Published Nov 02, 2026 | 9:04 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 02, 2026 | 9:05 PM
A 32-foot scroll is the highlight of the month-long show.
Synopsis: Inspired by the temple as a space where art, knowledge, craftsmanship and community converge, Living Temple II brings together works by more than 30 artists and practitioners, along with monumental installations, performances, workshops and curated conversations. The exhibition treats heritage as a living practice that continues to evolve through new ideas, interpretations and artistic forms. The show is open till 29 November.
EkChitra’s Living Temple II, the second edition of its cultural initiative celebrating India’s enduring traditions of art, craft, sculpture, architecture and performance, began in Hyderabad on 31 October.
The month-long art festival showcases more than 100 artworks celebrating timeless Indian heritage. The highlights include a 32-foot scroll and a limited-edition MS Amma saree by Aikyatha.
“We bring together artists, craftspeople and contemporary practitioners to create a dialogue between India’s ancient knowledge systems and contemporary creative expression,” EkChitra Art Gallery founder Annapurna Madipadiga said.
MS Amma saree collection by Aikyatha.
Inspired by the temple as a space where art, knowledge, craftsmanship and community converge, Living Temple II brings together works by more than 30 artists and practitioners, along with monumental installations, performances, workshops and curated conversations. The exhibition treats heritage as a living practice that continues to evolve through new ideas, interpretations and artistic forms, EkChitra said in a statement.
Former Mrs India Shilpa Shetty inaugurated the show. “The second edition has given me even more to absorb. The 32-foot scroll by Chennai artist Nagendra Babu was extraordinary. To think of an artist continuing to draw, allowing one form to flow into another, gives me goosebumps. I find myself wondering about the state of mind from which such work emerges,” she said.
On the Aikyatha showcase, she said, “The collection of sarees associated with M.S. Subbulakshmi is beautiful.”
Participating artists include Amar Ramesh, Anupama Choudary, Aryan Patil, Debasish Das, Geru, Himmat Gayri, Jai Khanna, Janardhana Rao Havanje, KG Narendrababu, Krishnamurti Lalji Parshad, Mahesh Pottabathini, Parnavi Shrikant Bangar, Rajendran, Ramesh Gorjala, Rohini Kumar, Sangam Vankhade, Sanjay Das, Shastha Swarup Trayambak, Srihari S Tote, Subhendu Mishra, Thillai Natarajan and Vipul Haldar.
The event will also include a history-reminiscence workshop by Parnavi, a book presentation by Sanjay Das, a session on temple conservation in the Chambal Valley with KK Mohammed, a discussion on Indian temple architecture with DN. Prasad Sthapathy, and a workshop on murals in Keralam by Sumesh.
Through exhibitions, performances, workshops and dialogue, Living Temple II aims to celebrate India’s cultural knowledge, support artistic practice and create meaningful engagement between heritage and contemporary life.
The show is open at EkChitra Art Gallery till 29 November.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
