108 metres Mithila's Ramayana painting

History

The painting was created over four days, from 10 to 14 August 2026, under the supervision of four Padma Shri awardees: Shanti Devi, Dulari Devi, Shivan Paswan, and Bauaa Devi. National Award winners Dr. Rani Jha, Pratik Prabhakar, and Sanjay Jaiswal also guided the artists.

The Kagbhusundi Prasanga episode was painted by a team led by Maithil painter Purnima Jha from Thalwara village in Darbhanga. Young artist Khushboo Kumari, also known as Khushbu Chaudhary, from Jiraul village in Harlakhi block, participated. The completion ceremony on 15 August 2026 involved the Madhubani District Administration, with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha and District Magistrate Anand Sharma as dignitaries.

World record description

The painting was inaugurated on India's 80th Independence Day, 15 August 2026, at the Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan. The World Record Union inspected the work and issued a provisional certificate to the Sansthan. The painting is permanently displayed in the Sansthan's main gallery.

Painting description

The artwork includes 51 episodes from the Ramayana based on the Ramcharitmanas, beginning with Lord Rama's childhood. Episodes such as the Dhanush Yajna, Sita-Ram Swayamvar, Kagbhusundi Prasanga, and exile are featured. Teams of about three artists per theme created the work, which combines traditional Madhubani paintings with verses and couplets.