Why in news?
Sohrai art from Jharkhand received national attention at the 2025 Kala Utsav held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President praised it as a reflection of India’s cultural soul.
About the tradition
- Sohrai is a ritual wall‑painting tradition practised by Santhal, Munda and Oraon tribal women in Jharkhand and neighbouring areas of Bihar. Paintings are created on mud walls using natural pigments and simple tools such as bamboo twigs and cloth.
- The art is commonly made during harvest festivals, particularly around Diwali, as a thanksgiving for livestock and fertility of the land. It celebrates agrarian life and womanhood.
- Motifs include animals, birds, trees and scenes of rural life. Colours are drawn from red ochre, white kaolin, black manganese and yellow clay.
Significance
- Sohrai art represents an eco‑friendly and sustainable tradition that links agriculture, mythology and feminine creativity.
- Recognising and showcasing such indigenous arts helps preserve intangible heritage and empowers tribal women artists.