Madhubani art is something that excites me since childhood. Although there are many types of folk arts in Bihar including Patna’s Kalamkari, Worli paintings and many more, but Madhubani painting is something that always excites me with its intricate motifs.

From dreaming to visit the origin of it to wishing to wear saree with the art, I stored the essence of it in my heart. I belong to South west of Bihar, where I can only praise it by hearing about it but I never saw how it is done. These things made me a person who always wanted to explore the Madhubani district that is nestled in North region of Bihar.

Things changed, we grew up but still I did not find an opportunity to explore north Bihar. However, I visited some of the districts of it, where Madhubani art is done with very fine details. It is an exciting experience for an aesthete person. Hence, with the purpose of explaining the motifs and patterns of painting, I captured some Mithila arts in my lens. Here, explore the article to get to know about this art –

A Folk tale of Fertility, Beauty, and Nature

This wall painting brings together three symbolic elements: Women, a tree, and a peacock. Each of them holds a deep cultural meaning in Mithila tradition.

• Women in art: The women carrying harvested crops represent fertility, prosperity, and the nurturing role of female. The crops on their head symbolizes abundance and sustenance, showing the connection between human and nature. Their red dress in Mithila art, stands for Power, fertility, passion, and auspiciousness.
• The tree: The large tree has a significant meaning in Madhubani art. It represents growth, protection, and continuity of life. The spreading branches signify shelter and connection of all beings. The black trunk shows strength and endurance, while the green leaves indicate renewal and hope.
• The peacock: The peacock is a sacred and divine bird in Indian culture. It is connected to beauty, love, prosperity, and spirituality. Its placement under the tree shows harmony between nature and living beings. The vibrant colours of the feathers express joy, festivity, and cosmic beauty.

Sacred union: Shiva and Parvati in Mithila colours

This is a beautiful painting that carries the essence of cosmos energies that is deeply rooted in Mithila culture and of course in Sanatana.

• Central Figures – Shiva and Parvati: The two central figures are Mahadeva and Mahashakti, depicted in their divine union. They symbolize cosmic balance, marital harmony, fertility, and eternal love. Further, Their holding of Trishul represents power and divinity.
• The sacred circle: The entire scene is enclosed in a floral circle, which in Madhubani signifies wholeness, eternity, and the cosmic cycle of life. Further, the leaves and flowers surrounding them symbolize prosperity, growth, and fertility.
• Shiva’s symbol: Nandi, on the left side, represents devotion. Moreover, the Shivling with snake is a symbol of infinity, creation, and divine energy.
• Colours: Red background depicts power and energy. Yellow represents Purity and enlightenment. Furthermore, Green represents life and nature. Blue shows cosmic vastness and destruction of evil.

Chhath spirit on canvas: Worship of Surya Dev:

Let’s decode this beautiful painting that I capture at the Kali ghat of Patna city.

• The Sun: The large red sun with a human-like face represents Surya Dev, the Sun god. In Mithila tradition, the Sun is worshipped as the giver of life, energy, and prosperity. His mustache and intense eyes symbolize power, authority, and masculinity. The rays around him signify eternal light and cosmic energy.
• The woman offering Arghya: The woman is performing a ritual offering called Arghya to the sun. She is carrying a basket in her hand containing water, flowers, or fruits – these are the traditional offerings. This represents devotion, gratitude, and prayers for well-being. It echoes the practice of Chhath Puja, a festival deeply rooted in Bihar.
• The Bird: The bird flying near the Sun symbolizes communication between heaven and Earth. Birds in Madhubani represents freedom of the soul and divine messengers.
• The Snail: The snail in water signifies slow but steady life, patience, and the connection of water and Earth.

There are lots of deep meaning in every painting. Keep reading and exploring the folk arts of Bihar.

Happy Reading 🙂