New Delhi, 27 September (H.S.): The eighth edition of the annual e-auction of gifts received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcases a strong imprint of Rajasthan’s rich cultural diversity, royal heritage, folk traditions and traditional craftsmanship.

According to the Union Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a total of 37 distinctive artworks representing Rajasthan have been included in this year’s e-auction. The collection reflects the state’s centuries-old history and vibrant cultural traditions.

Among the major attractions in the collection is an exquisite display of Rajasthan’s traditional woodcraft. These include a magnificent hand-carved wooden Ambabari elephant featuring a traditional howdah and intricate carvings and patterns; a vivid depiction of a ceremonial procession of wooden elephants adorned with royal howdahs and ceremonial attendants; and artworks ranging from Pichhwai to Phad painting.

Rajasthan’s world-renowned painting traditions have also been given a prominent place in the auction catalogue. These include a sacred Shrinathji Pichhwai painting depicting the celebrated Krishna devotional tradition of Nathdwara; a traditional Phad painting portraying episodes associated with Lord Lakshmi-Narayan; and Pattachitra-style artworks depicting the Raas Leela of Lord Krishna.

The collection also features symbolic representations associated with major centres of popular faith and revered folk deities. These include a silver equestrian memento of folk deity Tejaji Maharaj, featuring his traditional symbols—the spear and serpent; depictions of Kaila Mata of Karauli, Sundha Mata of Jalore, Khema Baba of Baytu in Barmer, the Jagatpita Brahma Temple in Pushkar, Shri Kalyan Ray Ji Maharaj and the historic Mangarh Dham in Banswara. It also includes a hand-painted, framed artwork depicting the architectural style of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and the tradition of Sarva Dharma Samabhava, symbolising cultural harmony and respect for all faiths.

The collection also includes elements of Rajasthan’s textile and jewellery traditions, such as a traditional turban adorned with gemstones and feather embellishments, a yellow turban featuring multicoloured motifs and an angavastram decorated with gota-patti borders. Framed editions of newspaper reports related to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, along with contemporary mementoes, are also part of the auction.

According to the Ministry, the eighth edition of the Prime Minister’s Mementos E-Auction will continue until October 2. Citizens can visit the official portal, pmmementos.gov.in, to view the detailed catalogue of these historical and cultural artefacts and participate in the bidding process. The proceeds from the auction are utilised for public welfare projects.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar