Krishna and his various leelas (divine plays) have been a favorite theme of the Orissa Pattachitra artists, for whom the life of the dark-skinned lord is no less than an unending celestial poem they are entrusted with bringing to the canvas. Among the different episodes from Krishna’s life, his relationship with Radha, his primary companion and eternal lover stand out.
In this tender depiction of Radha-Krishna’s relationship and their much-celebrated meeting in the forests of Vrindavana, the duo can be seen standing amidst blossoming woods- flowers mimicking the state of their hearts, that is blooming with a newfound affection for each other and its celebration. Radha Rani, the queen of Vrindavana, and Krishna’s heart is the very picture of divine opulence and beauty. Her hair is held in a charming bun, her magnificent physique clad in fine clothing, but her most valuable ornament is her Lajja (coyness) that she wears so tenderly, as the hand of her handsome lover, Krishna is about to touch her. Radha shivers with excitement and shyness at the thought of uniting with her beloved, a feeling that is highlighted in her holding her breasts as if she is hiding them from Krishna’s gaze and the tiny tassels of her attire that seem to be shaking as a result of her quivers. Krishna, present here in the most lovable form, as the black-skinned youth, looks even more pleasing to behold with the contrast created by the vibrant red and yellow clothing and dotting white dots that adorn his body. His ornamentation makes him look like the crown prince of an enormous kingdom. He certainly rules Radha’s heart and ours. Similar to the bumblebee eager to drink the sweet nectar of a freshly blossomed flower, Krishna’s hand hovers close to the youthful Radha. The deer, the peacock, and the cow- all the animals associated with Krishna and his rendezvous in the jungle, bear witness to this affectionate exchange of love. Much like us, the viewers, they are soaked in the Rasa (juice or emotion) of love that is infused in this beautiful Pattachitra.
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