The Sacred Art of Mata ni Pachedi: A Heritage Unfolded
Have you ever seen a piece of art that feels more like a prayer than a painting? That’s exactly what Mata ni Pachedi is a sacred textile that isn’t just looked at, but deeply revered. Originating from Gujarat, India, this form of storytelling through cloth holds the heart of a community’s spiritual and cultural identity. Often referred to as the “Kalamkari of Gujarat,” Mata ni Pachedi is more than an art form; it’s a living tradition, passed down from generation to generation.
Let’s take a colorful journey through its history, meanings, techniques, and the people who’ve kept it alive.
What is Mata ni Pachedi?
Mata ni Pachedi literally means “behind the Mother Goddess.” It’s a form of sacred textile art where images of goddesses, especially the fierce and protective Mata (Mother), are painted on cloth. Traditionally used as temporary shrines, especially by communities who were not allowed into temples, these artworks became both altars and offerings.
It’s like a canvas temple when you can’t go to a sacred space, you bring the sacred to you.
The Origins: Where It All Began
This art form dates back over 300 years, rooted in the traditions of the Vaghri community of Gujarat. These nomadic tribes would create and worship their own painted temples when denied entry into established temples. Necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention and in this case, the mother became the canvas.
The earliest forms of Mata ni Pachedi were made on white cloth using only black and red colors symbolic of power and purity.
Why It’s Called ‘Mata ni Pachedi’
The name comes from Gujarati:
Mata means Mother Goddess.
Pachedi means “behind” or “at the back.”
These painted cloths were often hung at the back of makeshift shrines or used as canopies during religious ceremonies. Over time, the cloth itself came to represent the presence of the goddess — a visual stand-in for the divine.
Symbolism and Sacred Meaning
Every figure, motif, and stroke has meaning in Mata ni Pachedi. The central figure is always a goddess Durga, Bahuchar Mata, or Kali surrounded by animals, devotees, and mythological scenes.
It’s a map of devotion.
For instance:
Elephants symbolize royalty and strength.
Lions represent divine power.
Peacocks stand for beauty and grace.
These aren’t just decorations; they tell stories of faith, struggle, and divine victory.
The Artistic Process
Creating a single Mata ni Pachedi artwork is a slow, sacred, and meticulous process.
Design: The artist sketches the layout with bamboo pens.
Painting: Black outlines are drawn first using iron-rich black dye.
Dyeing: Natural red and other colors are filled in layer by layer.
Boiling: The fabric is boiled to fix the colors.
Detailing: Fine touches are added using brushes made from date-palm sticks.
Imagine painting a prayer that takes weeks — that’s how deeply spiritual this work is.
Natural Dyes and Traditional Tools
Forget synthetic colors — Mata ni Pachedi artists use colors made from plants, minerals, and rusted iron.
Black is made from jaggery, iron, and water.
Red comes from madder root.
Yellow is extracted from turmeric.
Even the brushes are handmade, keeping the entire process organic and grounded in nature.
Themes and Iconography
The central goddess figure is always the heart of the piece. Surrounding her, you’ll often find:
Scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata
Symbolic animals and natural elements
Devotees offering prayers and sacrifices
Each scene serves as a visual scripture. Think of it like a comic strip for spirituality vivid, dramatic, and powerful.
A Family Tradition: The Vaghri Community
The art of Mata ni Pachedi is usually a family affair. The knowledge and skills are passed down from father to son, mother to daughter.
The most renowned name associated with this tradition is Mohanlal Chitara, who won the National Award for his contribution. His family continues to train younger generations, blending age-old methods with modern touches.
Modern-Day Relevance and Innovations
Today, you can find Mata ni Pachedi art in:
Urban homes as wall hangings
Designer boutiques
Museum exhibitions
Some artists are experimenting with modern themes while keeping the traditional style alive. It’s like giving an ancient soul a new body.
Mata ni Pachedi in Temples and Rituals
During festivals and community gatherings, these artworks are spread out as temporary shrines. Worshippers gather around, perform rituals, and sing praises — just like in a temple.
It becomes a sacred space without walls, open to everyone, especially those once excluded.
Recognition and Awards
Mata ni Pachedi artists have received national and international recognition:
National Handicrafts Awards
Exhibitions at Crafts Museum, New Delhi
Global showcases in the UK and US
These honors aren’t just for art; they’re for resilience, faith, and culture.
Sustainable Art with a Spiritual Core
Mata ni Pachedi is eco-friendly by nature. With its plant-based dyes, handmade tools, and zero electricity use, it’s a model for sustainable art.
In an age of fast fashion and digital overload, this art invites us to slow down, reconnect, and reflect.
Buying Authentic Mata ni Pachedi Art
Want to support the tradition?
Buy directly from artisans or certified craft organizations.
Look for hand-drawn patterns (not printed).
Check for natural dye marks and imperfections, these are signs of authenticity.
Buying one isn’t just shopping, it’s preserving a piece of heritage.
Conclusion
Mata ni Pachedi is more than just a beautiful piece of cloth. It is a symbol of resistance, a tool for devotion, and a canvas of history. It reminds us that art is not always found in galleries sometimes, it lives under the open sky, painted with love, and rooted in faith.
As we move toward a more modern world, let’s not leave behind these ancient threads that tie us to our cultural and spiritual past. Because to preserve Mata ni Pachedi is to preserve a part of ourselves.
