On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri, during Maha Kumbh 2025, a grand ‘Shiva Fest’ was organised at Parmarth Niketan Campus in Prayagraj. In a historic artistic achievement, 108 artists painted 108 forms of Bhagwan Shiva within 108 minutes on large canvases. This remarkable feat was officially recorded in the India Book of Records, making it one of the most iconic moments of Maha Kumbh 2025. This extraordinary initiative was led by Shantanu Gupta, biographer of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and coordinated by Pushkar Sharma. The event was inaugurated by Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Parmarth Niketan) and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who launched the countdown. As the clock started, the entire venue was immersed in a wave of Shiva devotion and artistic brilliance.
Fusion of Art and Spirituality
Shiva Fest was not just an art competition but a spectacular blend of spirituality, art, and music. As artists skillfully brought 108 forms of Shiva to life on canvas, a dedicated bhajan group performed continuous Shiva hymns for 108 minutes, creating an atmosphere filled with divinity and devotion. The event was strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), Lalit Kala Akademi and Patanjali Yogpeeth. Among the notable participants was renowned artist Karan Acharya, whose famous ‘Angry Shiva’ painting is widely acknowledged. He contributed artistic brilliance to the festival. Several leading art collectives took part in the festival, including Gangs of Greenpur, Ranjan Smith Enterprises, Bholey, Creative Hook, Pixel Galaxy, Promo Care, and Bakri Chaap. Additionally, students from prestigious Indian art and design institutes, such as Noida International University (Greater Noida) and IFI (Modinagar, Ghaziabad), actively participated in this grand artistic endeavour.
Statements from Shiva Fest Organisers
Shantanu Gupta, event leader, said, “Painting 108 forms of Shiva together at the Maha Kumbh is not just an art festival, but a sacred act of awakening spiritual energy. Getting this event recognised in the India Book of Records is a great milestone for Indian artistic culture.” Describing Shiva Fest as a unique fusion of Indian art and spirituality, Pushkar Sharma, event coordinator, said plans are already in motion to organise this event on an even larger scale in the future. “In the coming years, we aim to take it to the international stage.” Addressing the gathering, Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader) said, “When art and devotion unite, a new history is created. Shiva Fest not only beautifully portrayed the essence of Shiva but also provided artists with a divine opportunity to connect with their devotion and discipline.” Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader) said, “This festival became a medium to deeply experience the soul of Maha Kumbh. It was a divine confluence of art and spirituality, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in Shiva devotion.” The biggest achievement of Shiva Fest was its official entry into the India Book of Records. For the first time in history, 108 artists collectively painted 108 forms of Lord Shiva in 108 minutes—an unparalleled artistic feat.
Future Plans
Following the overwhelming success of the event, the organisers have decided to make Shiva Fest an annual tradition on Maha Shivratri, hosting it at various sacred sites across India. Additionally, plans are underway to expand it to an international level, allowing artists from around the world to experience and contribute to Indian spiritual art.
