The Ministry of Culture has included 65 mementos representing Bihar’s cultural heritage, folk art and spiritual traditions in the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026. The collection showcases the state’s diverse artistic practices, handicrafts, historical figures and religious landmarks through items gifted to the Prime Minister. The auction is live online until October 2, 2026, with base prices ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹1,20,000.
Key facts
- 65 mementos from Bihar featured in the 8th PM Mementos e-Auction 2026
- Base prices range from ₹1,500 to ₹1,20,000
- Auction deadline: October 2, 2026
- Collection includes Madhubani paintings, Sikki craft, Manjusha art and historical representations
- Mementos depict temples including Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji Patna Sahib, Chandika Sthan, Mundeshwari Devi Temple and Gorakhnath Dham
- Historical figures featured: Mangal Pandey, Karpoori Thakur, Acharya Chanakya and Guru Valmiki
- Portal: https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/
Madhubani and Mithila painting traditions
A substantial portion of the collection focuses on the celebrated Mithila or Madhubani painting tradition, which originates from the Mithila region of Bihar and neighbouring parts of Nepal. The mementos include hand-painted artworks depicting sacred and cultural themes such as Ram Sita Vivah (the marriage of Rama and Sita), Ram Darbar (the court of Rama), Chhath Puja (the harvest festival), Das Mahavidya (ten forms of Shakti) and sacred Yantras (geometric meditation diagrams). One notable piece is a Kachni-style Madhubani artwork illustrating scenes from the Ramayana, the ancient Hindu epic.
The collection also features multiple Mithila Paags, traditional headgear distinctive to the Mithila region. These pieces are hand-painted with traditional motifs including fish and lotus flowers, representing the everyday cultural identity of the region through wearable art forms.
Sikki craft and utilitarian folk art
Bihar’s handicraft heritage is represented through Sikki grass art, an ancient weaving technique using dried grass from the Sikki plant. One piece is a detailed model of the New Parliament House of India crafted in this material, demonstrating the precision possible in the medium. Another item is a traditional woven Sikki basket with integrated coasters, showing how the craft serves both aesthetic and functional purposes.
The collection also includes a hand-painted Madhubani artwork on a bamboo winnowing basket, combining two distinct folk traditions: the painting style of Mithila and the utility craft of agricultural baskets. This fusion illustrates how folk art in Bihar often blends decorative and practical elements.
Manjusha art and regional identity
A memento from Bhagalpur district features Manjusha or Angika painting, a lesser-known folk art tradition. The specific piece depicts Bharat Mata (Mother India) against the map of India, executed in the traditional three-colour palette of yellow, green and red. Manjusha art traditionally serves as a storytelling medium, and this representation links the form to themes of national identity and patriotism.
Historical and spiritual heritage
The collection traverses Bihar’s role in Indian history and its significance as a spiritual centre. A copper-plate memento honours Mangal Pandey, the freedom fighter whose actions during the 1857 revolt marked a turning point in India’s independence struggle. Other historical representations include Acharya Chanakya, the ancient political theorist, and Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, a 20th-century political leader in Bihar.
Spiritual and religious landmarks form another major section. Mementos depict Lord Buddha (Bihar is the birthplace of Buddhism), Mahavir Swami (the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism), and the Ashoka Stambh (pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka). Specific temples and pilgrimage sites are represented, including Takhat Sri Harmandir Ji in Patna Sahib, Chandika Sthan and Badi Durga Maharani in Munger, Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Maa Aranya Devi Temple in Bhojpur, Baba Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur, Gorakhnath Dham and Mundeshwari Devi Temple in Kaimur district.
What this means for you
If you collect Indian art and cultural artefacts, this auction provides access to authenticated mementos representing lesser-known Bihar traditions at relatively modest price points. Students and researchers studying Indian folk art, handicrafts or regional heritage can engage with these pieces through the online platform. Art enthusiasts and collectors of Madhubani paintings, Sikki craft or Manjusha art have an opportunity to acquire authenticated works.
What happens next
The auction runs until October 2, 2026. Interested bidders can register and participate through the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal at https://pmmementos.gov.in/#/, which provides the complete catalogue, detailed auction dates and participation guidelines.