The state government will organise Manjusha Mahotsav annually to promote the century-old folk art form, industry minister Jay Kumar Singh said on Thursday.

At the inauguration of Manjusha Mahotsav, organised by the Upendra Maharathi Sansthan in Patna on Wednesday, Singh said the government will promote this style of painting to boost employment opportunities among women in the region. Apart from display of paintings, the three-day Mahotsav will also see seminars and workshops being organised.

Referring to the old texts of Behula-Bisahari Katha in his address, the minister narrated how Behula struggled with gods and goddesses to bring her dead husband Lakhindar, who died after being bitten by a snake sent by goddess Bisahari (Manasa), back to life. "Her victory over gods and goddesses symbolises the power of women," he said.

Most Manjusha artists are women from the districts and Singh suggested that the government make efforts to aid the art-form commercially.

"The fate of the Bhagalpur silk industry could change by introducing Manjusha painting to silk," he said.

The minister said the government would consider demands to set up a textile research institute and a composite action plan to promote Manjusha art in the silk industry, apart from the art gallery that is to be set up. Pankaj Kumar Singh, director of the industry department, said plans for village-wise Manjusha clusters will be organised, and the National Institute of Fashion Technology will be requested to arrange special training for Manjusha artists to boost employment opportunities.