A glimpse into Pithora's history
Believed to have originated from prehistoric times approximately 3000 years ago, the Pithora was found in the form of cave paintings. Archaeological findings have rendered Pithora its current legitimacy. The paintings take their name from the tribal deity by the same name who is feared and revered in equal measures. The Rathwa tribe of the area has a special and ancient connect to Pithora; Pithora painting adorning their home is a matter of pride and prestige for them.
The legend surrounding the art form goes something like this. There once came a time when the earth suffered from droughts and the living greatly suffered. To overcome these hardships, a devotee undertook a vow to please Baba Pithora, the chief god of the Rathwa tribe, also known as Lok Dev. A boon was granted to the devotee – Rains lashed and the earth became lush green, which rid the land of its troubles. The devotee then fulfilled a series of rituals, a key one being the painting of Pithora on the walls of his home. The ritualistic painting became a part of the folk culture. It began to be practiced with deep spirituality.
Devoutness amidst quietude
Even today, Pithora is performed to seek the blessing of the supernatural Pithora Dev, praying for his generosity and protection. Typically, men of the Rathwa tribe paint the Pithora with remarkable sincerity and faith, the art thus created believed to be a living entity in their homes. The people believe that the ritual appeases their god, and brings their families peace and prosperity.
A thrilling adventure awaits
In a place where such faith and devotion is practiced, it is no surprise that the nature too smiles in its plentiful abundance. Stunning landscapes of dense forests, lush green hills, and sparkling rivers – it is the land of the natives, their deities and their tribal customs. Amidst this untainted natural beauty stand the historic palaces and temples.
These sceneries of natural bliss and mythic roots is perhaps the inspiration behind the depictions of Pithora paintings. The characters of Pithora are gods, goddesses and ancestors on horses. Specifically painted by the Lakhara (painter), the brushes for Pithora art are made from bamboo shoots or bawal tree twigs. Dried vegetables and mineral sources are used to form natural colours the most commonly used being red, green, light blue, saffron, parrot green, cobalt, deep orange, white, black and silver. Dry coloured powder is mixed in cow's or goat's milk and then distilled with a strain of mahudo (local liquor). The colourful strokes of Pithora feature characters from its collection of about 165 motifs depicting gods, humans, animals and nature.
