Abstract

Folk art represents the cultural expressions of communities across generations encompassing traditional crafts music dance storytelling and visual practices deeply embedded in local heritage. In the face of globalization urbanization and digitalization folk art serves as a critical medium for preserving cultural memory and identity. This paper examines the role of folk art in preserving cultural heritage with a particular focus on India’s diverse traditions such as Madhubani painting Warli art Pattachitra Kalighat painting and tribal performances. It explores how folk art functions as a repository of collective memory transmits cultural values and sustains indigenous knowledge systems. Case studies highlight efforts by artists NGOs and government initiatives to revive folk traditions and integrate them into contemporary platforms. While folk art ensures continuity of heritage it also faces challenges including commercialization cultural homogenization and decline in intergenerational t