Mata Durga Depicted in Mata Ni Pachedi / Medium- Natural Colors / Picture Source- Gaatha.com
An Interaction with
Mata Ni Pachedi: The Sacred Backdrop of Maa Durga
and Artisan- Jayanti Bhai Chitara.
The world of art is vast, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Among the many traditional art forms of India, “Mata Ni Pachedi” stands out as a unique and sacred textile art form from Gujarat. It is not just a piece of fabric; it is a devotional offering, a storytelling medium, and a cultural treasure. My journey of discovering this art form was not just an exploration of colors and patterns but also a deep dive into spirituality, tradition, and the lives of the artisans who keep this craft alive.
The Beginning of the Journey:
My first encounter with “Mata Ni Pachedi” was during my college time at the Faculty of Visual Arts, Banaras Hindu University). Back then, it was just another subject in the curriculum, something I studied to score marks in exams without truly understanding its significance. I learned about various textile crafts, but my focus was more on grades than on the stories behind these art forms. Two years later, when I joined National Institute of Design for my Post graduation, my perspective began to change. One day, while passing through the textile dyeing department, I noticed a group of students excitedly participating in a workshop. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to join them. There, I met Jayanti Bhai Chitara, a humble artisan from Vasana village, near to Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, who was conducting the workshop. His simple appearance and passionate explanation about the craft immediately caught my attention. As he spoke in a mix of Gujarati and Hindi, I suddenly remembered my B.H.U. days when our faculty, Mr. Anjan Chakraborty , had briefly introduced us to Mata Ni Pachedi. Back then, it was just a lecture, but now, standing in front of Jayanti Bhai, I felt a deep urge to learn more about this art form.
The Artisan and His Craft:
I started the conversation casually, asking Jayanti Bhai to tell me about himself and the craft. He introduced himself as a third-generation artisan from Vasana, a small village near Paldi, Ahmedabad. His family had been practicing this art for generations, and his workshop was also his home, where his entire family lived and worked together. His son Kirit Chitara and Vishal Chitara are also involved in this art. When I asked about the craft, he explained that “Mata Ni Pachedi” literally means “behind the mother goddess”, is a sacred textile art used as a backdrop for the idol of “Maa Durga” during Navaratri. It is a devotional cloth that depicts the goddess and her various forms, surrounded by devotees, animals, and nature. People of the Vaghari community of Gujarat were not allowed to enter in temple, and then they made their own depictions of the Mother Goddess on cloth, This is the story, believed to be the origin of Mata Ni Pachedi.
Jayanti Bhai briefly explained the process of creating Mata Ni Pachedi, but realizing the depth of my interest, he invited me to his workshop to learn more. He said, “Vikram Bhai, ghar pe aa jao, sab kuch detail mein bataunga” (Come home, and I’ll explain everything in detail).
A Visit to the Workshop:A few days later, I got the opportunity to visit Jayanti Bhai’s workshop with a senior from same department. The senior had received a call from Mr. Anjan Chakaborty, our former faculty, who wanted to purchase some Mata Ni Pachedi pieces for his personal collection. We went to Vasana, and what I saw there, left me in awe. Jayanti Bhai’s workshop was a small, humble space filled with fabrics, natural dyes, and wooden blocks. He welcomed us warmly, offering tea and snacks, and then began explaining the intricate process of creating Mata Ni Pachedi.
The Making of Mata Ni Pachedi :
Mata Ni Pachedi in process / Medium- Natural Colors / Picture Source- https://artsandculture.google.com/
The process of creating Mata Ni Pachedi is a labor of love, requiring skill, patience, and devotion. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of Jayanti Bhai’s explanation how this sacred art form comes to life:
1. Preparation of the Fabric:The base fabric, usually cotton or muslin, is washed and treated to remove impurities. It is then soaked in a solution of water and “Harda” (Myrobalan), a natural mordant that helps fix the dyes.
2. Design Creation:The design is first sketched on paper or directly drawn onto the fabric using a bamboo pen or brush. Traditional motifs include the central figure of the goddess, surrounded by devotees, animals, trees, and other symbolic elements.
3. Block Printing (if applicable):In some cases, wooden blocks carved with traditional motifs, are used to print the outlines of the design onto the fabric. These blocks are dipped in natural dyes and pressed onto the fabric to create the base design.
4. Hand Painting:The outlines of the design are carefully painted using a bamboo pen or brush. Natural dyes are used, with black being the most common color for outlines. The black dye is typically made from iron rust, Jaggery and water. Red, another prominent color, is derived from Alum and Tamarind seed (Imali ke beej) and Alizarin powder.
5. Filling in Colors:After the outlines are complete, the colors are filled in by hand. The red and black colors dominate, but other natural dyes like yellow (from turmeric) and green (from indigo mixed with pomegranate) are also used.
6. Drying and Fixing the Dyes:Once the painting is complete, the fabric is dried in the sun. To fix the colors, the fabric is boiled in a solution of water and Alizarin, which helps the dyes bond permanently to the fabric.
