Madhukumari Sah making a Mithila painting (Mithila folk picture) for the cultural festival Bibah Panchami (Ramjan’s wedding) celebrated in the Mithila region of Madhes. A Mithila folk painting has been made on the outer wall of the wall connected to the road leading to Piradi Chowk from the mills area of the Janakpur cigarette factory where the Madhes state ministries are located. Photo: Rss
Mithila painting, also known as Madhubani art, holds a significant place in the celebration of the Ram-Janaki marriage ceremony, particularly in Mithilanchal (a region spanning parts of northern Bihar, India, and southern Nepal). This art form is deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual traditions of the region, where Sita (Janaki), the daughter of Mithila, is revered.
Here’s how Mithila painting connects with the festival:
1. Symbolism in the Ram-Janaki Marriage Festival
- Cultural Significance: The marriage of Ram and Sita is celebrated as a grand event in Mithilanchal. It symbolizes the union of two divine principles—Rama as the embodiment of dharma (righteousness) and Sita as the embodiment of purity and devotion.
- Mithila’s Pride: As Sita hails from Mithila, the region takes immense pride in celebrating her marriage. The Mithila painting tradition reflects this pride, often depicting scenes from the Ramayana, including the marriage of Ram and Sita.
2. Themes in Mithila Paintings for the Festival
- Vivaha Mandap (Wedding Pavilion): Paintings often depict Sita and Ram seated at the marriage altar, surrounded by symbolic motifs like lotus flowers (prosperity) and parrots (love).
- Processions: Scenes of Ram arriving with his family in a grand wedding procession (baraat) are also commonly featured.
- Sacred Rituals: Paintings show the rituals performed by Sita and Ram during the wedding, like the garlanding ceremony or the sacred fire (agni) rituals.
- Divine Blessings: Depictions often include celestial beings, sages, and gods witnessing and blessing the marriage.
3. Artistic Elements
- Bright Colors: Traditional natural dyes like ochre, indigo, and turmeric are used, with vibrant reds and greens symbolizing festivity.
- Geometric Patterns: Borders feature intricate geometric patterns, adding an element of symmetry and aesthetic appeal.
- Floral and Animal Motifs: These motifs signify prosperity, fertility, and harmony, which are essential themes of a wedding.
- Symbolism of Mithila Culture: Household rituals and local traditions of Mithila are beautifully incorporated into the paintings, emphasizing their cultural richness.
4. Decorations During the Festival
- Mithila paintings are often used to decorate walls, homes, and marriage mandaps (pavilions) during the Ram-Janaki marriage festival.
- Temporary art is created on mud walls or paper to celebrate the occasion, and permanent artworks are displayed in cultural centers.
- Women traditionally create these paintings to invoke blessings for the bride and groom.
5. Modern Celebrations and Tourism
- The Ram-Janaki marriage ceremony, celebrated in places like Janakpur, Nepal, attracts tourists who admire the Mithila paintings displayed during the festivities.
- Workshops and exhibitions on Mithila painting are organized as part of the cultural programs, keeping this ancient art form alive.
6. Mithila Paintings as a Blessing
In Mithila culture, painting is a spiritual act, and Mithila art during the Ram-Janaki ceremony is considered a form of prayer for marital harmony and prosperity. These paintings are not just decorative but also carry the blessings of the community for a long and happy union.
