The Vagharis of Sabarmati (Gujarat), also known as Devi Poojaks (worshippers of the goddess), have preserved the aesthetics of Mata Ni Pachedi for over 300 years rever a large number of folk mother goddesses who are evoked for abundance, fertility, health, protection and success. Over time the rituals and narratives of the Vagharis fused with the popular Hindu goddesses such as Durga and Kali resulting in a splendid art tradition where mother goddesses reign supreme.
This five-feet cotton canvas is a powerful depiction of Visat Mata (the mother goddess with Bees or twenty hands) who is often revered as the Hindu goddess Durga-Mahishasuranardini (the slayer of the buffalo-demon) due to the similarities between the two. The goddess is surrounded by a mystical black backdrop, the color black being a ritualistic element in Mata Ni Pachedi.
As the symbol of negativity, darkness, and evil, the color black is traditionally used to depict the powers of the goddess in annihilating darkness. The color is obtained from iron by the Chitaras (artists) with a process that takes around half a month.
Worshipped by the Vagharis who are a lower-caste community in Gujarat, Visat Mata and many other mother goddesses and their rich narratives are preserved only in the universe of Mata Ni Pachedi. With a ritual expert or priest called Bhuvor Bhuva and a narrator and singer called Jagoria, these cottons scroll paintings are unveiled and worshipped in the Vaghari Vaado (villages of the community).
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