Pichwai Paintings

 Indian Art Form of Pichwai Paintings

Rajasthan is known worldwide for its rich heritage and culture of India worldwide. Amongst the popular Indian art form paintings are pichwai.  The revival of pichwai has led to a rise in demand for pichwai paintings online. The art form of pichwai is mostly found in the Nathdwara temple located on the banks of Banas River in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. 

The place is known as a major pilgrimage destination and home to Shrinathji which represent Lord Krishna as a child lifting the Mount Govardhana like an umbrella to protect the people from the wrath of Indra, the lord of rains. This is one of the most popular incidents that can be seen described in Pichwai paintings online.
Pichwai, the Indian art form paintings were used as beautiful backdrops for temples in Nathdwara. The word Pichwai evolved from Sanskrit words "pitch" and "wais" which imply "back" and "hanging" respectively.
Pichwai paintings are intricate paintings, which show Lord Krishna in different moods, body postures, and attire. Traditional Pichhwai was done on starched handspun clothes with natural colors using the brushes made of horse, goat or squirrel hairs. The traditional methods have been replaced by the use of faster and less expensive materials.
As one of the most ancient art forms, Pichwai has been passed from generation to generation. Pichwai art is difficult and time consuming leading the younger generations to switch towards the embossed painting art form for survival. Quality and good Pichwai painting takes around 3 to 9 months to get finished.

Considered as an offering to the deity, Pichwai paintings are used to adorn the walls of the temple behind the idol of Shrinathji. Due to photography being prohibited inside the temple premises, the Pichwai painters have now begun to create smaller paintings representing the idol of Shrinathji in the same style for the devotees who want to capture an image of their lord. The practice also provides business to the painters.
Pichwai paintings are also made depending upon the occasion, season or festival. Adhering to the concept of pichwai paintings, one can notice that the paintings depicting summertime showcase pink lotuses whereas the paintings depicting winter season have a complex depiction of jamawar pattern representing the warmth required in the season.
The Indian art form of pichwai paintings are based on themes such as Raas Leela, Holi, Annakut (Govardhan Puja). The paintings for Sharad Purnima shows the bright full moon in the night while the art representing Annakut presents the deity in a silver outfit, decorated with pearls and Zardari work.
Pichhwai paintings have become the main export from Nathdwara as they are in much demand among foreign visitors due to which customized Pichhwai paintings are also available. One can even avail pichwai paintings online.

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