Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath on Kumara Krupa Road, Bengaluru. He called art a mirror reflecting the culture of the State. This annual open-air art fair is one of India’s largest and attracts thousands of visitors. Siddaramaiah said this was his eighth time attending the event as Chief Minister. He praised the Parishath for supporting artists for over 60 years. Artists from 22 States and 4 Union Territories participated, showing the fair’s growing national reach. On government plans, the Chief Minister said, "There was a demand in every district for museums dedicated to achievers from various fields, and I assure that the government would consider such proposals positively." Highlighting the fair’s environment theme, he spoke about planting three to five crore saplings yearly to increase Karnataka’s forest cover from about 20% towards the ideal 30%. He urged people to emulate environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka, saying, "If we truly wish peace for her soul, all of us must try to grow trees." The santhe displayed paintings, caricatures, pottery, sketches, jewellery, numismatics, and other creative art. Artists engaged with visitors to explain their work. Ajith, a first-time participant from Pune, said, "I have attended art exhibitions in Mumbai and Pune earlier, but I like the ambience here." Vinayak Kalamkari from Hubballi noted the fair helps his growth, stating, "I have seen good sales. Coming here gives me an idea of the competition I may face in the future." Manoj, an art college alumnus, said, "Many of us have got the chance to improve our skills and gain visibility through this platform."