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.

Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna manifested as a seven-year-old child or balak, is a frequently painted figure in Pichwai paintings.

Materials Required:

• 10 inch diameter round MDF Board/ 10*10 inch round canvas or square Canvas/ A3 size 400 gsm paper.
• Primer/Gesso/White acrylic color
• Acrylic paints
• Pearl Metallic Golden color
• Round brushe no – 00, 01, 02, 04, 06
• Flat brush – 04, 06
• Color Palette
• 3D Outliner (shade – Pearl Metallic Gold)
• Glass color (Green and Red)
• Dot painting Tool
• Water and rough cloth