*🎨 Aakanksha: Manjusha Painting – The Mythical Canvas of Bihar’s Anga Region!* Under the *Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme, NITI Aayog* continues to honour indigenous arts and crafts that echo the voices of heritage and empower local communities through its *Vocal for Local* initiative. From the historic district of *Bhagalpur* in *Bihar* , steeped in folklore and feminine resilience, emerges a powerful visual language— *Manjusha Painting* , also known as *Angika Painting 🌿✨* 🔹 Rooted in the *mythical tale of Bihula and Goddess Bishari,* this folk art tells the story of devotion, courage and the eternal strength of women in the *Anga region* . 🔹 Traditionally painted on *bamboo, jute and handmade paper* using natural dyes, this vibrant art form now adorns *cloth and canvas* , preserving its legacy in modern times. 🔹 *Wave, belpatra and serpent motifs* form essential borders, while *pink, green and yellow* —symbolising love, prosperity and growth—remain the only colours used. 🔹 With *two-dimensional human figures, profiled faces, fish-like eyes* and yellow-toned skin, the style stands distinct and evocative. 🔹 In *September 2021, Manjusha Painting* received the *Geographical Indication (GI) tag* , a proud recognition of its cultural uniqueness and ancestral roots. *✨ Manjusha Painting – A sacred saga painted with love, belief and identity.*