New Delhi's ITC Maurya Hotel Honors Renowned Artist Krishen Khanna on His 100th Birthday Celebration
In the heart of New Delhi, the ITC Maurya hotel is home to a remarkable piece of art that has become a beacon of Indian cultural heritage - the monumental mural **"The Great Procession"** by renowned artist Krishen Khanna. This masterpiece, completed in 1979 after more than four years of meticulous work, has captivated visitors with its layered narrative, bold strokes, and immersive composition.
### A Blend of Past and Present "The Great Procession" is a unique fusion of the Mauryan past and contemporary 1980s India, symbolising a rich cultural dialogue between history and modernity. The mural, painted directly onto the curved dome of the hotel's central lobby, is a visually spectacular canvas that enhances its immersive effect.
Khanna's work represents a vivid narrative on the state and fate of humanity, blending historical, political, and spiritual themes. It includes depictions of famous Delhi personalities, such as author Khushwant Singh, and layers of symbolic imagery from generals and politicians negotiating peace to references to Jesus and betrayal.
### A Collaborative Effort The creation of "The Great Procession" was a collaborative artistic effort, with students from Jamia Millia Islamia University lending their skills to the project. Krishen Khanna spearheaded this project and was instrumental in engaging other distinguished artists to contribute to the Mauryan-inspired theme throughout the ITC Maurya, emphasising a collective artistic vision.
### A Tribute to Khanna's Legacy On Krishen Khanna’s 100th birthday in July 2025, ITC Maurya paid homage to this artistic legacy by spotlighting "The Great Procession" through its WelcomArt initiative. This initiative, part of ITC Hotels' Responsible Luxury philosophy, integrates Indian art deeply into its hospitality experience, transcending usual decorative purposes to tell powerful cultural stories.
As stated by Amaan Kidwai, General Manager of ITC Maurya, the hotel is honoured to celebrate Khanna’s centennial beneath this timeless work, which remains a testament to both his artistic genius and the rich heritage of Indian cultural expression.
### ITC Maurya: More Than Just a Luxury Destination ITC Maurya is not just a luxury destination; it is a tribute to the Mauryan Dynasty and Indian art. It showcases one of the world's most beautiful collections of contemporary masterpieces of Indian art by globally renowned Indian artists. By highlighting "The Great Procession," ITC Maurya continues to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian culture and art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts and travellers alike.
The creation of "The Great Procession" was not only Krishen Khanna's work, but a collaborative artistic effort that involved students from Jamia Millia Islamia University, forming a collective artistic vision. ITC Maurya, more than just a luxury destination, showcases one of the world's most beautiful collections of contemporary masterpieces of Indian art, including "The Great Procession" – a tribute to Khanna’s legacy that embodies the rich heritage of Indian cultural expression.
