Are you wondering what kind of art is Mata Ni Pachedi In Gujarat? In this blog, we will explore Mata Ni Pachedi, a traditional art form that originated from Gujarat, which is considered to be the pride of the “nomadic Vaghari community”. Mata ni pachedi basically means “behind the mother goddess”, and is a regional cloth painting, specifically designed to worship the deity.
Originating about 3,000 years ago, Mata Ni Pachedi was created by villagers from lower castes, residing along the Sabarmati riverbank, who were not permitted to enter the temples. In order to honour their deities, they started crafting these cloth paintings as a form of devotion and faithfulness.
What Kind Of Art Is Mata Ni Pachedi In Gujarat?
Traditionally, Mata Ni Pachedi paintings were utilised as canopies as well as backdrops in temporary wooden temples. They delineate a series of events from mythological texts, which are pretty similar to the cultural art forms of South India and Rajasthan. The Gujarati regional theme makes them unique, and they prominently feature goddesses like Durga, Amba & other regional deities, accentuating their powerful existents.
A Masterpiece Of Vahanati Mata
One of the exceptional examples of Mata Ni Pachedi is the Vahanati Mata painting, which stands eight feet tall and is designed with traditional motifs. The central figure of Mata Vahanati sits under a structured dome, representing mother nature. The bright red canvas is painted utilising natural dyes, obtained from plants & flowers, displaying the intricate & beautiful technique of local artists in Gujarat.
The foreground demonstrates aquatic life, while the corners at the top feature a sun & moon. It includes scenes from the Ramayana, like Rama & Lakshmana following a deer, Ravana lifting Mata Sita, and Hanuman carrying the mountain of herbs. All these scenarios are intricately illustrated, creating a narrative rich in religious and cultural symbolism.
The Visat Mata Painting
Another remarkable work is the Visat Mata painting, created on a 5-foot cotton canvas. This Mata Ni Pachedi painting is admired as “Durga Mahishasura Mardini" because of the similarity in iconography. The mystical dark background brings out the vibrant motifs and patterns, which symbolise health, fertility and abundance, and highlights the spiritual essence of the goddess.
In Conclusion
Mata Ni Pachedi can be said to be the heart of the Vaghri community, which holds the cultural history of Gujarat in exquisite detail. Today, Mata Ni Pachedi keeps on inspiring modern décor via wall hangings and garments. We can preserve the legacy of this outstanding folk art by placing an order for stunning collections of traditional Mata Ni Pachedi paintings from Prosperity Mirra and experience the cultural richness of India!
