Pithora Painting

Pithora Painting Latest News

The Pithora painting, a centuries-old wall art tradition of Gujarat’s Rathwa tribal community, recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Pithora Painting

• It is a traditional tribal wall art that has originated in the tribal regions of Gujarat, mainly in Panchmahal and Chhota Udaipur.
• It is done by tribes such as the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala, who hold a strong belief in nature, spirits, and divine powers.
• It holds a long history, and its existence dates back to around the 13th century.
• It is named after Pithora De, who is their tribal god and is associated with marriage, prosperity, and the well-being of the tribe.
• Traditionally, Pithora paintings were created on the walls of homes. The paintings were often commissioned during significant life events, such as weddings, births, and festivals, serving as a means of invoking blessings and protection from deities. 
• Artists: Traditionally executed by specialist ritual painters known as Lakharas, under the guidance of a priest called Badwa. 
• Surface Preparation: Traditionally, walls are prepared by applying a mixture of cow dung and clay. 
• Natural Colors: 
  • Artists use natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and other organic materials to create the colors for their paintings. 
  • Common colors include red, yellow, green, and blue, each derived from specific natural sources. 
• Painters use a combination of bamboo sticks, cotton and wooden stencils to create their art. 
• The paintings show tribal and Hindu deities, horses, animals, and scenes from daily life like farming, hunting, and dancing.
• It  plays a crucial role in preserving tribal stories, beliefs, and customs and helps to teach younger generations about their culture.
• Although it is traditionally practiced only as wall art, today’s generation of pithora painters use paper and canvas that they sell commercially.  
• It has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2026.

News: NM

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