Eastern Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
Pithora Paintings
"Sacred murals where prayers meet pigment"
History & Origins
Pithora paintings are ritual art created by the Rathwa and Bhilala tribal communities of eastern Gujarat and western Madhya Pradesh. Unlike decorative wall art, Pithora is a votive painting — commissioned as a fulfillment of a wish granted by the deity Pithoro (also called Babo Pithoro). A designated artist (Lakhara) performs the painting as a ritual ceremony lasting several days, accompanied by music and communal feasting.
Cultural Significance
Pithora is unique because it is inseparable from its ritual context. The paintings are not made to be admired but to communicate with the divine — depicting the deity riding a horse, surrounded by animals and scenes of village life. Each painting is a complete cosmological map of the community's world. It received GI recognition and is increasingly featured in contemporary art contexts.
Where to find it today
Practiced in tribal villages of the Chhota Udaipur district (Gujarat) and Jhabua district (Madhya Pradesh). Artists like Sher Singh Shyam have brought Pithora to urban galleries and international audiences.
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