Art beyond museums: 3-day ‘Behala Art Festival’ begins in Kolkata

In its third edition, a 3-day art festival named Behala Art festival is being held which is known for its wall paintings in the streets by various well-known artists.

Can art only be witnessed in galleries and museums? Clearly, a group of artists led by eminent painter Sanatan Dinda, is trying to bust that theory in Kolkata.

In its third edition, a 3-day art festival named Behala Art festival is being held which is known for its wall paintings in the streets by various well-known artists.

"Keeping in mind the theme of Behala Art Fest, all the artists are doing their work. Our theme is 'Light and Darkness'. We hope to take such initiatives forward and make the city more colorful for the people. Art is for the sake of the people", said Sanatan Dinda, convener, Behala Art Fest.

In its third edition, the festival is happening in Behala, which lies in the South of the city. Not only lanes of walls but buildings are being converted into pieces of art.

"It is not exactly a painting festival but an art festival. Around 20 plus artists have participated this year. The sole intention of not doing it in a gallery was because when art is celebrated in the open, more public participation can be witnessed. Had it been in a gallery, only the ones who are aware of the fest would come, in this case, so many people are turning up" said Panchali Banerjee, one of the organizers to India Today.