india - gujarat
Pithora paintings of the Rathwa people in Narukot village.
Pithora is a highly ritualistic painting done on the walls by several tribes like Rathwas, Bhilals, and Naykas, who live in the central Gujarat, ninety kilometers from Vadodara. In Vadodara district, lives a large population of these tribes where we find Pithora painting
on three inner walls of the house. These paintings have significance in their lives and executing the Pithora paintings in their homes brings peace, prosperity and happiness.
The main group of tribes who practice this art of Pithora paintings are the Rathwas. These people are extremely simple and highly religious. For them the presence of their God Pithora Baba, is extremely important. He is one of the most revered of the Rathwa Gods. They spend a huge amount of money on the painting. Only males from the tribe
is allowed to learn the art. He is included in the group and starts learning the art by doing the simple jobs like filling up colours. Slowly with the guidance of his seniors he develops his talent. Women are not allowed to practice this art form.
Pithora paintings are more of a ritual than an art form. These rituals are performed either to thank God or for a wish of a boon to be granted. The Badwa or the head priest of the tribe is summoned and the problems are narrated. These problems can vary from dying cattle, to unwell children in the family. The concerned person is given a solution and if asked, by the Badwa, to perform the ritual and the painting. The presence of Pithora Baba is considered as a solution to all the problems.
india - gujarat
Pithora paintings of the Rathwa people in Narukot village.
Pithora is a highly ritualistic painting done on the walls by several tribes like Rathwas, Bhilals, and Naykas, who live in the central Gujarat, ninety kilometers from Vadodara. In Vadodara district, lives a large population of these tribes where we find Pithora painting
on three inner walls of the house. These paintings have significance in their lives and executing the Pithora paintings in their homes brings peace, prosperity and happiness.
The main group of tribes who practice this art of Pithora paintings are the Rathwas. These people are extremely simple and highly religious. For them the presence of their God Pithora Baba, is extremely important. He is one of the most revered of the Rathwa Gods. They spend a huge amount of money on the painting. Only males from the tribe
is allowed to learn the art. He is included in the group and starts learning the art by doing the simple jobs like filling up colours. Slowly with the guidance of his seniors he develops his talent. Women are not allowed to practice this art form.
Pithora paintings are more of a ritual than an art form. These rituals are performed either to thank God or for a wish of a boon to be granted. The Badwa or the head priest of the tribe is summoned and the problems are narrated. These problems can vary from dying cattle, to unwell children in the family. The concerned person is given a solution and if asked, by the Badwa, to perform the ritual and the painting. The presence of Pithora Baba is considered as a solution to all the problems.