Historic 'Shiva Fest' at Mahakumbh on Maha Shivratri Enters India Book of Records

Prayagraj: On the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri , during Mahakumbh 2025, a grand ‘Shiva Fest’ was organized at the Parmarth Niketan Campus. In a historic artistic achievement, 108 artists painted 108 forms of Lord Shiva within 108 minutes on large canvases. 

This remarkable feat was officially recorded in the India Book of Records, making it one of the most iconic moments of Mahakumbh 2025.

This extraordinary initiative was led by Shantanu Gupta, biographer of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath , and coordinated by Pushkar Sharma. The event was inaugurated by Swami Chidanand Saraswati (Parmarth Niketan) and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, who launched the countdown. As the clock started, the entire venue was immersed in a wave of Shiva devotion and artistic brilliance.

A Unique Fusion of Art, Spirituality, and Music

Shiva Fest was not just an art competition but a spectacular blend of spirituality, art, and music. As artists skillfully brought 108 forms of Shiva to life on canvas, a dedicated bhajan group performed continuous Shiva hymns for 108 minutes, creating an atmosphere filled with divinity and devotion.

Participation of National Institutions and Renowned Artists

The event was strongly supported by the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), Lalit Kala Academy, and Patanjali Yogpeeth. Among the notable participants was renowned artist Karan Acharya, celebrated for his famous ‘Angry Hanuman’ painting, who contributed his artistic brilliance to the festival.

Also read: Maha Kumbh 2025: Colours of India Converge at Sangam on Mahashivratri

Involvement of Leading Art Groups and Educational Institutions

Several leading art collectives took part in the festival, including Gangs of Greenpur, Ranjan Smith Enterprises, Bholey, Creative Hook, Pixel Galaxy, Promo Care, and Bakri Chaap.

Additionally, students from prestigious Indian art and design institutes, such as Noida International University (Greater Noida) and IFI (Modinagar, Ghaziabad), actively participated in this grand artistic endeavour.

Statements from Shiva Fest Organisers:

Shantanu Gupta (Event Leader):

“Painting 108 forms of Shiva together at the Mahakumbh is not just an art festival, but a sacred act of awakening spiritual energy. Getting this event recognized in the India Book of Records is a great milestone for Indian artistic culture.”

Pushkar Sharma (Event Coordinator):

“Shiva Fest is a unique fusion of Indian art and spirituality. Plans are already in motion to organize this event on an even larger scale in the future. In the coming years, we aim to take it to the international stage.”

Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader):

“When art and devotion unite, a new history is created. Shiva Fest not only beautifully portrayed the essence of Shiva but also provided artists with a divine opportunity to connect with their devotion and discipline.”

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji (Spiritual Leader):

“This festival became a medium to deeply experience the soul of Mahakumbh. It was a divine confluence of art and spirituality, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in Shiva devotion.”

A Historic Record in the India Book of Records

The biggest achievement of Shiva Fest was its official entry into the India Book of Records. For the first time in history, 108 artists collectively painted 108 forms of Lord Shiva in 108 minutes—an unparalleled artistic feat.

Future Plans

Following the overwhelming success of the event, the organizers have decided to make Shiva Fest an annual tradition on Maha Shivratri, hosting it at various sacred sites across India. Additionally, plans are underway to expand it to an international level, allowing artists from around the world to experience and contribute to Indian spiritual art.

Also read: 'Maha Yagya of Unity Completed': PM Modi Posts Blog as Maha Kumbh 2025 Concludes