Mandana Painting: A Tribal Art That Celebrates Life

Mandana painting is a traditional art form that originated in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, India. It is practiced by the Meena tribe, one of the oldest tribal communities in India. Mandana painting is a way of decorating the walls and floors of houses, temples, and public spaces with intricate patterns and motifs that reflect the culture, beliefs, and aspirations of the people.

What is Mandana Painting?

The word Mandana comes from the local language of the Meena tribe, which means “to draw” or “to decorate”. Mandana painting is a form of tribal art that uses white chalk or lime and red clay or brick powder to create striking designs on a red background. The white color symbolizes purity, peace, and prosperity, while the red color represents energy, vitality, and auspiciousness.

Mandana painting is done by women, who learned the art from their mothers and grandmothers. They use natural materials such as twigs, cotton, and squirrel hair to make brushes and draw freehand without any sketches or outlines. The paintings are usually done on festive occasions, such as Diwali, Navratri, Holi, Teej, and weddings, as well as on auspicious days, such as the first day of the month, the full moon, and the new moon. The paintings are meant to invoke the blessings of the gods and goddesses, to ward off evil spirits, and to celebrate life.

What are the Themes and Motifs of Mandana Painting?

Mandana's painting is inspired by nature and the daily life of the people. The themes and motifs of mandala painting include animals, birds, flowers, trees, geometric shapes, human figures, and religious symbols. Some of the common motifs are:

• Peacock: The peacock is the national bird of India and a symbol of beauty, grace, and joy. It is also associated with Lord Krishna, one of the most popular Hindu gods. The peacock is often depicted with its feathers spread out, creating a fan-like shape.
• Lotus: The lotus is a sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism, and a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. It is also the seat of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The lotus is often drawn with eight petals, representing the eight directions.
• Swastika: The swastika is an ancient symbol of good luck, auspiciousness, and harmony. It is also a representation of the sun, the source of life and energy. The swastika is often drawn with four dots, representing the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air.
• Kalash: The kalash is a metal pot filled with water, rice, and mango leaves, and topped with a coconut. It is a symbol of abundance, fertility, and prosperity. It is also used to welcome and honor the gods and goddesses. The kalash is often placed at the entrance of the house or the temple, or in the center of a mandala (a circular design).
• Mandala: The mandala is a geometric design that represents the cosmos, the universe, or the self. It is also a tool for meditation and concentration. The mandala is often drawn with a dot in the center, representing the origin or the essence, and concentric circles, squares, triangles, and other shapes, representing the layers or the dimensions of reality.

Why is Mandana Painting Important?

Mandana painting is not just a form of art, but a way of life. It is a means of expressing the identity, the values, and the emotions of the people. It is also a way of preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage and the tribal wisdom of the Meena tribe. Mandana Art is a living art that adapts to the changing times and the modern influences, while retaining its original charm and significance.

Mandana painting is also a source of empowerment and livelihood for many women, who use their skills and creativity to earn income and recognition. Many women have formed self-help groups and cooperatives to market and sell their paintings, as well as to teach and train others. Some women have also participated in national and international exhibitions and competitions, and have won awards and accolades for their work.

Mandana painting is a tribal art that celebrates life in all its forms and colors. It is a reflection of the spirit and the soul of the people, who use their art to connect with the divine, the nature, and the community. Mandana art drawing is a treasure that needs to be cherished and appreciated by all.