Living Temple Art Festival in Hyderabad celebrates India’s rich temple art heritage with over 100 artworks, workshops, and cultural performances, now an annual event on the city’s calendar.
More than 100 art works, talk on art and heritage Tourism – the missing link with renowned archaeologist KK Muhammed, content producer, director Akul Tripathi, water warrior Kalpana Ramesh, art work shops by Drdha Vrata Gorrick and Kerala Mural artist Sumesh K Shanmugan, classical dance performances were part of the inaugural edition of the festival
Living Temple Festival will now be an annual festival on Hyderabad calendar showcasing the cultural richness of Indian art and heritage.
Living Temple is a wonderful exhibition put together with so much effort and it is so amazing that these great artists have come together here at T Works said Mr Jayesh Ranjan, IAS.
Living Temple show is extended for another two days till March 4 to enable Hyderabadis to experience the beauty of ancient Indian art through the amazing art works
Also Read: Living Temple : A 3-Day Art Extravaganza Celebrating Indian Temple Art and Heritage
Hyderabad, March 3, 2025: Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C, Government of Telangana visited Living Temple Art Festival at T-Works. He congratulated the organisers of the festival. “ Living Temple is a wonderful exhibition put together with so much effort and it is so amazing that these great artists have come together to showcase their work at T Works.” He said. He added that the event of such a scale must not be restricted to three days.
The event was a resounding success, beautifully showcasing the rich cultural legacy of Indian temple art. Smita Sabharwal, IAS, Principal Secretary, Telangana Tourism, Culture and Heritage mentioned that “Such events must be calendar events of Hyderabad.”
‘Living Temple’ has captivated visitors with a diverse array of artworks that explore the deep connection between ancient temple art and modern-day interpretations. The exhibition spans a range of media, including sculpture, painting, photography, mixed media, and installations, showcasing how India’s temple architecture continues to inspire new artistic movements. Visitors witnessed an outstanding fusion of tradition and art, with each piece offering a unique narrative tied to India’s rich temple culture.
Also Read: ‘Living Temple’ A Celebration of India’s Timeless Temple Art and Heritage
Several art enthusiasts attended the workshops on Vedic symbols by Drdha Vrata Gorrick and Kerala Mural art by Suresh K Shanmugan. Film producers Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt, entrepreneur Shilpa Reddy, eminent art director Thota Tharani, architect Kalpana Ramesh were spotted enjoying the creative process.
The event is designed not only as a platform to celebrate Indian temple art but also as a call to action for preserving these cultural treasures for future generations.
The event has already left visitors in awe!! with its remarkable collection of art, complemented by engaging panel discussion on themes like Art, Heritage Tourism, and The Missing Link. The event has also featured a series of captivating performances and cultural displays, which complement the exhibition’s emphasis on preserving India’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The exhibition showcases the works of a diverthe works of more than 30 artists, including Thota Tharani, Amar Ramesh, Drdha, Charanjeet, Parnavi Bangar, Rayanna Giridhar Gowd, Sangam Vankhade, Vinod Daroz, and many others. Each artist’s work explores the theme of temple art and preservation, offering new perspectives on ancient traditions.
Also Read: Living Temple: A Unique Art Festival Celebrating Temple Heritage
The event shines a spotlight on some of the unique contributions of individual artists. For instance, Dr. Janardhana Rao Havanje brings his expertise in Kaavi Mural Art from Karnataka, blending traditional methods with modern sensibilities. Krishnamurti Lalji Parshad creates sculptures inspired by the mythology and spiritual energy of Banaras, while Masuram Ravi Kanth uses mixed media to delve into the intersection of memory and mythology. Artists like N. Ramachandran, Om Soorya, and Parnavi Bangar explore the intersection of material innovation, memory, and heritage preservation, bringing new dimensions to India’s rich cultural legacy.
Additionally, artists like P.V. Gangunaidu and Rushikesh Sanjay Chandgude work to preserve the intricate designs and carvings of India’s ancient temples through their respective practices in printmaking and metalwork. Sangam Vankhade’s stone sculptures explore the impermanence of temples, while Sanjay Das’s photography archives vanishing architectural traditions.
The event also features Telugu artists like Giridhar Gowd, Durga Prasad and Masuram Ravi Kanth.
Telangana’s Naikpod masks from Bhadrachalam attracted a lot of attention.
The Living Temple Art Festival will now be an annual festival and aspires to be one of the best calendar events on Hyderabad’s Tourism circuit. The show is extended till March 4 on popular demand.
