Ahead of the grand festival of Diwali, countless households across the country purchase traditional Paana depictions of Goddess Lakshmi for their festive worship. While the modern market is flooded with brightly colored and visually striking Paana sheets produced in bulk by printing machines, have you ever wondered how a traditional Lakshmi Paana is actually brought to life? The process involves unique materials and meticulous artistic techniques that give the imagery of Goddess Lakshmi a deeply captivating appeal rooted in ancient culture.
The Unique World of Bikaner Matharan Art
In the city of Bikaner, the answer to this artistic process still lies hidden within the centuries-old tradition of Matharan painting. Instead of relying on automated machinery, local artists painstakingly craft the Lakshmi Paana by hand. A striking feature of this traditional craft is the complete absence of chemical or artificial colors; instead, all pigments are derived directly from natural minerals. Remarkably, the ornamentation and adornment of Goddess Lakshmi are executed using genuine 22-carat gold.
A Cultural Heritage Passed Down Through Generations
Decorating the walls of ancient temples, royal palaces, stately havelis, and family homes since the era of the princely states, Matharan painting remains an integral part of Bikaner's rich cultural tapestry. Painters belonging to the Matharan or Mahatma community have kept this tradition alive across generations. The Lakshmi Paana created specifically for Diwali serves as a unique and living testament to this enduring heritage.
Blending Deep Devotion With Local Identity
While most commercial Paana sold in modern markets today are printed mechanically using chemical dyes, artisans in Bikaner continue to rely on natural ingredients, traditional methods, and fine manual craftsmanship. This practice transcends mere image creation; it represents a dedicated effort to preserve an ancestral heritage where profound devotion blends seamlessly with the cultural identity of Bikaner.
The Sacred Use of Gangajal and Rose Water
Artist Ramkumar Bhadani explained that the creation of the Lakshmi Paana officially commences on the auspicious day of Pushya Nakshatra. The production work for this year's Paana began on the recently observed Pushya Nakshatra. Strict standards of ritual purity are maintained throughout the crafting process, with pure Gangajal and rose water being used in place of ordinary water to mix the paints.
Traditional Pigments Sourced From Natural Minerals
Bhadani noted that the most distinctive aspect of these Paana sheets is their entirely natural color palette. White pigment is obtained using lime, while yellow is derived from pewdi. To create deep black pigment, pure desi ghee is burned in a lamp to collect soot. This soot is then mixed with jaggery water to form a specialized concoction, which artists use to execute the intricate detailing on the depiction of Goddess Lakshmi.
Adorning Goddess Lakshmi With Genuine 22-Carat Gold
Ramkumar explains that the ornamentation of Goddess Lakshmi in these traditional artworks is exceptionally elaborate. Artisans employ a traditional technique known as ambojeri, where finely ground earthen pot clay is blended with jaggery and gum to create a specialized adhesive base. Over this layer, golden manot work is applied, followed by a delicate sheet of gold. Finally, the deity's fine jewelry and attire are rendered using 22-carat gold. The goddess is adorned with sixteen traditional adornments, including a crown, pearl necklaces, armlets, waistbands, nose rings, bangles, and anklets.
The Four-Armed Form and Sacred Elephants
The artisan elaborated that the Paana depicts the four-armed cosmic form of Goddess Lakshmi. Her eyes are shaped like lotus petals, her eyebrows are gracefully arched, and her head is crowned with gold. Flanking the central deity are two white elephants, universally recognized in tradition as symbols of divine grace and boundless prosperity. The trunks of these elephants hold vessels of nectar as they appear to perform a ritual ablution over Goddess Lakshmi. The elephants are further depicted draped in blue garments with green head coverings.
Year-Round Demand and Voluntary Offerings
Ramkumar Bhadani shares that the demand for this specialized art form is not restricted to the festive season of Diwali, as orders continue to arrive throughout the entire year. Approximately 108 Lakshmi Paana are produced annually. Alongside Pushya Nakshatra, special artistic work is also undertaken on Mahanisha night. Patrons collect their commissioned Paana between Dhanteras and Diwali. There is no fixed pricing structure for these sacred artworks; instead, buyers offer payments based entirely on their personal financial capacity and spiritual devotion.
