Mysore Ganjifa art training programme inaugurated

An educational programme on traditional Mysore Ganjifa art was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Southern Regional Centre (SRC), Mysuru, on Saturday.

Artist Pavitra inaugurated the 10-day training programme, which will be held from September 19 to 28. She, along with an assistant, will impart training to the participants in the traditional art form.

IGRMS, SRC Officer-in-Charge V. Ashok Vardhan, SIC Kunal Kashyap, staff members and participants were present at the inauguration.

The programme aims to familiarise participants with the history, artistic techniques and cultural significance of Mysore Ganjifa, a traditional Indian playing-card art known for its intricate designs, vibrant colours and mythological themes.

Mysore Ganjifa, also known as Chadd, is a centuries-old hand-painted playing-card tradition that flourished under the patronage of Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar III in the 19th century. The circular cards, featuring miniature paintings and natural pigments, draw considerable influence from Vijayanagara art. The cards traditionally depicted themes from Hindu epics, including the Ramayana and Dashavatara, serving both educational and spiritual purposes, according to a press release.

Highlighting the importance of preserving traditional art forms, IGRMS, SRC, has been organising educational programmes, workshops and cultural activities to promote awareness of India’s artistic heritage and encourage younger generations to engage with traditional crafts, the release added.

It said the initiative is part of the Centre’s ongoing commitment to creating awareness about the rich artistic traditions of India and encouraging younger generations to appreciate and engage with their cultural heritage.

The organisers said Pavitra, a senior artist, has participated in several workshops and training programmes organised by the State and Central governments.