Madhubani: The historic village of Jitwarpur in Madhubani district, renowned worldwide for its authentic Madhubani (Mithila) paintings, is poised for a transformation.The Union ministry of textiles in collaboration with Bihar’s department of art and culture, will officially launch the development of Jitwarpur as a ‘Craft Tourism Village’ on Saturday.The ‘Craft Tourism Village’ aims to blend the region’s rich artistic heritage with sustainable tourism. By developing infrastructure and facilities, the project is expected to provide new livelihood opportunities for local artisans and craftspeople, promote cultural preservation, and elevate Madhubani’s traditional art to greater national and international recognition.According to a press release issued by the district administration, the groundbreaking ceremony will be inaugurated by Arun Shankar Prasad, minister for art and culture, Bihar. The event will be presided over by Anjani Kumar Singh, director general, Bihar Museum. Key guests include chief guest Ashok Kumar Yadav, MP (Madhubani), and special guest Mohammad Asif Ahmad, MLA (Bisfi).Jitwarpur has long been celebrated as a vibrant hub of Mithila art, where generations of women artists have preserved and practiced the traditional Madhubani painting style. This ancient folk art, with roots tracing back centuries, features intricate depictions of Hindu deities, nature, mythology, and everyday life, often rendered in vibrant natural colours on walls, floors, and paper.The village has produced several acclaimed artists, including Padma Shri recipients, and has attracted international attention from tourists, researchers, and filmmakers over the decades.
