India is a land brimming with diverse cultures. There is no end to the traditional art forms that thrive on Indian soil. Each state in our country has its unique artistic traditions. People from every state proudly showcase their art on public platforms. No region can be considered inferior in this regard. If one visits an art exhibition showcasing various works from across India, it becomes almost impossible to decide which artwork is the most significant, because every piece on display mesmerises the viewers. Each art form has its special importance. Every artwork reflects culture, and each creation carries the essence of our civilisation.
Today’s youth are increasingly eager to learn these ancient art forms. Their growing interest in art brings joy to Indian artisans, as it shows that the younger generation is becoming drawn toward the creations of their ancestors. The youth are now determined to preserve the fading folk arts. They aim to revive these ancestral treasures so that the roots of our heritage remain strong. Traditional art was not just mesmerising in ancient times but also durable, which is why many of these artistic legacies still survive today. Now, young Indians have taken the initiative to breathe new life into these traditional styles.
Handicrafts still exist today, but several traditional crafts are struggling to retain their ancient identity. Among them were significant arts like Madhubani, Warli, Pattachitra, Phad painting, and historically rooted handicrafts. To revive these, Indian youth, art-loving students, designers, artisans, and social workers have emerged as a ray of hope. They are not just preserving these forms but also giving them a new and lively identity in modern society.
Many young people are drawn to one art form or another. The younger generation is increasingly fascinated by various types of artworks, one of which is the renowned Madhubani art of Bihar. Traditionally, a pride of eastern India, Madhubani folk art was created using natural colours on paper. Today, students and art lovers have adopted Madhubani painting as a top choice. Using their creativity, they are enhancing the art and transforming it from an offline craft to a digital medium-giving it visibility on social media platforms and even showcasing it in modern art galleries.
In Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, Warli and Gond art continue to enchant with their vibrant charm. The geometric simplicity of Warli paintings and the nature-inspired patterns of Gond art are being reimagined by young artists in attractive new styles. These modern renditions are receiving widespread appreciation. Various cultural centres organise workshops on these folk arts to ensure that the new generation can get acquainted with them and contribute creatively to their evolution. These workshops not only aim to preserve these forms but also to inspire youth to develop and innovate within them.
Etikoppaka toys, made from wood, are another such tradition. When skilled artisans design these wooden toys, they look exquisite. Etikoppaka is a 500-year-old art still practised in Andhra Pradesh. These toys are painted with natural dyes and are created using eco-safe techniques. Today’s youth are mastering this craft through training and are making high-quality wooden toys. Similarly, the lost art of Dhokra metalwork has also been revived with the help of NGOs and young artists. Pipli Appliqué, once used traditionally for religious purposes and Rath Yatra decorations, is now being reinvented by young designers who blend traditional motifs with modern aesthetics.
If you ever visit Tamil Nadu, Kerala, or Karnataka, you'll find that the markets shine with Channapatna toys. The Kinnal art form is also a significant cultural element of these states. Banana fibre weaving is especially famous; it is nature’s decoration. Environmental enthusiasts favour products made from banana fibres, and their demand in the market is steadily growing. Young artists have shown great interest in Channapatna, Kinnal, and banana fibre crafts, turning them into household favourites. Then there’s Alpana art, which sounds almost like it was born from the word “imagination.” This traditional art from West Bengal still thrives in villages, where rice flour is used to create decorative patterns on walls and prayer altars. Though modern wall art and plastic stickers have begun replacing it, thanks to the efforts of art organisations and youth participation, Alpana has been revived and continues to charm audiences.
Phulkari, the traditional embroidery of Punjab, has become a new hope for young Punjabi women. This centuries-old craft remains alive today. Many Punjabis are promoting Phulkari designs through platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. In several villages of Punjab, rural women are taught this traditional embroidery, turning it into a source of income. Phulkari patterns adorn Punjabi suits and dupattas and have even become a fashion brand.
In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, Kangra miniature paintings have earned fame. Locals have successfully preserved this intricate art of delicate lines and mythological themes, often depicting the divine love of Krishna and Radha. Young groups have come forward to conserve this style, receiving financial support from government institutions to keep the legacy alive. Their curiosity and commitment to sustaining regional art traditions are a matter of great pride for the new generation.
The recognition of Indian folk arts is no longer confined to national borders. Through various social media tools, these arts are gaining international acclaim. Young artists have skillfully used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to showcase Indian folk arts in fresh and appealing formats. They are even sharing representations of traditional Indian art with foreigners, who are eager to learn about these ancestral treasures. On a global scale, audiences are engaging in large
numbers, and social media has proven to be a powerful promotional tool. Another advantage is that digital production and e-commerce have improved the income of folk artists. The revival of ancient Indian art has reached a new level globally, and youth are responsible for breathing fresh life into each tradition with creativity and dignity.
Online media platforms have created shared spaces for folk art collectors, artists, and enthusiasts. Through exhibitions and workshops, these platforms are helping promote traditional arts. Observing these displays gives youth hands-on experience, allowing them to adopt these crafts as a livelihood and further refine them. Folk art is now stepping into the world of modern fashion and interior design. These crafts are being used in home décor, corporate buildings, and even contemporary apparel and wallpapers.
Organisations like SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) have played a major role. SPIC MACAY has organised thousands of workshops in nearly 8,000 Indian towns to spread awareness about folk music and visual art. They collaborate with universities and colleges to provide students with cultural education. Cities like Delhi, Patna, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, and Nagpur regularly host folk art workshops arranged by SPIC MACAY and state cultural departments, giving young people exposure to their heritage.
Rajasthan’s arts hold a special place in Indian culture. The intricate craftsmanship in Ravanhatta, Algoza, Phad painting, Manganiyar puppetry, and more is awe-inspiring. Young people in Rajasthan have been given platforms at cultural festivals to showcase their folk art skills. As a result, these traditions have received much-needed recognition and protection. Foreign tourists visit Rajasthan every year to admire its rich folk traditions, which have a unique way of captivating attention.
The Ministry of Culture in India actively promotes cultural exchanges and exhibitions to preserve the diverse forms of traditional folk culture. This motivates youth, who now use training to reinterpret these art forms in a modern context. Government and non-government organisations are keeping ancient art alive through workshops and social media outreach. Under the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme, both mentors and students receive financial assistance to ensure traditional arts are passed on to future generations. Students are taught the intricacies of these arts and receive quality education in the field, ensuring that the soul of folk art remains alive.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is another prominent institution that supports the growth of folk dance, traditional music, painting, and more by offering training, special grants, and awards to young artists.
Looking ahead, more youth are expected to stay connected with cultural traditions. To introduce students to the richness of Indian art forms, folk arts should be included in school and college curricula. These programs should offer detailed information, including visuals, and workshops should be conducted annually to showcase the state's heritage. This would help young people appreciate, learn, and refine these arts as a skill for the future.
Folk art, when given new and appealing designs, deserves a place on prestigious platforms. Indian youth can bring ancient arts into fair-trade models, e-commerce platforms, and global markets. To do so, they must raise awareness among peers about the importance of art and culture. A strong network of state-level, national-level artists and government agencies can collaborate to give folk art a new dimension.
Today’s youth are not just preserving folk art-they are redefining it. They are giving Indian art forms new meaning, new styles, and new marketplaces. By incorporating traditional art into the digital realm with modern designs, they are ensuring it remains relevant. The younger generation is gradually embracing folk art wholeheartedly. These traditional art forms are moving from small platforms to large stages. Artists are earning better incomes through their work. The pride that today’s youth feel while reviving and reshaping folk art is immense. In the coming years, India’s diverse folk arts will become a powerful part of global culture.