Chitrakathi

"Chitrakathi Paintings," originating from Maharashtra and with a history spanning 300 to 400 years, are a captivating fusion of visual storytelling. The name itself, derived...  Read More

"Chitrakathi Paintings," originating from Maharashtra and with a history spanning 300 to 400 years, are a captivating fusion of visual storytelling. The name itself, derived from "Chitra" (picture) and "Kathi" or "Katha" (story), perfectly encapsulates the essence of these performances, seamlessly blending the art of storytelling with intricate painting. Preserved by the Thakkar tribal community of Maharashtra, this endangered art form unfolds on individual painted sheets, bundled together as "pothis," each bundle weaving a cohesive narrative. These performances typically grace festive occasions at village temples in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The oral narratives, deeply rooted in texts like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, are presented in a Keertan-style, accompanied by folk instruments like the dholki and veena.    Show Less