Under the Latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the ‘Pithora Chitra’ (A ritual Painting on Canvas) ,length 121 cm, breadth 91 cm, collected from 2017, of the Community of Rathwa, Udaipur, Gujarat, was displayed in the audience as the fourth Exhibit of the month of November, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Dr. Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that the vibrant tradition of wall painting among the Rathwa tribe is deeply associated with the appeasement of their Chief God- Baba Pithora. In times of adversity, people take vows to seek blessings from Baba Pithora to get free from their pains and worries. Ritual painting is drawn on the wall to give thanks and appease Baba Pithora to fulfill their vows.
The painting is prepared on the wall to express gratitude to the deity. Pithora painting is distinguished by representing a procession of horses, which symbolise the seven hills surrounding the Rathwas' settlement.
The rectangular peripheral enclosure represents the fence of specified territory, while the wavy line shows the river.
Beside it, the painting depicts surrounding nature, which includes fields, trees, farms, vegetation, and fauna.
The painting is divided into three sections: the upper section depicts images of the sun and moon; the second section depicts images of God and goddesses, as well as Baba Pithora on horses; and the third section depicts daily life activities such as village trade, agricultural practices, women drawing water, churning scene, dance performance, etc.