By Anvika Bheemarasetty

An exciting event recently took place in Darbhanga, Bihar, where an online Godna art workshop was hosted at the home of artist and educator Ms. Deepti Agrawal. The session was led by Padma Shri Shivan Paswan Ji, one of India’s most respected folk artists and a master of the Godna style. What made this event truly special was its global reach, with participants joining from the UK, Canada, the USA, Germany, UAE, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and other countries.

Godna art, which has its roots in tribal tattooing traditions, is known for its deep cultural meaning and visual storytelling. Rather than simply teaching how to draw,  Shivan Ji offered a full cultural experience. One of the most powerful moments came when he sang an ancient folk song while painting, sharing the story behind the artwork as he created it. This personal and emotional connection to the art gave participants a deeper understanding of how each image and pattern in Godna carries history, memory, and purpose.

Local organizations, such as Kalakriti and Marwadi Mahila Manch, joined Ms. Agrawal and her family in felicitating and honoring Shivan Ji for his lifelong dedication to Indian folk art. His contribution to preserving and promoting this tradition was also acknowledged by state-level media, helping raise awareness about the importance of cultural heritage.

This event was a space for connection, learning, and appreciation of a traditional art form that continues to inspire. From a single home in Bihar, the workshop reached people around the world, showing how local traditions can have a global impact when shared with sincerity and care. Through this experience, the participants gained insight into the spirit of Godna art and the stories it tells. The success of the workshop demonstrates that even in a modern digital world, ancient traditions can still unite people and leave a lasting impression.