Santal Sohrai

The exquisite monochromatic wall murals known as Sohrai Likhan are unique to Santal villages in northern Purulia, West Bengal. Inspired by nature and geometric patterns, these motifs are etched on mud walls by Santal women using only their fingers during the harvest festival, Sohrai.
Sadly, this tradition is fast disappearing, replaced by quicker contemporary techniques, and today only a handful of women retain this knowledge. The artists now experiment with natural pigments from rocks, leaves, indigo, and lamp soot.
These works bridge a fading tradition with a sustainable future, helping revive Santal Sohrai Likhan.