Shrinathji PichwaiPainting with cows 5×4 feet, handmade on cloth

Pichwai ( Pichhvai ) is a form of art that originated over 400 years ago in the temple town of Nathdwara near Udaipur in Rajasthan. The term “Pichwai”  has come about because these artworks are hung literally “piche” or behind the temple deity and “wai” literally means a textile hanging. The work of Pichwai artists is intricate, detailed and visually stunning. Artists use tools such as brushes made from goat tail hair, coconut shells to hold colours, charcoal made from tamarind twigs and more. Pichwai wall hangings or art on cloth or paper – depict tales from Lord Krishna’s life. Popular themes include Lord Krishna as Shrinathji, the Ras Leela of Krishna and the Gopis, Radha – Krishna , cows and lotus blossoms. Other popular themes include depiction of festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Sharad Purnima, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja.