Pithora Painting : GI Tag
The Pithora painting, a centuries-old wall art tradition of Gujarat’s Rathwa tribal community, recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- Pithora Painting 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 home 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.
- Traditionally executed by specialist ritual painters known as Lakharas, under the guidance of a priest called Badwa.
- Traditionally, walls are prepared by applying a mixture of cow dung and clay.
- 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.
