Vinod Bhat
New Delhi: The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026 showcases a diverse collection of mementos from Gujarat, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage, traditional arts and crafts, architectural legacy, textiles and contemporary achievements. The collection brings together distinctive representations of Gujarat’s cultural identity, highlighting its enduring traditions alongside its contributions to modern India.
Gujarat’s Rich Cultural Legacy Meets Contemporary India
The Gujarat collection features mementos representing the state’s architectural heritage, traditional textile arts, indigenous painting traditions, sporting achievements and technological progress.
An architectural representation of the 17th-century Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple Memento, Vadnagar, featuring its distinctive ornamentation and elements inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
A sporting memorabilia item presented by Gujarat’s table tennis player Manav Thakkar, who has represented India at international competitions including the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships.
A traditional Mata-ni-Pachedi – Tree of Life textile painting, depicting wisdom, strength, prosperity and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Framed Pithora Painting associated with the Rathwa, Bhil and Bhilala communities of central Gujarat, featuring horses, deities and motifs representing the cultural and belief systems associated with Pithora art.
India’s First Solar Tile with Engraved Glass of Modhera Sun Temple, bringing together Gujarat’s heritage and India’s advances in solar energy
The auction also includes other mementos representing the cultural heritage and development of Gujarat, featuring representations of the Ambaji Temple, Somnath Temple and Dwarkadhish Ji; a traditional Bhujodi shawl and Lippan art; a replica model of AIIMS Rajkot; a layered wooden architectural memento of the Adalaj Stepwell; and the Tata Electronics commemorative semiconductor plaque titled “Charkha to Chips”.
The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction started from 17th September, 2026, offers a total of 1,498 mementos from across India, representing the country’s diverse artistic traditions, traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices, spiritual traditions and sporting achievements.
The auction is organised by the Ministry of Culture through the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, the initiative provides citizens, collectors, institutions and art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire unique mementos presented to the Prime Minister on various occasions.
The proceeds from the PM Mementos e-Auction will support the Namami Gange Programme, the national mission dedicated to the conservation, rejuvenation and protection of the River Ganga and its ecosystem. The initiative connects India’s cultural heritage with a significant national environmental mission.
The PM Mementos e-Auction, which began in January 2019, has raised more than ₹50 crore for the Namami Gange Project through its earlier editions.
