Mithila Art (Madhubani Painting)
Explore the world-renowned folk art of Mithila.
भरनी
A style characterized by rich, vibrant colors filling the subject outlines with no whitespace left.
कचनी
A monochromatic style using only fine lines and patterns, usually in black or red ink.
गोदना
Based on traditional body tattoos, consisting of concentric circles and simple geometric figures.
तांत्रिक
Depicts spiritual and metaphysical concepts deeply rooted in Tantra prowess of Mithila.
कोहबर
The most auspicious and central form of Mithila art, drawn on the walls of the nuptial chamber.
अरिपन
Tantric and Vedic geometric floor diagrams drawn with Pithar (rice paste) using fingers before every Maithil ritual, vrat, and sanskar.
Aripana (अरिपन): Sacred Rice-Paste Mandalas of Mithila
Drawn freehand by Maithil women using Pithar (wet ground rice paste) and Sindoor before every Vedic ritual, festival, and lifecycle Sanskar.
Ashtadal Kamal (Eight-Petaled Lotus)
Satyanarayan Puja, Kalash Sthapana & Major Vishnu/Lakshmi Rituals
Represents the cosmic unfolding of the universe and the eight directions (Ashta-Dikpala) guarded by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
Tusari Puja Aripana
Observed by Unmarried Girls from Makar Sankranti to Falgun Sankranti
Features a miniature temple, Sun, Moon, and Navagraha symbols drawn at dawn to seek a virtuous groom like Lord Shiva.
Kojagara & लक्ष्मी-Peeth Aripana
Sharad Purnima (Kojagara Night) & Newlywed Groom Blessing
Depicts the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi entering the home along with Makhana, Paan, fish, and dice-board (Pachisi) motifs.
Madhushravani Chokhut & Nag-Nagin Aripana
14-Day Madhushravani Vrat in Shravan Month
A sacred rectangular enclosure with an entrance from the west, two circular sand-altars for Purhar and Patil, and 5 Nag-Kanyas (Bishahari).
Dashapaat & Chतुष्कोण Sanskar Aripana
Mundan, Upanayan (Janeu), and Matrika Pujan
Drawn with ten sacred leaf motifs representing the ten directions and longevity of the child undergoing the Vedic Sanskar.
Shashthi & Sanjha-Bati Aripana
Daily Evening Courtyard Lamp & Chhathi Sanskar
Simple rhythmic triangles and lotus buds drawn near the Tulsi Chaura or courtyard threshold to welcome auspiciousness at dusk.