A village in Gunupur Turns into a Saura Art Gallery

Gunupur: Rebingtal, a village on the Lanjia Saura hills of Gunupur has transformed into a lively Saura art gallery as local artists paint beautiful Saura mural artworks on their homes. The Odisha Lalit Kala Academy made this artistic revival possible, with support from the Odia Language Literature and Culture Department and the Rayagada District Administration. They organized a five-day workshop to celebrate Tribal Art Culture through Saura Mural Painting.

More than 50 skilled Saura artists joined this project to preserve their traditional art. The Lanjia Saura community, a part of Odisha’s tribal society, has practiced Saura mural painting for a very long time. This art is a way for them to show respect and thanks to their Deities, ancestors, and their village’s well-being.

These Saura paintings depict scenes from tribal life, like farming, hunting, and festivals, as well as nature, traditions, marriages, dances, and their Deities. They use mud to create images of birds, animals, and insects in their artwork.

To encourage these artists and support their valuable tradition, the Odisha Lalit Kala Academy honored them in a special ceremony. This revival of Saura art not only highlights Odisha’s rich culture but also celebrates the artistic talents of its tribal communities.