Pithora

Pithora is a highly enriched and traditional folk art from Gujarat. It is a ritualistic painting practised by the Rathwa community. Generally, Pithora is done on the walls of houses and also represented as painting on canvas. It is part of a ritual performed by the community to complete vows to gain the boon of the chief god of the Rathvas – Baba Pithora. Pithora, practised by the Rathwa tribe, depicts different hues of tribal life. Pithora dev, ancestors, ghosts and other minor deities are generally made on the walls of tribal houses on auspicious occasions followed by ritual performances and sometimes by a sacrifice performed by bhuvas – the priests. These lakhara-painters traditionally trained and developed the form and painting style. Usually, Pithora is done on the walls outside homes to appease god for peace, prosperity and the eradication of obstacles from the lives of tribes. Having a Pithora in the homes is a matter of pride and prestige for the Rathwa community.