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Jaipur Art & Craft, Jaipur Events

Monsoon Festival At Anand Bihari Ji Temple | Chandni Chowk

People familiar with Indian classical music must have heard Raag Malhaar. Malhaar is a Raag or Raga as some call it in Indian classical music. As per legends, Malhaar has the power to attract rain showers. This inspired a few painters & artists in Jaipur to start “Rang Malhaar” some 9 years ago switching “Raag” with “Rang”. The word Rang stands for color. Every year, these artists congregate in the month of July for a painting camp and paint together with the belief that they too can attract rain like Indian classical music singers singing Megh Malhaar. Unlike, many countries where rain is considered a nuisance, in India rain is equal to rejuvenation. Rain provides a respite from the long and hot summer months. It is a major source of irrigation for millions of Indian farmers. The entire weather cycle depends on the seasonal rain called Monsoon. Have you heard of the award-winning movie Monsoon Wedding by Mira Nair? I witnessed the Rang Malhaar Festival at Anand Bihari Ji Temple in Jaipur situated in Chandni Chowk close to Jaipur City Palace and opposite Brij Nidhi Temple.

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Jaipur in Monsoon

I visited Rang Malhaar on a Sunday afternoon. This was the first time I had the opportunity to do so. Last year the artists painted bicycles, this year they chose traditional lanterns or lamps. Artists in Rang Malhaar paint on everyday objects rather than on a canvas. Why lamps? Because there is a strong connection between color & light.

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Lanterns at Raag Malhaar
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The venue of the art camp was Anand Bihari Ji Temple, a heritage temple in Chandni Chowk, Jaipur City Palace. The temple façade was under renovation and scaffolding adorned its exteriors. I have never written about this temple but I have write-ups on other temples of Chandni Chowk – Pratapeshwar Temple and Brijnidhi Temple.

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An old picture of Anand Bihari Ji temple, which I shot a few years ago.

The office area was converted into a make-shift art camp. Not cent percent sure but probably a government department related to astronomy functions here. Even though space was limited but it didn’t hamper the creativity of artists.

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Painters at Anand Bihari Ji Temple, Jaipur
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Some of the artists were painting in the open space on a terrace.

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I interacted with a few artists. I was told that this art camp is a brainchild of Mr. Vidhyasagar Upadhaya, a well-known and recognized artist in Jaipur. In the current edition, this art camp was simultaneously held in all major cities of the state. The event is completely self-funded and there is no commercial interest. One can only be impressed with this information.

The artists who were busy painting in the open had to run for cover. I did not attend their final exhibition which took place the next day but I was impressed with the concept of an art camp.

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Using threadwork on a lantern

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I’m not sure whether it is a coincidence or the power of Rang Malhar, it started raining within a few minutes.

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Rain and Anand Bihari Temple
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Chandni Chowk, Jaipur

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Seeing so many artists congregating irrespective of their levels or age is inspiring; I’m glad I chose to visit Rang Malhaar. We hardly get to see the lantern these days. I have only seen them in the modern café where they are used as a lampshade and never for their utility. It is true that what loses its use is only relegated to history and so shall the lantern. In current times, CFL and incandescent lamps have lost relevance, and LED is a way forward. Have you ever seen or attended such art camps? What do you think about them? Have you been to Chandni Chowk in Jaipur?

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93 thoughts on “Monsoon Festival At Anand Bihari Ji Temple | Chandni Chowk”

  3. What a unique concept! It must be wonderful to see the artists in action. The lanterns look so pretty and each adorned and decorated in a unique way. Thank you for bringing us these pictures, Arvind. I felt so tempted to pick up the paints and join in too. 🙂

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    1. I’m happy that it awakened an artist in you, Esha. I guess you must have painted years ago. Not too late to start again. Yes, it was unique. I have never attended their last 8 exhibitions & art camps but I’m sure painting on cycles must have been even more creative process. I believe art scene in Bangalore is exciting as well.

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  5. Colourful..I loved how they choose everyday objects instead of a canvas to paint. Quite unique. I also liked how you gave step by step images. Helped us understand the process better. Thanks

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    1. That’s what creative minds do. In fact a large number of artists depend on doing different things for creativity. I’m happy you liked this post. Have you ever attended any such art camp? I guess you like art.

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      1. No I never attended any art camp..my son did.. he once even got a prize in pottery and pot painting..but his mom is quite a dead duck in this department😂😂

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    1. Rains during the art camp is a good omen! I’m hoping the rains will be good this year. Rang Malhaar is certainly a unique concept. Just out of curiosity, do you love art work?

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  13. There r many traditional art in Rajasthan I never went there but it’s my imagination that how beautiful the Rajasthan was our India is best in these traditional art s

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      1. Yes I think we do Arv although being tropical we get rain all year round but the rains this time of year cool it down which is very welcome and last sometimes for days 🙂

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  17. I would love to be there during this to participate. What do they do, sell them? If so, what do they use the money for?
    Saw the movie. Very good. I’ve never been during monsoon. Maybe one day I’ll get to move to India and find out for myself.

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    1. The idea is to paint and then exhibit on the following day. I’m not sure if they ultimately sell their creations. Maybe! But I haven’t heard about the selling aspect. I hope you do get to visit and participate too. 😃 In which part of the world do you reside?

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