Bhagalpur/Patna: Female inmates at Shaheed Jubba Sahni Central Jail, Bhagalpur, and students from Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhawan took part in a two-day workshop on the traditional Manjusha art of Bihar’s Anga region, in an initiative aimed at combining cultural engagement with creative expression.
The workshop was organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Regional Office, Patna, in collaboration with the Bhagalpur district administration on 8 and 9 August 2026 under the Horizon Series Programme (HSP).
The workshop was conducted by Manoj Kumar Pandit, a renowned Manjusha artist and President’s Award recipient. According to the organisers, it was the first time ICCR had organised such a workshop specifically for female inmates, marking an effort to use traditional art as a means of cultural enrichment, creativity and social inclusion.
Learning Bihar’s traditional art
Manjusha is a folk art tradition associated with Bihar’s Anga region and is known for its distinctive motifs, vibrant colours and storytelling rooted in the Bihula-Bishari tradition.
The workshop introduced participants to the history, cultural significance and techniques of Manjusha through lectures, demonstrations and practical sessions.
Around 20 female inmates of Shaheed Jubba Sahni Central Jail and more than 40 students from Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhawan received hands-on training from Pandit.
Participants were encouraged to explore their creativity while learning the traditional art form and its distinctive visual language.
Permanent mural created inside jail
As a continuation of the initiative, the participating female inmates created a permanent Manjusha mural inside the jail premises.
The mural was inaugurated by Shalini on 19 August to mark the Bihula Festival. It now serves as a lasting representation of the participants’ engagement with Bihar’s cultural heritage.
One of the participating inmates said the workshop gave her an opportunity to learn something new and meaningful. She described the art activity as a peaceful and positive experience that allowed her to express herself while reconnecting with Bihar’s cultural roots.
Students receive certificates
Students from Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhawan also welcomed the opportunity to learn Manjusha and expressed enthusiasm about preserving Bihar’s traditional artistic heritage.
ICCR Patna presented certificates of participation to the students in recognition of their active involvement and completion of the workshop.
The initiative brought together two distinct groups of participants around a shared cultural tradition, using Manjusha art as a vehicle for learning, creativity and community engagement.
