Madhubani Paintings – Colorful Folk Art Of Mithila

Mithila or Madhubani painting is a style of Indian art practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar and the adjoining parts of Terai in Nepal. Madhubani art is believed to date back to the times of Ramayan. It is believed that King Janak asked artists to capture Sita’s wedding to Ram in Madhubani painting work.
These paintings were done traditionally by the women on freshly plastered mud walls and floors of huts all over the Mithila region. There are paintings for every occasion and festival such as birth, marriage, Holi, Surya shasti, Kali puja, Durga puja, and the sacred thread ceremony.
Madhubani paintings use two-dimensional imagery and plant-based colors. Cotton wrapped around a bamboo stick forms the brush. Black color is obtained by mixing soot with cow dung; yellow,  from turmeric or pollen or lime, mixed with the milk of banyan leaves; blue from indigo; red from the kusam flower juice or red sandalwood; green from the leaves of the wood apple tree; white from rice powder; orange from Palash flowers. The colors are applied flat with no shading.
Figures from nature and mythology are adapted to suit their painting style. Hindu deities such as Rama, Krishna, Siva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati are predominant. Other themes include Sun, Moon, the Tulsi plant, court scenes, weddings, and social happenings.  Floral, animal, bird motifs, geometrical designs are used to fill gaps. The skill is handed down the generations, and hence the traditional designs and patterns are widely maintained.

Madhubani art has different styles namely Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, Khobar.

First, the main theme is painted and any space left is filled with flowers, leaves, or any other geometrical design. The main theme and fillers are drawn within a decorated border of various shapes.

 Since Madhubani paintings have been admired by many art lovers globally, permanent colors are used to create designs on canvas, fabrics, wall hangings, and others.