Pichwai featuring Sri Natiji

Pichwai featuring Sri Natiji

South India, early 19th century

Cotton canvas painted with opaque pigments. 235 x 182 cm In the center, the deity Sri Natiji, surrounded by a multitude of men's faces. Below, musicians and dancers surround Krishna, the blue god. On either side, borders of sacred cows and peacocks. Outside, lotus scrolls. This painting depicts two priests performing aarti on the day of sapt svarup ka annakut utsav, a festival during which the seven additional images of Pushtimarg are brought to Shrinathji's haveli for an elaborate feast. Annakut" means "mountain of food". Annakut or Govardhan Pooja is celebrated on the fourth day of the Diwali festival. On this day, a mountain of food and cooked fruit is offered as a bhog to Lord Shrinath ji in thanks for lifting the Govardhan Parvat with his single finger to save his village "Braj" from the rainstorm caused by Lord Indra Dev. Provenance: Former American collection. Related work: K. Krishna and K. Talwar, In Adoration of Krishna. Picchwais of Shrinathji. Tapi Collection, 2008, no. 28. A Pitchwai painting wall hanging cotton textile, 19th century, India.