Mysuru: An educational programme on the traditional Mysore Ganjifa Art was inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS), Southern Regional Centre (SRC), Mysuru, on Sept. 19 by Ch. Pavitra, Chief Artist.

V. Ashok Vardhan, Officer-In-Charge (OIC) and Kunal Kashyap, SIC and other staff of IGRMS, SRC, programme participants were present during inauguration.

The education programme aimed to familiarise participants with the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Mysore Ganjifa, a traditional Indian playing-card art known for its intricate designs, vibrant colours and mythological themes.

Karnataka Ganjifa work, particularly the Mysore Ganjifa or Chadd, is a centuries-old hand-painted playing card tradition that blends sacred storytelling with royal leisure.

Reaching its zenith under the patronage of King Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar III in the 19th century, these circular cards feature vibrant natural pigments and miniature painting styles heavily influenced by the Vijayanagara art.

Rather than simple pastimes, the decks served as educational and spiritual tools to pass down Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Dashavatara. Today, it stands as an endangered but deeply vital cultural heritage, preserved in museums worldwide as a testament to India’s rich artistic legacy.

Through this educational initiative, IGRMS, SRC, Mysuru, has been making continuous efforts to promote and preserve traditional art forms by organising educational programmes, workshops and other cultural activities. This initiative is part of the centre’s ongoing commitment to creating awareness about the rich artistic traditions of India and encouraging younger generations to appreciate and engage with their cultural heritage.

The programme aims to familiarise participants with the history, artistic techniques and cultural significance of Mysore Ganjifa, while providing an opportunity to understand and appreciate this unique traditional art form.

Ch. Pavitra, Chief Artist, along with assistant, imparted training from Sept. 19 to 28.

Pavitra is a senior artist and has participated in many workshops and training programmes of both the State and Central Governments.