Living Temple II celebrates Indian heritage

EkChitra Art Gallery recently started the second edition of its month-long cultural festival, ‘Living Temple II’, celebrating India’s rich traditions of art, craft, sculpture, architecture and performance. The exhibition features over 100 artworks by more than 30 artists and practitioners, along with monumental installations, performances and workshops. A major highlight is a 32-foot-long scroll by Chennai-based artist Nagendra Babu and a limited-edition M S Subbulakshmi saree showcase presented by Aikyatha. Inaugurated by fashion designer and entrepreneur Shilpa Reddy on October 31, the festival explores the connection between India’s ancient knowledge systems and contemporary creative expression.

Speaking about her experience, Shilpa Reddy said, “I feel fortunate to have been part of both editions of Living Temple. When I visited the first edition, I did not know what to expect, but I came away overwhelmed by the experience.”

“The second edition has given me even more to absorb. The 32-foot scroll by Chennai artist Nagendra Babu was extraordinary. To think of an artist continuing to draw, allowing one form to flow into another, gives me goosebumps,” she added.

Reflecting on the Aikyatha showcase, she said, “The collection of sarees associated with M.S. Subbulakshmi was another beautiful encounter. To receive a small gift from that collection felt humbling.”

EkChitra founder Annapurna Madipadiga said, “For Living Temple Chapter 2, we bring together artists, craftspeople and contemporary practitioners to create a dialogue between India’s ancient knowledge systems and contemporary creative expression.” The programme also includes a history-reminiscence workshop by Parnavi, a book presentation by Sanjay Das, a session on temple conservation in the Chambal Valley with K K Mohammed, a discussion on Indian temple architecture with D N V Prasad Sthapathy, and a Kerala mural workshop by Sumesh.

The exhibition will continue at EkChitra Art Gallery until November 29, 2026.

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The Hans India