Dharan (Sunsari), November 28: Rajkumar Bista of Barahkshetra Municipality-5 Kalabanjar of Sunsari has been earning Rs 1.5 million annually by making thangka, a traditional painting based on Buddhist philosophy. He has been making thangka for the past 20 years and has made thangka the main source of income.
He says, “It is like a specific classical painting based on Buddhist philosophy and it is similar to Pauba, a traditional painting of the Newar people. I have been raising household expenses from this. Many pictures are sold in monasteries”, but because there are not many monasteries here, they are sold in Kathmandu, China, Tibet, Hong Kong, Singapore, America and other countries.
Thangka paintings are now mostly bought by foreign tourists visiting Nepal, he tells. He said that foreigners reflect the historical and religious traditions of Nepal through thangka paintings. He has also given employment to 10 people. Those who have learned to make thangka from him have gone to work abroad which is a good place to learn to draw dhachitra where they will also present this art, he said. After making a thangka painting and selling it for Rs 50,000 for the first time, he started working professionally and has been selling thangkas ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
Thangka hub in Bouddha and Jorpati, Kathmandu
Thangka, a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting, is a prominent art form in areas like Bouddha and Jorpati in Kathmandu, Nepal. These regions, known for their Buddhist cultural heritage, are home to numerous monasteries, stupas, and vibrant artistic communities, making them hubs for thangka creation and preservation. Here’s an overview:
1. What is a Thangka?
- Traditional Art Form: A thangka is a religious painting on cotton or silk, depicting deities, mandalas, or significant Buddhist teachings.
- Purpose: Used for meditation, teaching, or as a visual aid during rituals.
- Design and Symbolism: Often rich in detail, with intricate patterns and symbolic depictions of Buddhist philosophies.
2. Thangka in Bouddha and Jorpati
- Artistic Hubs: Both areas have thriving communities of artisans specializing in thangka painting. The close proximity to the Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, influences their cultural significance.
- Workshops and Galleries: You’ll find shops, galleries, and schools dedicated to thangka art, such as workshops near Boudhanath Stupa.
- Focus on Preservation: Many artists and institutions are involved in preserving this traditional art form, ensuring the techniques and spiritual essence remain authentic.
3. Learning Thangka Painting
- Courses and Classes: Workshops offer training in thangka painting, teaching the use of natural pigments, brushwork, and traditional techniques.
- Apprenticeships: Aspiring artists can learn under master painters (gurus), a practice rooted in Buddhist tradition.
4. Buying Thangka
- Wide Range: You can find everything from simple beginner pieces to elaborate masterpieces in Bouddha and Jorpati.
- Custom Orders: Many artists take commissions for custom thangkas with specific spiritual or decorative purposes.
5. Cultural and Spiritual Importance
- Tibetan Influence: With a significant Tibetan Buddhist population, these areas hold the thangka tradition deeply.
- Monastery Collaborations: Monasteries often commission thangkas for use in rituals or as offerings.
If you’re interested in exploring thangka art in these areas, you’ll be immersed in its spiritual and artistic significance.
