Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the 8th Edition of PM Mementos e-Auction on September 16, 2026, in the presence of Shri Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture. The e-auction will commence from September 17, 2026, through the official portal www.pmmementos.gov.in, offering 1,498 mementos that represent India's rich cultural heritage, artistic traditions, traditional craftsmanship, cultural practices, spiritual traditions, and sporting achievements.
The collection features distinct pan-India character with significant state-wise representation from West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha. The edition includes 50 identified Hero Objects, with notable items including a Silver Memento of Lord Ram from Karnataka (base price ₹13.50 lakh), Silver Replica of Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (base price ₹9 lakh), Framed Tree of Life Gond Art Painting (base price ₹7.50 lakh), Jagannath Parivar on Chariot (base price ₹6 lakh), and 99.99 Fine Gold-Plated Framed Radha Krishna Artwork (base price ₹5.40 lakh).
Proceeds from the auction will be transferred towards the Namami Gange Programme, creating a connection between cultural heritage and the national mission for River Ganga's rejuvenation and conservation. The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Culture, has coordinated documentation, exhibition, and operational aspects with support from NIC for technical and portal-related support, concerned authorities for evaluation and valuation, SBI for payment gateway support, and a designated Fine Art Handling Agency for packing and delivery.
An accompanying exhibition will enable public viewing of mementos before participating in the e-auction, allowing appreciation of India's traditional crafts, artistic practices, and cultural expressions. The initiative provides transparent public access to these cultural artifacts while supporting environmental conservation efforts.