7. Washing and Finishing:The fabric is washed thoroughly to remove any excess dye or impurities. After drying, the final piece is ready for use as a temple hanging, ceremonial cloth, or decorative artwork.
The Symbolism of Mata Ni Pachedi:
Bahuchar Mata / Medium- Natural Color / Image Source- Pinterest
Hadkai Mata
Mata Ni Pachedi is not just a textile art form; it is a spiritual and cultural expression. The central figure of the goddess is surrounded by devotees, animals, and nature, creating a narrative that tells the story of her power and protection. The use of natural dyes adds to the eco-friendly and sustainable nature of this art form.
During Navratri, the nine forms of “Maa Durga” (Navadurga) are often depicted in Mata Ni Pachedi. Each form represents a different aspect of the goddess, symbolizing power, protection, and divine energy. Here are the nine forms of Mata Durga and how they might be represented in Mata Ni Pachedi:
1. Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountains):
- Depiction: Shailaputri is shown riding a bull, holding a trident (trishul) and a lotus.
- Symbolism: She represents purity and the power of nature.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted as the first form, symbolizing the beginning of the Navaratri festival.
- Depiction: Brahmacharini is portrayed walking barefoot, holding a rosary (japa mala) and a water pot (kamandal).
- Symbolism: She signifies penance, devotion, and spiritual growth.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often shown in a meditative pose, surrounded by devotees or natural elements like trees and rivers.
- Depiction: Chandraghanta is depicted with a crescent moon-shaped bell (ghanta) on her forehead, riding a tiger or lion.
- Symbolism: She represents bravery and peace.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often shown with weapons in her hands, symbolizing protection and strength.
- Depiction: Kushmanda is shown with eight or ten arms, holding weapons, a rosary, and a lotus. She rides a lion.
- Symbolism: She is associated with the creation of the universe and cosmic energy.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted surrounded by celestial elements like the sun, moon, and stars.
- Depiction: Skandamata is shown holding her son Skanda (Kartikeya) on her lap, seated on a lotus.
- Symbolism: She represents motherly love and protection.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted with devotees or children, symbolizing fertility and nurturing.
- Depiction: Katyayani is shown with four arms, holding a sword, lotus, and blessings (mudras), riding a lion.
- Symbolism: She embodies courage and the destruction of evil.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted in a fierce form, surrounded by warriors or demons being vanquished.
- Depiction: Kalaratri is shown with a dark complexion, riding a donkey, and holding a sword and a fiery weapon.
- Symbolism: She represents the destruction of ignorance and evil forces.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted in a terrifying form, with flames and dark backgrounds, symbolizing her fierce nature.
- Depiction: Mahagauri is shown wearing white clothes, holding a trident and a drum (Damaru), riding a bull.
- Symbolism: She symbolizes purity, peace, and forgiveness.
- In Mata Ni Pachedi: She is often depicted in a serene and calm posture, surrounded by devotees offering prayers.
- Depiction: Siddhidatri is shown seated on a lotus or lion, holding a mace, discus, conch shell, and lotus.
- Symbolism: She represents the fulfillment of spiritual and material desires.
- In Mata ni Pachedi: She is often depicted surrounded by sages, devotees, and celestial beings, symbolizing divine blessings.
Except these nine form of Maa Durga other Devi Mata’s painting are also made by this family, likeBahuchara, Meldi Maa, Vishvambhari, Vishat Mata, Vahanvati, Khodiyaar, Chamunda, 64 Yogini, 108- avatar of Maa Durga, and 10- Mahavidya.
The Legacy Continues:
Jayanti Bhai’s sons, Kirit Chitara and Vishal Chitara are now carrying forward this family legacy. They are the next generation of artisans, taking this craft to new heights while maintaining the same quality and devotion that has been passed down through generations.
Mata Ni Pachedi is more than just a textile; it is a sacred art form that connects the divine with the earthly. It is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat and the devotion of the Vaghri community. Through the hands of artisans like Jayanti Bhai and his family and other families, this ancient craft continues to thrive, telling the stories of the goddess and inspiring generations to come. And also I understand the Garba dance during the Navaratri in Gujarat, it presents very similar visuals like- main Idol in center and people dances around that Idol.
As I left Jayanti Bhai’s workshop that day, I carried with me not just a piece of Mata Ni Pachedi but also a deeper appreciation for the art, the artisans, and the stories they paints into every part of canvas. My interaction with Jayanti Bhai and his family was not just an exploration of an art form but also a lesson in humility, dedication, and the power of tradition. Every piece of Mata Ni Pachedi is a testament to the skill and spirituality of its creators.
References: for additional information and images:
gaatha.com, google.com, pinterest.com, gujarattourism.com
by Vikram Charan Singh
(Assistant Professor, IICD)
The world of art is vast, diverse, and deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Among the many traditional art forms of India, “Mata Ni Pachedi” stands out as a unique and sacred textile art form from Gujarat.
