Bihar’s rich artistic heritage has taken centre stage at the 7th edition of the Prime Minister’s Mementos e-Auction, with 40 handpicked items from the state, including striking examples of Madhubani paintings and Sikki art, now open for bidding.
The annual auction, organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Delhi, offers citizens a chance to own gifts presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since its launch in 2019, the event has seen thousands of items – from handicrafts to sports memorabilia – go under the hammer. Proceeds from the auction support the Namami Gange Project, which is dedicated to the rejuvenation of the River Ganga.
Among Bihar’s key highlights this year is a Madhubani painting depicting Lord Krishna with the Gopis, celebrated for its intricate lines, natural colours, and mythological storytelling. Another standout piece is a Mithila painting of a woman with a lotus and a Shiva Lingam, framed elegantly and showcasing the state’s vibrant folk traditions.
Adding to the collection is an exquisite Sikki art frame portraying Lord Ram and Sita, presented to PM Modi by Sanjay Saraogi, MLA from Darbhanga. The golden-hued artwork against a dark backdrop captures the divine couple with remarkable precision and artistry.
Beyond these, the Bihar collection features paintings depicting mythological tales, festivals, rituals, and community traditions – all crafted in the region’s distinctive symmetrical and colorful styles. These works are more than decorative pieces; they are living embodiments of oral history and cultural memory, still practiced by local women and artisan communities.
All items from the Bihar collection and other states are on public display at NGMA, Delhi, and are available for online bidding at pmmementos.gov.in until October 2, 2025.