“Pune to host the Sumba Artfest 2025, the inaugural festival for the Preservation of Tribal Art traditions”

Pune : The Sumbaran Art Foundation proudly announces the launch of the first edition Sumba Artfest 2025, an eight-day celebration of India’s artistic rich heritage, to be held from 15th to 22nd December between 11 am to 8 pm at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre,   Ghole  Road.

Dedicated to the memory of renowned artist Late Prof. Raosaheb Gurav, the festival honours his six-decade-long legacy as a teacher, mentor, and creator who inspired generations of artists. Prof. Gurav’s celebrated Dhangar series, rooted in his childhood in Shirol, Kolhapur, Maharashtra remains a testament to his vision of art as a living reflection of community and nature.

Today his beloved artist daughter and entrepreneur Chitra Mete, under guidance of Shri Vinay Phadnis is carrying his legacy forward. From childhood, she absorbed his deep compassion for artists and his steadfast conviction that traditions should remain alive. Sumba is her way of carrying that promise forward. Chitra believes that Sumba must stand as a promise to India’s artistic soul a promise that no tradition will vanish unheard, no artist will remain unseen, and no story will fade without being carried forward.

India is home to more than 100 tribal art forms and 800 tribes, many of which are endangered. Sumba Artfest 2025 turns its spotlight on these traditions, offering tribal artists a direct platform to showcase, sell, and narrate the stories behind their creation. Every from on-ground sales goes directly to the artists with no middlemen. The vital responsibility of coordinating and arranging travel for all the tribal artists has been carried out by Shrikrishna Paranjpe Sir.

Festival Components

1. Sumba Bazaar

A vibrant arena of performances, tribal showcases, live craft, and direct artist engagement. Visitors can interact with creators, watch art being created, and purchase artifacts directly without middleman.

2. Sumba Sabha

A thoughtful forum of retrospectives, discussions, and artistic journeys. This space will deepen understanding of India’s art traditions and spark new inspiration among artists and audience.

3. Sumba Samman

A tribute to the masters whose legacy lights the path for future generations. The festival will also revive the Kalanidhi Puraskaar, celebrating legends who shaped India’s creative landscape.

Special Highlights

• Live Demos by renowned artists Padma Shri Vasudev Kamat and by Padma Shri Achyut Palav

• Painting Exhibition of Prof. Gurav’s most-loved paintings.

• Several Tribal art forms will be showcased in Maharashtra for the very first time.

• A “Landmark declaration for the art community in the country” will be done.

• Eight days of immersive experiences for artists, students, tribal communities, and art lovers.

Sumba Artfest 2025 is more than a festival. It is a cultural home , one that honours heritage, uplifts creators, and invites every art form, from classical to contemporary, urban to tribal, to shine with equal dignity. Sumba is a promise -to protect what is fading, to support those who need it most, and to keep India’s artistic soul alive for generations to come.