The Ministry of Culture is conducting the eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, offering 32 cultural artefacts and handcrafted items from Kerala. The online auction runs until 2 October 2026 and showcases the state’s diverse artistic traditions, maritime heritage, performing arts and spiritual legacy. These mementos represent centuries of Kerala’s craftsmanship and cultural practices.
Key facts
- 32 mementos from Kerala are being auctioned
- Auction platform: pmmementos.gov.in
- Auction ends: 2 October 2026
- Edition: 8th PM Mementos e-Auction 2026
- Pieces include traditional jewel boxes, dance sculptures, boats, mural paintings and spiritual artwork
- Beypore Uru model crafted by National Skill Training Institute, Calicut
- Mural painting created at Institute of Mural Painting, Guruvayur Devaswom
What items are included in the auction
The collection spans multiple categories of Kerala’s cultural heritage. The auction features traditional crafts such as the Orange Nettoor Petti, a jewel box historically used in aristocratic households to store ornaments and sacred objects, decorated with mural art and brass fittings. A Nettipattam, another traditional Kerala craft item, is also included. Brass ritual vessels such as the Vastu Vilakku represent the state’s metalwork traditions.
Maritime heritage is represented through two boat-related pieces. A miniature Chundan Vallam depicts the traditional snake boat associated with Kerala’s backwaters and Onam boat races. A handcrafted model of the Beypore Uru, a traditional wooden dhow, was created by artisans at the National Skill Training Institute under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The model replicates the wooden vessels historically built by master carpenters of Beypore.
Performing arts are showcased through multiple items. A Kathakali dancer display doll and a print of a Kathakali performer highlight the elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and headgear of this classical dance-drama form. The Bhairavan Theyyam Ritual Art Sculpture represents Bhairavan Theyyam, a ritualistic dance-art manifestation from North Kerala associated with Lord Shiva, complete with traditional headgear, facial makeup and ceremonial attire.
The mural painting category includes a framed work depicting Radha, Krishna and a Gopika, created by artists at the Institute of Mural Painting in Guruvayur Devaswom. The artwork shows Lord Krishna playing the flute beneath a banyan tree and uses the traditional five-colour Panchavarna formula on specially prepared cement sheet.
Spiritual and social heritage items
Several mementos represent Kerala’s spiritual and reformist traditions. The collection includes a devotional portrait of Adi Shankaracharya, a carved wooden plaque of the Sivagiri Mutt Commemorative Temple, and framed prints and photographs of spiritual leaders including Poykayil Sree Kumara Gurudevan and Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal. A commemorative artwork marking 100 years of the Vaikom Satyagraha, a significant social movement in Kerala’s history, is also auctioned. A carved wooden statue of Lord Guruvayurappan and a traditional Shankhu (conch) memento complete this section.
How to participate and buy
The auction is conducted online through the official portal pmmementos.gov.in. The platform provides access to the complete catalogue, auction dates and participation guidelines. Bidders can register on the portal and place bids on items of interest within the auction window that closes on 2 October 2026.
What this means for you
This auction offers collectors, cultural enthusiasts, museums and institutions an opportunity to acquire authentic Kerala cultural artefacts and handcrafted pieces. For those interested in Indian heritage and traditional arts, the auction provides documented examples of Kerala’s distinct artistic practices. Museums and cultural organisations may use this platform to enhance their collections with government-authenticated pieces of Kerala’s artistic legacy.