Silicon City turns into a living art gallery as 23rd Chitra Santhe draws massive crowd

Artists from India and abroad, thousands of paintings, live art, and eco-themed creativity make Bengaluru’s iconic Chitra Santhe a grand visual celebration

Silicon City was transformed into a dazzling world of colours as the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe unfolded, bringing together artists, art lovers, and visitors from across the country and overseas. The annual art festival turned the heart of the city into a massive open-air gallery filled with creativity, culture, and celebration.

From visually striking paintings to live drawing sessions, selfies with artworks, and photography, Chitra Santhe offered a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Artworks reflecting rural life, detailed oil paintings, modern art pieces, and intricate art installations captured the attention of thousands, creating a true feast for the eyes.

The grand exhibition was spread along the stretch from Shivananda Circle to Windsor Manor, providing artists ample space to display their work. The event began at 8 am and was officially inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Minister MC Sudhakar.

This year’s Chitra Santhe was dedicated to nature and the environment. In line with the theme, a special artwork carrying a strong environmental message was installed in front of the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. Artists presented paintings in various styles, highlighting ecological concerns and natural beauty.

Several high-value artworks stood out during the event. A painting priced at ₹4 lakh attracted major attention, while a 3D painting featuring 104 world-famous personalities in a single frame was sold for ₹3 lakh to an art enthusiast.

The scale of participation was significant, with over 1,500 artists from 22 states and 4 Union Territories taking part. Around 40,000 paintings were displayed, creating a festive atmosphere for art lovers. Beyond traditional paintings, activities such as face painting, pencil sketches, and hand art drew huge crowds.

Adding to the event’s prominence, IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri visited the festival with her family and expressed her delight at the vibrant display of talent.

Artworks ranging from high-end paintings worth lakhs of rupees to affordable pieces priced at ₹100 were created and sold on the spot.

Visitors from different cities arrived specifically for the event, purchasing artworks and spending the entire day exploring the festival. In a special moment, a fan from Haveri district presented a hand-drawn portrait of the Chief Minister as a gift.

Overall, the 23rd Chitra Santhe received an overwhelming response, with Bengaluru embracing the festival spirit and celebrating art in all its forms.