History: A 400-year-old art form that originated in the holy town of Nathdwara near Udaipur, Rajasthan, Pichwai have delighted art connoisseurs for centuries. Intricately painted and visually stunning, they narrate tales from Lord Krishna’s life.

The style of painting was born when the Pushti Marg sect, founded by Shri Vallabhacharya in the 16th century, started creating pictorial illustrations on cloth and hung them behind the idol of Lord Krishna at the Temple of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, as part of their elaborate rituals of temple decoration. The name ‘Pichwai’ literally defines its meaning, with ‘pichh’ meaning back and ‘wai’ meaning textile hanging.

Pichwais essentially depict the Lord in various ‘leelas’ with the moon, lotus blooms, peacocks, parrots or cows; and are set in the lush vegetation the artists find aplenty in their surroundings.

Cows are an important part of Hindu mythology and play a significant role in the story of Krishna (worshipped as Srinathji in Nathdwara in Rajasthan) and they therefore form an integral part of many Pichwai Paintings.

Materials Required:

• 300 gsm paper
• Pencil and eraser
• Acrylic / Poster color
• Pearl Metallic Golden color
• Brushes
• Color Palette
• Pearl Metallic Gold 3D cone liner (optional)
• Water and rough cloth