Global Artists Gather At jüSTa Mukteshwar For Chitrashaala Residency

A Week Of Creativity And Collaboration

Imagine spending a week in a beautiful, comfortable property set amid one of India’s most stunning landscapes, surrounded by artists from across the globe. A time filled with fun, laughter, creativity and serenity, where you paint, draw and exchange ideas.

Sounds like an artist’s dream right? This was the essence of Chitrashaala 2026.

An initiative by jüSTa Hotels & Resorts and the brainchild of its owner Ashish Vohra and fashion designer Deepika Govind, Chitrashaala celebrates collaboration between hospitality and art.

The origins of Chitrashaala trace back to a visit by Ashish Vohra to Shantiniketan and Calcutta in 2006–2007. Vohra recalls that during this trip, he encountered many artists facing financial hardships, an experience that sparked the idea to create a supportive platform for their work which gradually evolved into scholarships and artist residencies.

Chitrashaala itself grew from informal conversations and a shared desire among artists to visit inspiring locations. The inaugural residency took place at Nahargarh in Rajasthan, where artists left behind artworks that remain displayed to this day.

As the program grew, it welcomed international collaboration, encouraging artists to invite peers from around the world to join, share ideas and showcase their work globally. Today, Chitrashaala selects artists through an open process that balances Indian and international participants, includes senior artists, and features many women. 

The initiative is non-commercial, focused on creativity and enjoyment rather than profit, elaborates Vohra. In its 12th edition, Chitrashaala 2026 united 48 artists, with 23 from India and 25 from various countries including Italy, Romania, Thailand, Spain, Japan, Egypt, Mauritius, Poland. These artists are recognised for their unique styles from contemporary art, cultural expression, abstract painting to surrealism and portraits. 

“I was hesitant at first about coming, but now I am very happy. This has been a valuable experience for me and a great opportunity to connect with other artists. We have artists from different countries, as well as from various states across India. Each person has their own technique and unique way of working. This has given me the opportunity to observe, exchange ideas, and learn about the techniques others practice, some of which I was already familiar with. Overall, it has been a very enriching experience,” said Uma Appadu, an artist from Mauritius.

Over the course of seven days, these 48 professionals painted, explored the local sights of Mukteshwar, enjoyed evening soirees and morning treks, and engaged in dialogue and exchange of ideas through team-building activities, picnics and presentations.

“I feel very good. We had excellent conditions for painting because there is a special hall where we could create our canvases. There were many different artistic tendencies. For example, I am an abstract artist. Abstraction is my main focus. However, many of the artists here are figurative painters, which led to a great exchange of ideas,” said Anna Kolodziejczyk, an abstract artist from Wroclaw, Poland.

On the final day, all participants presented their work and were awarded mementos and certificates.

jüSTa Luxe - Mukteshwar Retreat & Spa

The residency was hosted at jüSTa’s Mukteshwar property, jüSTa Mukteshwar Retreat & Spa, set at about 7,500 feet in the quiet hills of Mukteshwar. Surrounded by pine forests and wide Himalayan views, and located in the village of Saliyakot, the retreat offers a peaceful setting ideal for unwinding in fresh mountain air and calm surroundings.

The property features 32 well-designed rooms, many with balconies overlooking the forest or the snow-capped peaks. The rooms are comfortable and modern, equipped with all essential amenities for a relaxed stay.

Guests can enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and the Sansha Spa for rest and rejuvenation. The in-house restaurant serves local Kumaoni dishes alongside Indian and international cuisine.

With attractions such as Mukteshwar Temple and Chauli Ki Jali nearby, the retreat provides both comfort and easy access to the natural beauty of the region.