Special Phad painting from Rajasthan spellbound visitors at Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav

The 14th edition of the Mahotsav, organised by the Union Ministry of Culture, was inaugurated by President Draupadi Murmu on February 27 this year.

Also present at the inauguration were Governor of Rajasthan, Kalraj Mishra, and the Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal.

The Phad painting is part of an exhibition titled ‘Lok Devatas’ (folk deities), which is curated by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

The exhibition was also inaugurated by the President of India.

This 75 feet long and 9 feet wide Phad was made by IGNCA on the occasion of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, which marked India’s 75 years of Independence.

It was created by 20 artists from Bhilwara (Rajasthan) under the leadership of noted Phad artist Kalyan Joshi and depicted the narratives of Devnarayan, Pujya Pabu and Ram Dev, revered folk deities of Rajasthan.

Traditionally, these Phads are supplemented by narratives composed around the deities.

The performer priests who chant the narratives are known as Bhopas.

Bhopas Foola Ram, Bhawari Devi and Satveer are present at the exhibition to narrate the stories in the Phads exhibited here.

Apart from the Phad displays, the exhibition also includes photographs of other folk deities of Rajasthan, such as Karni Mata of Deshnok, Jambheshwar, Jasnath and Teja.

The exhibition will conclude on March 5, 2023.