150-ft-tall painting depicting full version of Vande Mataram to be UP Diwas event highlight

Lucknow: Several exhibitions and cultural activities will be organised by various state agencies during the 3-day UP Diwas celebrations between Jan 24 and Jan 26 at Rashtriya Prerna Sthal.The UP State Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration with the Lalit Kala Akademi Regional Centre, will install a 150-foot-tall painting inscribed with full version of ‘Vande Mataram'. It is being drawn by artists from Kashi, Prayagraj, Mathura, Agra and Lucknow, said Sunil Vishwakarma, chairperson, State Lalit Kala Akademi. The State Museum, Lucknow, will set up an exhibition titled, ‘Kala Mein Krishna', showcasing around 60 artworks, including 55 paintings and four sculptures. Paintings will depict Krishna's life and teachings, while the sculptures will portray his family, his love for Radha and the 10 avatars of Vishnu. The paintings are in Kangra, Garhwal, Jaipur and Mughal styles, said Vinay Singh, director, State Museum, Lucknow. UP State Archaeological Directorate (UPSAD) will hold an exhibition featuring photographs of the state's monuments protected by it.Further, augmented reality and virtual reality shows, along with short films on protected monuments under the directorate, will be screened on the occasion, said Renu Dwivedi, director, UPSAD. UP Sangeet Natak Akademi will present musical performances representing different gharanas of the state. Students of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya will perform Kathak and Bharatanatyam, said Prof Mandavi Singh, vice-chancellor of the university. Students of Bhartendu Natya Akademi (BNA) will stage a historical play, said Bipin Kumar, director, BNA. UP State Archives (UPSA) will organise an exhibition showcasing public records and documents related to the formation of UP, including how the state's name changed over the years before it was finalised in 1950. Paintings on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to mark his 150th birth anniversary year will also be displayed, said Amit Agnihotri, director, UPSA.