Bengaluru welcomes the New Year with Chitra Santhe 2025, India’s biggest art fair

The 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe, organised by Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, will turn central Bengaluru into a massive open-air art gallery on January 4, with artists from across India and abroad.

Bengaluru is set to begin the new year on a colourful note with the return of Chitra Santhe, one of India’s largest and most popular art fairs. Organised by the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe will be held on January 4, marking the first major cultural event of the year in the city.

First launched in 2003, Chitra Santhe has grown into a landmark annual event. This year too, it will be held on the first Sunday of the year, running from 8 am to 8 pm, offering art lovers a full day to explore diverse forms of visual art.

The exhibition will stretch along a section of the road from Shivananda Circle to Windsor Manor Hotel, where artworks will be displayed in an open, accessible format. To ensure easy access for visitors, feeder bus services will operate from key locations including Majestic, the railway station, Shivajinagar and Mantri Mall.

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The theme of this year’s Chitra Santhe focuses on the environment, bringing sustainability and ecological concerns into artistic expression. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will formally inaugurate the event at 10.30 am.

Interest in participating has been exceptionally high. As many as 3,314 applications were received from artists representing 22 states and four Union Territories. From these, 1,530 exhibitors have been selected. Participants range in age from 18 to 80 years, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event. Free meals will be provided to all participating artists.

Visitors can expect a rich mix of traditional and contemporary art forms, including Mysuru and Thanjavur traditions, Rajasthani styles and Madhubani paintings. Displays by renowned cartoonists will also be a key attraction. Live art creation, where artists draw and paint on the spot, will add to the vibrancy. There is also a possibility of artists from Dubai taking part this year.

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Over five lakh visitors are expected to attend the event. For those unable to be physically present, Chitra Santhe can also be experienced online through a virtual art gallery at www.ckpvirtualartworld.in.

Professional artists, amateur creators and art institutions are all part of this year’s edition, according to Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath President B.L. Shankar, who shared these details.