The Ministry of Culture has included 30 mementos from Karnataka in the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-auction, a platform that sells gifts and artefacts received by the Prime Minister. The collection represents the state’s diverse artistic traditions, handicrafts and cultural heritage, alongside contemporary achievements. The auction is currently active and will run until 31 October 2026.
Key facts
- 30 mementos from Karnataka included in the 8th edition
- Auction live and extended until 31 October 2026
- Items include Kinnal art, Bidriware, Mysore Peta turbans, Kambala Festival photographs and spiritual artefacts
- Signed badminton racket of Paralympic medallist Suhas Yathiraj included
- Scale model replica of Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research featured
- Proceeds directed to the Namami Gange Project
- Bidding portal: https://pmmementos.gov.in
What is included in the Karnataka collection
The Karnataka mementos span historical crafts, religious artefacts and modern achievements. Kinnal art pieces and Bidriware showcase the state’s centuries-old metalwork and inlay traditions. Mysore Peta and other ceremonial turbans represent local customs tied to identity and celebration. A photograph of the Kambala Festival captures a living rural tradition unique to coastal Karnataka.
Religious and spiritual items in the collection include a memento of Goddess Saradamba associated with the Sringeri temple and its role as a centre of learning, and artefacts related to Sant Sevalal that reflect the spiritual life of the Banjara community. These pieces highlight how different communities within Karnataka have shaped its cultural identity.
The collection also bridges heritage and contemporary India. A signed badminton racket belonging to Paralympic medallist Suhas Yathiraj sits alongside a replica scale model of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, showing that the state continues to produce achievements in sports and healthcare.
About PM Mementos e-auction
The PM Mementos programme is an annual auction of gifts and mementos received by the Prime Minister during official functions, state visits and ceremonies. These items are typically gifted by foreign dignitaries, state governments, corporate bodies and cultural organisations. Rather than storing these artefacts, the government auctions them online to raise funds for social causes while making them accessible to collectors and museums.
The 8th edition represents the latest year of this initiative. Previous editions have included mementos from across India, reflecting the nation’s cultural diversity.
How to bid and proceeds
Members of the public, collectors, institutions and museums can place bids on any of the 30 Karnataka mementos through the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal at https://pmmementos.gov.in. The online platform allows bidders to view detailed descriptions and photographs of each item before placing their bids.
All proceeds from this auction will support the Namami Gange Project, a government initiative focused on cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganges river. By participating in the auction, buyers directly contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
What this means for you
If you are a collector of Indian handicrafts, cultural artefacts or memorabilia, this auction offers rare items that are difficult to find elsewhere. Museums and cultural institutions can acquire authentic pieces of Karnataka’s heritage for exhibition and preservation.
Art enthusiasts interested in traditional Indian crafts like Kinnal art and Bidriware have an opportunity to own these handcrafted pieces. The inclusion of a contemporary item like a signed sports memento shows that the collection appeals to those interested in modern Indian achievements as well.
Participation also means contributing to the Namami Gange Project, allowing buyers to support environmental work while acquiring cultural items.
What happens next
The auction remains open until 31 October 2026. Interested bidders should visit the PM Mementos portal to register, view items and place their bids before the deadline. Winners will be notified following the conclusion of the auction and can arrange collection or delivery of their purchased mementos according to the terms specified on the portal.