Madhubani painting is more than a craft for this family - it's a way of life. The legacy began with the late Sankal Laal, a state awardee in Madhubani art, and has been lovingly carried forward by his wife, Sunita Karn, and their children. Sunita, a mother of six, has been the pillar of her household since her husband’s passing. She learned the art form through her in-laws at a young age and has practiced it ever since.

Working with natural dyes, Sunita continues the tradition of handcrafting Madhubani paintings on both fabric and paper. In her courtyard, she cultivates traditional plants to extract natural pigments by hand—a process that demands time, patience, and skill. Despite enduring chronic back pain from long hours of work, she remains deeply connected to her craft, even if she now paints less frequently.

Among her children, Harsh, her 22-year-old son currently studying Chemistry, has emerged as a passionate artist in his own right. Inspired by his family’s legacy, Harsh has developed his own unique style and color preferences. His consistency and quiet dedication shine through each piece he creates. Sunita notes that while they once painted together, her children now prefer working independently - each finding their own voice through the medium.

Artistic critique and encouragement are an integral part of their home. Siblings support each other’s work, offering feedback and celebrating one another’s progress. While the daughters are now married, some continue to practice Madhubani art for both love and livelihood.

Harsh dreams of gaining recognition for his work, like his grandfather once did. Yet he remains grounded, knowing that sustaining a living solely through art can be challenging. He continues his studies while pursuing his passion, saying:

“Whatever comes fresh to my mind, I take that as my inspiration"