Telangana Governor lauds Cheriyal Nakashi art displayed at At Home reception
Hyderabad, Aug 15 (TNT): Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Saturday appreciated the rich artistic heritage of Cheriyal Nakashi painting, a traditional folk art form that has given Telangana a distinct cultural identity.
Nakashi masks representing the centuries-old folk art tradition were displayed at Lok Bhavan as part of the arrangements for the Independence Day ‘At Home’ reception.
Governor Shukla and his wife Janaki Shukla viewed the masks and appreciated Nakashi artist Danalakota Rakesh for his efforts to preserve and promote the traditional craft.
Rakesh explained to the Governor and his wife the distinctive features of Nakashi art, the process of making the masks and the traditional knowledge associated with the craft.
He said he had learnt the art from his father and renowned Nakashi artist Danalakota Vaikuntham.
Rakesh said his father had made significant contributions towards taking Cheriyal Nakashi art to national prominence.
He recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appreciated Vaikuntham’s work and efforts to preserve the Nakashi tradition during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme in 2024.
A collection of Nakashi paintings depicting Telangana’s culture and traditions was also displayed at the Durbar Hall of Lok Bhavan.
The paintings included themes such as Bathukamma, episodes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, rural women’s lives and the birth of Lord Ganesha.
The Governor said Cheriyal Nakashi painting occupied a special place in Telangana’s folk-art heritage and stressed the need to encourage traditional art forms, recognise the contribution of artisans and ensure that such cultural traditions were preserved and passed on to future generations.
Governor’s Special Chief Secretary M. Dana Kishore, Joint Secretary Shashikiranachary and others were present.
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