What is Phad Painting?

Phad painting of Rajasthan is a unique scroll-style art form that has been practiced for centuries. It’s not just art—it’s a tradition. These large scrolls, known as Phads, were originally used as portable temples by the Rebari tribe, with Bhopas (folk priests) narrating stories of local deities as they traveled from village to village.

Rather than being made just for display, traditional Phad painting was created to serve a purpose. These scrolls visually told the tales of heroic figures like Pabuji and Devnarayan, two important deities in Rajasthani folklore.

The History Behind Phad Folk Art

The roots of Phad art go back more than 700 years to the Joshi family in Shahpura and Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Even today, members of this family are considered the torchbearers of this timeless tradition. According to them, Phad folk art is much older and has existed for thousands of years.

The magic of Phad lies in its vibrant storytelling. Each scroll becomes a stage where gods, warriors, animals, and villagers come alive through artistic expression, music, and song. The Bhopa community would use these scrolls during festivals and gatherings, telling the stories by singing and pointing to different scenes.

How is a Phad Painting Made?

Creating a Phad painting is a careful, step-by-step process:

• A hand-woven cotton fabric is soaked overnight.
• It’s then stretched on a wooden frame and treated with natural rice paste and gum for a smooth surface.
• The artist first sketches using charcoal or pencil.
• Colours, made from natural vegetable dyes, are then filled in.

Each colour has meaning:

• Red for bravery
• Yellow for wisdom
• Green for life
• Blue for divinity

The layout is not chronological. Instead, the main deity or hero takes the central focus, surrounded by many scenes from their story. There’s rarely any empty space—a style known as horror vacui—ensuring the canvas is full of life and action.

Explore Phad Painting with Sumaavi

At Sumaavi, we bring this rare and meaningful art form into modern spaces. Whether you are an art lover, a history buff, or someone who simply loves traditional crafts, a Phad painting of Rajasthan is a perfect way to bring culture and colour into your home.

Each traditional Phad painting we offer is handmade by skilled artisans who follow age-old techniques passed down through generations. We ensure that every piece is not just a painting, but a story you can feel.

Explore more of Rajasthan’s rich artistic heritage in our collection of Phad painting, and don’t forget to check out other treasures like miniature painting, rajasthani folk art, and Birds On Canvas.

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