form come together with clarity and restraint, allowing the tradition to speak for itself without embellishment. These works form part of Convergence, a group exhibition currently on view at Monalisa Kalagram. On View: 19 December 2025 – 11 January 2026 Timings: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Venue: Art Gallery, Monalisa Kalagram, Pune

Chitrakathi Art is one of the richest, traditional and special art forms of Maharashtra. #Chitrakathi | #Art | #Culture

Maharashtra isn’t only about beaches and hill stations—sometimes, it’s centuries-old storytelling brought to life in Pinguli! ... Pinguli, Chitrakathi in Pinguli, Thakar Tribe Chitrakathi, Sindhudurg Village, Artistic Villages in Maharashtra, Budget Hotels in India, Treebo Travel Guru

Chitrakathi is a combination of two words from the Sanskrit language: chitra meaning picture and katha meaning story. Chitrakathi is an occupational caste whose traditional livelihood was to narrate stories aided with pictures sojourning various places. Reference: Indianfolkart.org Artwork credits: 1.@kamlesm via twitter.com 2.Rooftop 3.A Chitrakathi painting by Chetan Gangavane 4.Abirpothi 5.British Museum 6.British Museum #maharashtra #folkarts #folkartsofindia #maharashtratourism #mumbai #incredibleindia #didyouknow #facts #art #history [maharashtra, tourism, folk art, Indian folk art, India, mumbai, art, painting, facts]

Chitrakathi presentation by @manikwalavalkar at @pldeshpandekaladalan by @the_art_society_of_india

Chitrakathi paintings are part of an oral storytelling tradition. ‘Chitra’ means painting and ‘Katha’ is a story in any form. It’s an almost extinct art form practiced by the tribal community of Maharashtra. It was a wonderful opportunity to indulge in this traditional folk art form from India & bond with the enthusiastic team of @bookasmileindia & @bookmyshowin over colours and conversations! Snippets from our Chitrakathi Workshop - a hands-on experience curated on the occasion of World Art Day under the guidance of master Chitrakathi artist @chetangangavane #chitrakathiart #chitrakathipainting #worldartday #ekibekiassociation #shopsmallbusiness #handmadeinindia #artisansofindia #supportlocalartisans #madebyartisans #madeinindia #sustainablehome #vocalforlocalindia #craftsofindia #handpaintedaccessories #corporategifts #exhibitions #homedecor #handicraftsofindia #handmadeaccessories #artisansdart #shoplocal #homegrown #socialenterprise #artisancommunity

Would you go on this trip? [art tour, kudal, sawantwadi, ganjifa art, chitrakathi art, art trip, meet the artist, offline workshop, art experiences]