Pichwai (also pichavai, pichhhavai, and pichhwai) is a traditional and exquisite form of art that originates from the culturally rich state of Rajasthan in India.
In Nathdwara, Rajasthan, and other Pushtimarg places, they are Textiles hanging behind the idol of Shrinathji, a seven-year-old infant version of Krishna. They set the tone (bhava) for festivals or events on the Vallabhacharya Sampradaya or sect's liturgical calendar by serving as both a theatrical backdrop and a religious image.
Vallabhaacharya believed that the way to achieve the ultimate spiritual goal was through devotion (bhakti) to Krishna and the constant remembrance of him in the midst of worldly pursuits. Pichwais are designed to create an appropriate emotional atmosphere for the shringar. In addition to having visual appeal, Pichwais serve the function of telling stories about Krishna to illiterate people.
The pichwais are painted using stone colors and gold leaf and are also made with hand embroidery. They can be made of brocade and thick silk, stitched, painted, and dyed, tinsel printed, block printed, or even constructed of machine-made lace. Though pichwais were mostly created in Gujarat and Rajasthan, there are a few specimens from the Deccan as well as machine-made lace or roller-printed pichwais from Europe. Creating a Pichwai is an elaborate and time-consuming process, amazing details are achieved by expert artists using natural colors and brushes. The Pichwais are changed at the temple daily, according to the seasons, and for various rites and celebrations. Pichwais depict celebrations and festivals such as Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Diwali, and Holi.
