Featured Paintings
by Aadya Bommineni, Aradhna Praveen, and Shriya Shaji
This month, our artists Dharini Bysani and Rama Panchapagesan chose to share their original artwork featuring animals, specifically an elephant and cows. Learn more about how their artwork demonstrates beauty and their interpretation of cultural symbolism.
Enjoy and please let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
The Elephant of the River
Dharini Bysani
Eastlake High School
10th Grade
“My painting reflects the spirit of Makar Sankranti through the presence of nature and renewal. The elephant standing beside the river symbolizes strength, wisdom, and cultural tradition, while the flowing water represents purification and new beginnings. Makar Sankranti is often celebrated with holy river bathing, signifying spiritual cleansing and gratitude for the harvest season. The surrounding greenery highlights harmony between humanity and nature during this auspicious time. Together, these elements convey the festival’s essence of transition: honoring the past harvest while welcoming light, prosperity, and hope for the months ahead.”
- Dharini
Sacred Ties
Rama Panchapagesan
International Community School 7th Grade
“My painting titled “Sacred Ties” has a deep connection to the Hindu festival of Makar Sankranti which is a festival celebrated to honor harvest, gratitude, and nature. In South India the end of Makar Sankranti is celebrated as “Mattu Pongal”, “Mattu” meaning cow in Tamil. To symbolize this festival, I decided to paint 2 cows – a mother and her calf.
Cows are “Sacred” in India. They symbolize prosperity and victory of light over darkness. The close “Ties” observed in the painting symbolizes the special bond I have with my mom who also attends Madhubani art classes with me. Hence the title of the painting –“Sacred Ties”. The bright beautiful sun reflects the transition of the sun during this festival making the days longer. All the warm colors and detailed patterns represent the happy joyful spirit of Makar Sankranti and make me happy when I look at the picture.
Thank you so much to Deepti aunty for giving me all these amazing experiences as well as opportunities to thrive!”
- Rama
