A school that runs inside a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is turning out to be an unusual training ground for young artists. At Apan Pathshala, 28 children split their days between regular lessons and learning the traditional folk art of Mithila painting, and some of their finished pieces are already finding buyers in the neighbourhood.
A classroom for skills inside a cremation ground
Apan Pathshala operates on the premises of a cremation ground in Muzaffarpur. The 28 children enrolled there follow their usual academic schedule but also set aside time to learn the fine details of Mithila painting. Several of their artworks are now being sold locally, giving the children a small income along with a growing sense of confidence in their own abilities.
From Chhath Puja to Radha-Krishna, tradition takes shape on paper
The children are currently working on paintings themed around Chhath Puja, the major folk festival of faith. Alongside this, they are also creating images of Radha-Krishna, fish, peacocks, various birds and religious sites, all rendered on paper in the traditional Mithila style. The bright colours and classic motifs used in these paintings have made them quite popular with people living nearby.
Student Mahi says the art connects her to her roots
Mahi, a student at Apan Pathshala, says Mithila painting is an old and celebrated folk art form from Bihar. She says learning this craft alongside her regular studies is an entirely new experience for her, and it is also giving her a chance to get to know her own culture more closely.
Sumit Kumar says the goal was never just textbook learning
Sumit Kumar, who runs Apan Pathshala, says the organisation was never meant to focus only on formal education. According to him, it is equally important to teach children a skill that can help them stand on their own feet in the future, and that is the thinking behind giving them training in Mithila painting.
Paintings sell for 100 to 150 rupees, some given as gifts with angvastra
Sumit Kumar says each painting made by the children is priced between 100 and 150 rupees. People from the surrounding area buy these paintings, and some even present them as gifts along with an angvastra, a traditional shawl, when honouring someone. This brings the children a bit of financial support, which acts as a strong source of encouragement for them.
Respect for their effort is lifting their morale
Sumit Kumar explains that when children see their hard work being valued and properly paid for, their morale rises naturally. That confidence pushes them to keep improving both their studies and their art. An initiative that began in a place like a cremation ground is now bringing fresh hope into the lives of many children, carrying a message that skill development and self-reliance matter just as much as education.
