Coloured with the Devotion of Chhath Puja: Bihar’s Madhubani Art
By Priyanka Tripathi
Madhubani painting, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, is a timeless art form that narrates stories of nature, mythology, and devotion, deeply rooted in the cultural heart of Bihar’s Mithila region. According to legend, it originated around 7,000 years ago when King Janaka commissioned artists to celebrate the wedding of his daughter, Sita, to Lord Rama. In the making of a Madhubani painting, the surface is first cleaned and coated with natural clay or mud. Once dried, artists sketch the outlines using rice paste, followed by the application of vibrant natural dyes like turmeric for yellow, indigo for blue, and madder root for red. Brushes crafted from twigs or even fingers are then used to fill in the intricate patterns. Traditional themes often include depictions of the wedding of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, the rasa lila of Lord Krishna and Radha, as well as local rituals and festivals like Madhushrawani, Durga Puja and Naag Panchami. These motifs preserve the unique heritage of Bihar, serving as visual chronicles of the community’s collective memory.
One festival that profoundly influences these artistic expressions is Chhath Puja. This festival unfolds over four days, starting with Nahay Khay, where devotees purify themselves and prepare for the fast, followed by Kharna, a day of fasting and preparing prashad. The last two days are dedicated to offering Arghya to the rising and setting Surya (sun), symbolizing deep gratitude for life’s sustenance and the cyclical rhythms of nature. Central to the ritual observance are acts of devotion to Surya, including holy bathing, fasting, and offering prayers. The festival underscores gratitude for life’s sustenance and highlights the harmonious relationship between humanity and nature’s cycles. Artists often capture the essence of Chhath Puja in their artworks, both on canvas and as wall murals. Surya is depicted with large black eyes, a welcoming smile, and a distinct mustache, representing a circular motif against a vibrant yellow or red background. Surrounding this central figure, intricate floral borders symbolize the energy and vitality that the sun represents. The paintings often show worshippers carrying bamboo baskets filled with seasonal fruits and sweets as they journey to the holy river to offer their prayers. These depictions of humble devotion, with worshippers prostrating themselves before sacred waters, invite viewers to engage with the spirituality of these rituals. The art beautifully captures the harmony between spirituality and daily life, resonating deeply with local and broader audiences.
This art, deeply colored with the devotion of Chhath Puja, not only graces the walls of homes and temples but now finds expression in wearable forms, expanding the reach of Mithila’s cultural heritage. During my field visit to Ranti village in Madhubani district, I had the privilege of meeting Rekha Paswan, an artist who exemplifies this creative shift. Rekha, along with many other artists in the village, is illustrating Chhath motifs on sarees and fabrics, bringing the essence of the festival to a broader canvas. These vibrant sarees, adorned with culturally rich symbols, reflect the dedication of women who, through each stroke, preserve and celebrate their traditions. Crafted from natural cotton, lustrous silk, or textured tussar, these sarees are dyed using earthy pigments derived from natural sources. Colors like ochre, maroon, indigo, and green bring warmth and depth to the fabric, which is prepared with utmost care to ensure that each piece is both a work of devotion and craftsmanship.
Each saree is meticulously hand-painted, featuring symbolic elements central to Chhath Puja. The sun, often depicted with radiant lines extending outward, symbolizes life and spiritual energy, while lotus flowers, representing purity and rebirth, are arranged around the sun motif.
Intricate scenes of women worshippers carrying bamboo baskets and offering Arghya to Surya evoke the sacred rituals of the festival. These wearable artworks encapsulate the spirituality embedded in the Puja, resonating deeply with wearers who connect to the divine through each symbolic pattern.
Through these Chhath-inspired sarees, artists like Rekha Paswan play a crucial role in keeping the essence of Mithila’s heritage alive. The growing interest in wearable Madhubani art speaks to a revival of cultural identity and pride, as these sarees are worn not only in Bihar but across India, offering a tangible link to the spiritual and cultural vibrancy of Chhath Puja and the enduring beauty of Madhubani art.
As this festival approaches, the influence of these rituals extends beyond walls and canvases, with artists incorporating the motifs onto commercial items like handbags, home décor, and tableware. Traditional ritual objects, such as soop (winnowing baskets) and gamcha (towels), are now adorned with these radiant paintings, transforming everyday items into vibrant symbols of cultural pride and devotion. This blend of artistic tradition and modern practicality allows Chhath Puja’s sacred imagery to permeate daily life, keeping the festival’s spirit alive in sacred and secular contexts.
The artists, especially women, who carry on these traditions through their intricate brushstrokes, play a vital role in sustaining Bihar’s cultural heritage while seeking financial independence. By embracing traditional crafts like Madhubani painting, they not only support their families but also ensure the continuity of artistic knowledge for future generations. This balance of honoring tradition while navigating modern economic realities underscores their resilience and ingenuity. The vibrant cultural legacy of Chhath Puja and Mithila art is preserved and celebrated through their work, ensuring that this unique form of artistic expression continues to thrive, deeply intertwined with the identity and spirituality of their community.
