If you’ve been waiting to try your hand at something new, an ongoing festival in town, Atisa  — International conference and exhibition on Buddhism, may help.

In these grief stricken times, when society is demanding a change, we want to introduce the youth to Buddha’s teachings of love and peace. The festival is dedicated to Atisa — the last amongst Indian monks,” says Shashibala, research professor, International Academy of Indian Culture. The main highlight of the event is that a group of monks from Himachal Pradesh will be making a host of live sculptures from butter at the venue. “Butter sculptures are a traditional Tibetan art form very common in colder regions. Called Torma, the sculptures are moulded by hand and offered in prayer after completion. Since butter melts easily, monk artists making butter sculptures need to work in cold conditions and have to dip their hands into cold water to make their fingers cold enough then can they start to model,” says HH Taisitupa Rimpoche, founder of Palpung Sherabling Monastery in Himachal Pradesh.  Eight monks will create the sculptures live throughout the day and there will be separate counter for guests to try their hand at the art.

Then, there’s Sand Mandala, a Tibetan version of the desi Rangoli. Called Dultson Kyilkhor in Tibetan, this tri-dimensional graphical and geometrical design made of coloured sand represents a combination of Buddha’s enlightened mind and body. It is considered to have great power, says Lama Dawa who will be creating the designs live. The event will also include a show of rare photographs.

Catch it here
What: Atisa — International conference and exhibition on Buddhism On till: Jan 18
Timings: 10am to 6pm
Where: IGNCA, Janpath
Nearest Metro Station: Central Secretariat on Yellow Line