Madhya Pradesh's 'Bagh Print' art to shine in Paris; what is special about this art?
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, continuous and effective efforts are being made in Madhya Pradesh to secure recognition for traditional handicrafts and local arts at both national and international levels.
Continuing this initiative, the state's distinctive 'Bagh Print' art will be showcased at the prestigious "Foire de Paris" fair, to be held in the French capital, Paris. This fair is scheduled to take place from April 30 to May 11, 2026, at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre in Paris.
Mohammed Bilal Khatri—a National Award-winning artisan from the state—has been selected as one of the five finest artisans from across the country by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Union Ministry of Textiles. He will participate in this fair as a Master Craftsman, representing the state's 'Bagh Print' art form. The 'Bagh Print' handicraft is protected under the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Visitors to Witness Live Demonstrations
At this international fair, Bilal Khatri will present a live demonstration of the 'Bagh Print' art form. International visitors will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the artworks emerging on fabrics through the use of traditional natural dyes, intricately carved wooden blocks, and handcrafted techniques. This will offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the depth and aesthetic beauty of Indian handicrafts.
A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The designs created for this special exhibition represent a harmonious fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship and a modern global aesthetic sensibility. Crafted with the preferences of the European market in mind, these creations are set to give 'Bagh Print' a fresh identity on the international stage.
Historical and Cultural Background of 'Bagh Print'
'Bagh Print' is a traditional hand-block printing art form originating from the Bagh region of the Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. Bagh is a small tribal town inhabited by the Bhil and Bhilala communities, and it is also home to the ancient Bagh Caves. The tradition of this art form is believed to have been established by the Khatri community approximately 400 years ago, following their migration from the Larkana region of Sindh.
In this craft, cotton and silk fabrics are prepared using traditional natural processes. Skilled artisans create designs using wooden blocks. They are filled by hand. The finished textiles are washed in flowing water and dried in the sun, which imparts a distinctive finish to them. Geometric and floral motifs in red and black are prominent in ‘Bagh Print’.