Pithora Painting
Folk Painting
History
Pithora painting, predominant in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, is a ritualistic wall art practiced by the Rathwa community. Created as an offering of gratitude, it depicts gods like Baba Dev, Baba Pithora, and Pithora Dev. The art narrates legends and myths, with the “Marriage of Pithora” being particularly significant. Common motifs include long-necked horses, kings, farmers, and animals. These paintings, often placed at entrances, are believed to ward off misfortune.
Raw Materials and Tools
The tools and raw materials are simple and locally available. The brush used for painting was prepared by chewing or beating the ends of a bamboo stick or twig. A mixture of cow dung and mud, chalk powder, rangoli colour powder, local alcohol (mahuda), milk, and kesura leaf are used at different steps during the process.
Process
Pithora painting utilizes locally available tools and raw materials. Brushes are crafted by chewing or beating bamboo twigs. The wall is plastered with cow dung and mud, then coated with chalk powder in a process called lipna. Colors are made by mixing rangoli powder with local alcohol (mahuda) and milk on a kesura leaf. The lakhara (painter) prepares a sacred space, while the Badva (priest) chants. The ritual concludes with a sacrifice, singing, and dancing.
Design and Color
Pithora paintings feature deeply symbolic motifs, each placed with ritualistic intent. The sun and moon adorn the top, while Raja Bhoj appears at the bottom. The central focus is Baba Pithora and Rani Pithori, deities linked to household and cattle welfare. Other key figures include Rani Kajal (foster mother), Kali Koyal (biological mother), Baba Indra (maternal uncle), and Raja Bhoj (king). Scenes of Ganesh, Walan (rain god), farmers, animals, and village life enrich the narrative.
Product Range
Pithora paintings primarily adorn home entrances and sacred walls, depicting deities, animals, and village life for spiritual blessings. Traditionally large-scale murals, they now extend to canvas artworks, decorative panels, and framed pieces—blending cultural storytelling with modern aesthetics while preserving the Rathwa community’s rich heritage and ritualistic significance.
Additional Information
