Gandhinagar, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Gujarat Legislative Assembly has been transformed into a vibrant exhibition of the state's traditional arts as it prepares for the upcoming Budget Session starting on February 16. Skilled artisans from various regions have been commissioned to create and install remarkable works within the Assembly premises.

This initiative, in collaboration with the state-run Gujarat State Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd (Garvi Gurjari), features three significant art forms: mud mirror work from Kutch, Warli art from Chhota Udepur, and Mata ni Pachedi, a traditional Kalamkari painting style from Ahmedabad.

The stunning artworks now embellish numerous walls and sections of the complex, making them visible to legislators, officials, and visitors attending the session.

Officials stated that this effort aims to present Gujarat's rich cultural heritage within a prominent public institution that symbolizes the voice of the state's people.

The project was launched under the auspices of Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's broader vision of integrating development with heritage preservation.

The state government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, continues to advocate for the handicrafts and handloom sectors through robust institutional support.

Garvi Gurjari played a crucial role in selecting skilled artisans by evaluating their work presentations and craftsmanship before finalizing the installations.

According to officials from the corporation, the aim was to ensure the selected art forms reflect both the diversity and enduring legacy of Gujarat's folk traditions.

Among the showcased pieces is Warli art that illustrates the evolution of governance from ancient royal assemblies to the modern legislature, alongside visual narratives of the transition from rural to urban development.

The Warli installation was created by Archana Rathwa, an artisan from Chhota Udepur, who has been associated with Garvi Gurjari for eight years and was honored with a state award in 2022.

She expressed that the chance to contribute to a project at the Assembly represented a significant professional milestone. The mud mirror work, traditionally found in the circular bhunga houses of Kutch and crafted from Multani clay and colored glass pieces, was executed by artisan Girish Parmar.

Having previously participated in public installations and represented Gujarat at the Republic Day tableau parade, Parmar stated that showcasing the craft in the Assembly complex, frequented by visitors from across the country, is a matter of great pride.

The Mata ni Pachedi installation was carried out by the Chitara family of Ahmedabad, renowned for preserving the age-old Kalamkari tradition associated with temple backdrops dedicated to the goddess.

National award-winning artist Chandrakantbhai Chitara and his daughter Mittal Chitara contributed to this project. Mittal noted that the feedback from visitors observing the work in progress has been overwhelmingly positive.

With these installations, the Assembly complex now serves not only as the administrative hub of the state legislature but also as a venue that celebrates Gujarat's living craft traditions.

Officials remarked that this initiative opens doors for artisans to engage in high-profile public projects while highlighting the state's cultural legacy during a significant legislative session.