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Murti Kala ~Wooden craft Varanasi

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 12:25:31 +0000

The wooden craft ( Wooden toys ) of Varanasi are widely known for their finely carved and painted forms. Referred to as Murti Kala by local artisans, they were originally created for pilgrims. These toys are crafted in artisan clusters around Kashmiriganj in Varanasi and are later painted by potters from the Prajapati community. They often depict animals, folk figures, deities, and scenes from rural life.

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Phad Painting ~ Bhilwara

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:27:45 +0000

In the Rajasthani dialect, “Phad” carries the meaning of a fold. The smaller version of Phad painting is referred to as “Phadhye.” The intricate narratives and vibrant colours of Phad paintings contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan, showcasing the fusion of visual and performing arts in this traditional form.

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Thangka painting~Laddakh

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 10:26:07 +0000

Thangkas are religious painted scrolls depicting Buddhist deities, traditionally done on cloth. Over the years, techniques like embroidery and applique have been added. They are believed to be pictures of the spiritual worlds. Thangka is a traditional form of Buddhist art with Tibetan, Indian, Chinese, and Nepalese influences. Hence there are different schools and styles. Various factors determine this – geography, availability of raw materials, socio-cultural influences and the schools of Buddhism they follow.

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Rath making~Puri

Gaatha A tale of crafts — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:02:33 +0000

The religious and festive fervor of the devotees reciting the name of Lord Jagannath syncs perfectly with the clinking of the bronze temple bells as thousands of people gather around the majestic and breathtakingly enormous chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings at the Puri Rath Yatra. These Raths imbibe the magic and magnificence of the state of Odisha. Every single part of these raths is carved, created and designed with labour of several carpenters, blacksmiths, tailors, and painters who work on these chariots for 58 days. The bright reds, yellows, and greens on the chariots are contrasted with the subdued hues of black and blue. Streaks of floral prints, temple designs and simple lines are drawn onto the wheels and bodies of the chariot. The flower garlands and Chumki thermocol flowers further add to
the grandeur of the chariot. In itself, the Rath of Puri is a cultural icon and emblem of the state of Odisha and its religious sentiments.

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