Chitra Santhe in Bengaluru: Where a dash of colour binds art lovers with creators

Bengaluru: Chitra Santhe, the city's flagship art fair, returned for the 22nd time to Kumara Krupa Road in central Bengaluru on Sunday, cheering art lovers and draping the avenue with exuberant colours and spirits.
From contemporary and modern art to indigenous, nature-inspired, architectural, and abstract works put up by artists from across the country, the Santhe drew people of all ages. While casual visitors stared in awe at the dash of colours and diverse styles, art enthusiasts took their time to explore the meanings and stories behind the creations on display.
For Bengalureans, Chitra Santhe, held on the first Sunday every year by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, has grown into a cherished tradition. The event transforms the street into a canvas of joy and creativity, offering an escape from the everyday routine and setting an artistic tone for the week — and the year — ahead.
This practice, while humble, has become a way for many to connect with art and culture in a tangible way. While 3,177 artists had applied to showcase their works this time, 1,600 were selected. Citing initial estimates, Parishath general secretary Shashidhar SN said the event saw seven lakh visitors this time. Artworks worth Rs 5 crore — 20% more than last year — were sold, he added.
For Arjun and Kavya Lall, residents of Fraser Town, Chitra Santhe is an annual tradition they've cherished for nearly a decade. This year, they introduced their child to the experience. "Every year, this event surprises us with its sheer creativity," said Arjun. "We love wandering through the stalls, interacting with artists, and learning about their work. My mother has attended since the very beginning, and now I'm thrilled to continue the tradition with my daughter. She even picked out her favourite art piece today."
So what keeps Bengalureans coming back to Chitra Santhe year after year? Mitchell Roy, who attended the event with her mother Tini Roy, from Kammanahalli offered her perspective: "It's a celebration of artistic diversity, it showcases new styles while honouring indigenous art forms. You see works here you wouldn't typically learn about, and it deepens your appreciation for our culture and heritage."
Vijay and Padmaja, a couple from Sarjapur, shared how Chitra Santhe never fails to captivate them: "In all these years, not once have we found it repetitive or dull. The celebration of art is so vibrant and dynamic, it draws us in every time."
Celebrating the girl child
The 22nd edition of Chitra Santhe was themed the ‘girl child', highlighting the role of art in promoting empowerment and raising awareness.
In his inaugural address, chief minister Siddaramaiah expressed pride in being part of the event, saying, "This is the seventh time I'm inaugurating Chitra Santhe. To my knowledge, no other place in the world organises an art festival of this scale and inclusivity."
He also connected the Chitra Santhe theme to the govt's initiatives, such as Shakti and Gruha Jyothi schemes. "Our govt is committed to making women self-reliant," he said.
BL Shankar, president of Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, said, "This cultural festival, made possible by the steadfast support of our CM, stands out globally. We urge continued govt backing, ensuring this event continues every year, regardless of circumstances."
ARTISTS SPEAK
Shravan Kumar | wood inlay artist from Mysuru
This (wood inlay) is a 400-year-old traditional art form crafted using different types of wood, each contributing its unique colour and texture. The process involves layering these pieces to create intricate designs
Ananda Gulave | composition painter from Maharashtra
Creating a composition painting is like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Instead of pieces, we work with the elements and colours, arranging and blending them until the result is both aesthetically and artistically expressive
Rani Banerjee | contemporary artist from Assam
My artwork is a mix of contemporary and modern abstract art, which gives me space to create my own style. I often use eyes as a central motif to tell stories, pairing them with pastel and bright colours to give the pieces a vivid and engaging finish