The Ministry of Culture has opened the eighth edition of the Prime Minister Mementos e-Auction 2026, featuring 62 artefacts that represent Odisha’s diverse artistic and cultural traditions. The online auction showcases items ranging from devotional sculptures to traditional textiles, paintings and crafts that reflect the state’s distinctive heritage. The auction is live on the official portal and will continue until 2 October 2026.
Key facts
- 62 Odisha mementos in the auction catalogue
- Auction live until 2 October 2026
- Works include Jagannath sculptures, Pattachitra paintings, Tarakasi silver filigree, Sambalpuri Ikat textiles and festival documentation
- Portal: pmmementos.gov.in
- This is the 8th edition of PM Mementos e-Auction
What is in the auction
The collection spans multiple art forms and craft traditions specific to Odisha. One prominent piece is a Jagannath Parivar on Chariot, a sculptural work depicting the trinity of Lord Jagannath, Devi Subhadra and Lord Balabhadra seated in an ornately designed chariot pulled by four carved horses. This piece references the Rath Yatra festival, one of Odisha’s most important spiritual and cultural events.
Pattachitra paintings represent another significant portion of the catalogue. These traditional works feature intricate hand-painted details and vibrant colours, with some depicting scenes from the Puri Rath Yatra showing the deities in their chariot surrounded by dancers and musicians. Pattachitra is a classical scroll painting style unique to Odisha.
The auction also includes examples of Tarakasi, the Cuttack silver filigree craft that involves working with delicate silver wires to create intricate designs. Several pieces of Sambalpuri Ikat textile work are featured, including a devotional icon of Maa Samaleswari created entirely through hand-weaving using the traditional Bandha technique. Sambalpuri is a famous textile tradition from the Sambalpur region in western Odisha.
Beyond religious and craft-focused works, the collection documents Odisha’s living festival traditions through framed prints and photographs. These include images of the Panchu Dola Melana festival, where devotees carry colourful miniature temple structures, and celebrations at Chilika Lake featuring boats carrying village deities during their annual gathering.
Connection to the PM Mementos e-Auction scheme
The Prime Minister Mementos e-Auction is an annual initiative by the Ministry of Culture that aims to promote and preserve India’s regional arts and crafts through public sale. Each edition focuses on cultural artefacts from different regions of the country, allowing buyers to acquire authentic pieces while supporting traditional artisans and craft communities. The online format makes participation accessible across India and potentially to international buyers, broadening the audience for these cultural expressions.
How the auction works
The PM Mementos e-Auction operates as an online bidding platform. Interested buyers can view the complete catalogue, including details and images of each item, on the official portal pmmementos.gov.in. Bidding follows standard e-auction procedures where participants place offers for items of interest. The competitive bidding process typically determines final prices.
What this means for you
If you are interested in Odisha’s traditional arts and crafts, this auction provides a direct opportunity to acquire authenticated pieces without intermediaries. Collectors can access genuine Pattachitra paintings, Tarakasi silverware and Sambalpuri textiles in one curated collection. For supporters of traditional Indian crafts, purchasing through this auction contributes directly to sustaining these art forms and the communities that practise them. Students of Indian art history and culture will find the catalogue a comprehensive visual resource on Odisha’s heritage.
What happens next
The auction closes on 2 October 2026. Interested participants should visit pmmementos.gov.in to view the full catalogue and participate in bidding before the deadline. The portal provides all necessary information about bidding procedures, registration requirements and how to submit bids.