Mithila Festival USA 2023 Announces Art Exhibition and Call for Mithila Painting Artists

Mithila Center USA in partnership with APAN Foundation has announced the Mithila Festival USA 2023, which will showcase an art exhibition and cultural program from April 14-16th, 2023 in New York, USA. The festival’s aim is to promote United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the Mithila Art. This year, the exhibition titled “Art for SDGs: The Mithila Heritage” will focus on SDGs goal 5 (Gender Equality). Interested Mithila painting artists are invited to submit a brief biodata along with a sample/demo of Mithila painting that aligns with this year’s program theme to info@mithilacenter.org by March 31, 2023.

The success of the first Mithila Festival USA, which was held in April 2019 with the inaugural exhibition entitled ‘Arts for SDGs: the Mithila Heritage’ at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, has inspired the organizers to continue their efforts. The festival aims to encourage communities in the United States and other countries to celebrate cultural festivals and preserve and promote the Mithila heritage by raising awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The festival will celebrate Mithila King Salhesh Jayanti, New Year, and Jude Sheetal/Jur Sital Festival. Additionally, the program will include a Kids Art Workshop, Exhibition, and Awards.

The Mithila culture is unique in South Asia as it combines ancient Nepali and Indian cultures described in the epic Ramayan and other Hindu literature. The culture attaches immense importance to the lives of Goddess Sita and Lord Ram. The Mithila culture has been preserved and promoted by the people of both Nepal and India, and other countries belonging to the Mithila community.

Mithila art has been in existence for centuries and is well-known around the world. Female artists have made significant contributions to wall paintings, and their knowledge has been passed down through generations. Traditionally, Mithila art narrates mythological and religious events and is also used for decoration and social commentary. Recently, Mithila paintings have gained popularity as a contemporary and collectable art form, with men and women artists painting on canvases of rough handmade paper. The art has opened up a new industry for women in impoverished rural communities.

The Mithila Festival USA 2023 is an excellent opportunity for art enthusiasts, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in promoting sustainable development goals to participate and support this event. The Founder and Organizer of the Mithila Center, Amit Pratap Shah, has expressed his gratitude for any participation, cooperation, and support in organizing the Mithila Festival USA 2023.