New Delhi: The traditional Lithuanian art of Sodai—intricate swinging straw gardens inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity—has been showcased in India for the first time. The exhibition, hosted at the National Crafts Museum and Hastkala Academy in New Delhi, marks a cultural highlight of the 2025–26 People-to-People Connections Year between Lithuania and India.
The initiative was spearheaded by Ambassador of Lithuania to India, Diana Mickevičienė, whose long-held vision to bring this unique craft to India materialised through the collaboration of the National Crafts Museum and celebrated Lithuanian Sodai artist Vida Sniečkuvienė.
Featuring delicate, aerial geometric structures traditionally symbolizing peace, harmony, and protection, the exhibition captivated visitors with its craftsmanship and spiritual resonance.
The display is open to the public until December 11 at the National Crafts Museum, Bhairon Marg, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The initiative is supported by the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, the Ministry of Textiles, UNESCO New Delhi Office, the Indian Embassy in Lithuania, NIFT, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, and Lithuania’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.