Central theme of Madhubani Paintings.

Madhubani Painting Themes

The central theme the Madhubani paintings is the Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The main theme is supported by the traditional geometric patterns. Some of the main attributes of all the Madhubani paintings double line border, ornate floral patterns, abstract-like figures of deities, bold use of colors and bulging eyes and a jolting nose of the faces of the figures. Madhubani paintings requires paste of cow dung and mud, applied to the walls and floors to give a perfect black background on which pictures are drawn with rice paste and vegetable colors. As the ethnic art is gaining its due popularity these days, this art form is being done on a variety of interesting bases like canvas, drapes, handmade paper, wall hangings, glass, sarees etc. For an authentic look many of the painters still apply a thin layer of cow dung and mud paste on their canvases.

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Painting made at Centre by:Bandana Devi.

Symbolism in Mabhubani Paintings

Most of the figures depicted in Madhubani paintings carry a symbolic meaning to them which makes these paintings all the more interesting. Fishes in a Madhubani painting depict good luck, fertility and procreation, peacocks symbolize romantic love while serpents in these paintings are identified as divine protectors.

Madhubani Painting Artists

Madhubani paintings were traditionally done by females only. Since generations, this folk art form has been passing from mothers to daughters in Mithila. Though, the madhubani painting technique has now crossed the restricted confinements of Mithila and Bihar and thus, skilled madhubani artists (including males) can be found in other parts of the country as well.