Tawi Fest: A golden tribute to Himachal-Jammu cultural ties

The recently concluded three-day Tawi Festival highlighted the rich cultural and artistic connections between Himachal Pradesh and Jammu. This year’s event was particularly significant as it marked its golden jubilee celebrations and featured a thought-provoking talk by Ayswarya S Dutta, an artist from Andretta and wife of writer-filmmaker Amit Dutta.

Dutta’s lecture focused on the Nala-Damayanti series, a set of 45 exquisite paintings executed in the refined Guler style of Kangra miniature art. These masterpieces, part of Dr Karan Singh’s personal collection, are housed at the Amar Mahal Museum and Library, Jammu. Scholars attribute their origins to Pandit Seu’s artistic lineage, particularly Ranjha and his brothers Kama, Gaudhu, and Nikka, who played a key role in shaping the world-renowned

Pahari school of painting. The festival also witnessed the release of the Dogri poetry book Behde di Sair (Walking in My Courtyard), authored by Amit Dutta. Dedicated to Kangra and Jammu, the book was unveiled by Dr Karan Singh, who praised the work for its deep literary and emotional resonance.

During his interaction with The Tribune, Amit Dutta explained the historical and artistic significance of the Nala-Damayanti paintings, linking them to Sri Hara’s 12th-century epic Naishadhiyacaritam. Created between 1790 and 1800, these paintings are considered the pinnacle of the Pahari style, perfected by artists following the legendary Nainsukh. Art historian Prof BN Goswamy has traced their compositions to original reference sketches (namunas) preserved at the National Museum, possibly drawn by Nainsukh himself.

The Nala-Damayanti series stands out for its delicate facial modeling and idealised expressions, closely resembling Nainsukh’s signature Bhagavat face. The paintings also exhibit a remarkable liveliness in supporting characters, much like Nainsukh’s observational court scenes. Even the smallest figures—palace attendants, background workers, and courtiers—are rendered with individual personality and detail, some no larger than a grain of rice.