While the entire nation erupted in celebration on November 2, 2025, following the historic World Cup victory of the Indian women's cricket team, a different kind of tribute was already taking shape in Bengaluru. At Jayamahal Park, a massive 130-foot wall was being transformed into a colorful celebration of India's sporting excellence, creating a lasting monument to athletic achievement.
From Cricket to Comprehensive Celebration
Leading this artistic endeavor was Dr. Bhoomika Ananth, widely recognized by her artistic name Creatibeeti, who mobilized an impressive team of 75 volunteers to bring the vision to life. What began as a plan focused exclusively on cricket icons quickly evolved into a more inclusive representation of Indian sports.
"We initially thought we'd focus only on cricket, but it didn't feel right to stop there," Bhoomika explained. "We wanted to celebrate all kinds of sports and people who've outshined themselves—like PV Sindhu, Neeraj Chopra and Sunil Chhetri."
A Three-Hour Artistic Marathon
The ambitious project was completed in just over three hours, with the mural springing to life in bold yellows, reds, and blues that perfectly captured the energy, determination, and joy inherent in competitive sports. The vibrant color palette created a dynamic visual experience that mirrored the adrenaline and passion of athletic competition.
A central visual element of the artwork was the Kannada phrase 'Aadu Atta Aadu', a popular local expression celebrating the spirit of play. This inclusion reinforced the fundamental idea of sport as a shared, joyful experience that transcends boundaries and brings communities together.
Special Tributes and Personal Connections
One of the most emotionally resonant sections of the mural featured a heartfelt tribute to Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, the vice-captain and captain of India's triumphant women's cricket team. Their World Cup victory, which occurred around the same time as the mural's creation, added profound emotional weight and contemporary relevance to the artwork.
Among the male cricketers represented, the artistic team chose to feature KL Rahul, acknowledging his personal connection to the neighborhood and creating a localized element within the broader national celebration.
The Vision Behind the Colors
The shades of blue that flowed throughout the mural added intensity and movement, creating a visual rhythm that echoed the flow of competitive sports. For Bhoomika Ananth, however, the project represented something much deeper than simply painting faces on a wall.
With several additional public art projects already in the pipeline, the artist reiterated her broader artistic mission: "My aim has always been to bring the public back into public art." This philosophy underscores her commitment to creating accessible, community-oriented artwork that engages citizens directly with their urban environment.
Beyond the Brushstrokes
The Jayamahal Park mural represents more than just artistic achievement—it stands as a testament to community collaboration and the unifying power of sports. By bringing together 75 volunteers from diverse backgrounds to celebrate athletes from various disciplines, the project created a microcosm of the very unity it sought to depict.
This public art initiative demonstrates how creative expression can capture national moments while simultaneously creating lasting community landmarks. The mural's location in a public park ensures that it remains accessible to all, inviting ongoing engagement and appreciation from Bengaluru's residents and visitors alike.
As India continues to celebrate its sporting achievements on the global stage, projects like this Bengaluru mural serve as important reminders of the cultural significance of athletics and the power of community art to memorialize collective pride and achievement.
