Mandala art exhibition opens at Kangra Museum

An inspiring blend of art, compassion and creativity marked the inauguration of ‘The Divine Dance’ mandala art exhibition at the Kangra Art Museum on Friday. The exhibition, conceptualised by retired academician Prof Shubhra Gupta, celebrates artistic expression while extending support to specially-abled children of the Harmony Daycare Centre in Dharamsala.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Soumya Sambasivan, DIG Police Northern Range, Himachal Pradesh, who appreciated the initiative as a meaningful way of combining creativity with social responsibility. Organised around the occasion of International Women’s Day, the exhibition will remain open to visitors from March 6 to 11.

Prof Gupta, a retired principal from the college cadre, has turned her passion for art into a purposeful endeavour. Known for her intricate art mandalas, she creates vibrant, spiritually inspired designs that reflect harmony, meditation and mindfulness. For her, mandala art is not merely decorative but a form of mindful therapy for the mind and soul. She says her creative ideas emerge during prayer, nature walks, reading, memories and even moments of sleep.

The central theme, The Divine Dance, features 37 mandalas beginning with the cosmos and culminating in the vision of world peace. The works are divided into thematic segments such as divine light, philosophy of creation, genesis and world peace, portraying a symbolic journey of spirituality and universal harmony.

Adding a regional touch, the exhibition also includes 13 mandalas under the theme exotic Himachal, beautifully integrating elements of Himachali culture and landscape. Visitors can also explore over 200 additional mandalas on themes such as the evil eye, hamsa hand, yin-yang and other spiritual motifs. A variety of artistic products, including fridge magnets, bookmarks, car hangings, posters, pouches and tote bags are also on display for sale.

Among those present at the inauguration were Dr Ritu Malkotia, curator of the museum, Pankaj Bhasin from Harmony Day Care Centre, along with eminent citizens, including RP Chopra, LM Sharma, Kuldeep Banta and Sanjeev Gandhi, of the state Eco Tourism Society.