Shiva Fest at Mahakumbh 2025: Artists Paint 108 Forms of Shiva, Enters India Book of Records

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Prayagraj, February 26, 2025: In a historic and awe-inducing event, the “Shiva Fest” held at the Parmarth Niketan Campus during the Mahakumbh 2025, saw 108 artists come together to paint 108 different forms of Lord Shiva in just 108 minutes. This remarkable achievement has been officially recognized by the India Book of Records, marking a significant moment in the cultural and spiritual landscape of India.

A Convergence of Art and Spirituality

The event, organized on the concluding day of the Mahakumbh 2025, was a unique fusion of art, spirituality, and music. As the artists diligently worked on their canvases, a bhajan group filled the air with melodious Shiva hyms, creating an atmosphere charged with divine energy.

Leadership and Support

Led by Shantanu Gupta, biographer of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and coordinated by Pushkar Sharma, the event received immense support from the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), Lalit Kala Academy, and Patanjali Yogpeeth. The inauguration was grace by Swami Chidanand Saraswati and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati from Parmarth Niketan, who launched the countdown for the painting session.

Participation and Diversity

The “Shiva Fest” saw participation from a diverse group of artists, including renowned painter Karan Acharya, known for his famous “Angry Shiva” painting. Students from prestigious institutions such as Noida International University and IFI (Modinagar, Ghaziabad) also took part, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the event. Leading art collectives like Gangs of Greenpur, Ranjan Smith Enterprises, Bholey, Creative Hook, Pixel Galaxy, Promo Care, and Bakri Chaap contributed their talents to this grand spectacle.

Record-Breaking Feat

The artists’ collective effort to paint 108 forms of Lord Shiva in 108 minutes has been recorded in the India Book of Records, highlighting the uniqueness and the scale of this artistic endeavor. This achievement not only showcases the skill and dedication of the artists but also the profound cultural and spiritual significance of Lord Shiva in Indian society.

Future Plans

Inspired by the success of this event, the organizers have announced plans to make “Shiva Fest” an annual tradition, held on Maha Shivratri at various sacred sites across India. They also aim to expand the event internationally, inviting artists from around the world to participate and experience the richness of Indian art and spirituality.

Statements from Organizers and Spiritual Leaders

• Shantanu Gupta (Event Leader): “Painting 108 forms of Shiva together at the Mahakumbh is not just an art festival, but a sacred act of awakening spiritual energy. Getting this event recognized in the India Book of Records is a great milestone for Indian artistic culture.”
• Pushkar Sharma (Event Coordinator): “Shiva Fest is a unique fusion of Indian art and spirituality. Plans are already in motion to organize this event on an even larger scale in the future. In the coming years, we aim to take it to the international stage.”
• Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader): “When art and devo t ion unite, a new history is created. Shiva Fest not only beautifully portrayed the essence of Shiva but also provided artists with a divine opportunity to connect with their devo t ion and discipline.”
• Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader): “This festival became a medium to deeply experience the soul of Mahakumbh. It was a divine confluence of art and spirituality, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in Shiva devo t ion.”

The “Shiva Fest” at Mahakumbh 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and spirituality in Indian culture. By bringing together artists from various backgrounds to celebrate Lord Shiva, the event has not only set a new record but also inspired a movement that promises to continue enriching the cultural fabric of India and beyond.

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