FAMOUS FESTIVALS THAT ARE DEPICTED IN PICHWAI PAINTINGS

The famous Pichwai art is one of the most auspicious forms of Indian art that one can own. A Pichwai painting finds its origins in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and usually depicts the idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a 7-year-old, known as Shrinath Ji. These are intricately done cloth paintings that are used behind the idol of Shrinath Ji and have now made their way into the modern world and into our homes as an art form.

Apart from the idol of Shrinath Ji, famous Pichwai art also depicts motifs that are related to Shrinath Ji himself like lotus, cows, peacocks, and gopis. What is also depicted in these Pichwai artworks are various auspicious festivals related to Lord Krishna. Here are the most reoccurring festivals depicted in Pichwai famous paintings; 
Janmashtami

The most revered and celebrated festival depicted in Pichwais is Janmashtami; Janmashtami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. One of the largest Hindu festivals in India, on this day the idol of Lord Krishna is bathed in milk, curd, ghee, and honey. People pray, fast, and visit Lord Krishna’s temples to offer their prayers.

Usually in famous pichwai art, Shrinath Ji is shown to be in the middle of the painting, dressed elaborately with a peacock feather on his crown. Pichwai paintings that depict the festival of Janmasthami show Shrinath Ji in a cradle while celebrations unfold around him and people surrounding him eagerly to get a glimpse. Most of the Pichwai painting always show the Shrinath Ji durbar being attended by two priests who are offering their prayers and the intended festival or occasion is shown taking place beneath the idol. 
Nand Mahotsav

Nand Mahotsav, another festival that is portrayed in Pichwai most famous artworks, is celebrated the day after Janmashtami. Also known as Nandotsava, this day is considered auspicious as Krishna was brought home by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. On Nand Mahotsav, the Panchamrit Abhisheka and the Maha Aarti are performed in many temples and the idol of Shrinath Ji, as a baby, is placed in a decorated cradle which is worshipped for the rest of the day.

Sometimes the idols of Yashoda and Nanda are also placed next to him. The pichwai style depicting the festival of Nand Mahotsav shows Krishna in a cradle surrounded by his parents, while people celebrate his birth outside. Villagers eager to see him lined up outside their house and Nanda out of happiness distributes sweets, clothes, and ornaments to saints and sages. 
Sharad Purnima

Another festival depicted in Pichwai famous paintings is Sharad Purnima; Sharad Purnima is the first full moon night after the birth of Lord Krishna and it is celebrated as a harvest festival as it indicates the onset of autumn. Typically, a Pichwai painting will depict Shrinath Ji decked up in jewels and dressed in brocade, shining under the light of the glorious full moon depicted on the top of the painting. He is surrounded by people and gopis, who perform Raas Leela on the occasion of a full moon.