Goddess of travelers – Mata Ni Pachedi

This Mata ni Pachedi weaves a protective prayer to Goddess Momai, the divine guardian of travelers, who sits enshrined at the center on her camel mount.

•  The Left (Mortal Devotion): Villagers and devotees gather in a bustling procession beneath a vibrant Tree of Life, offering music and prayers to seek the Goddess’s blessing before embarking on dangerous trade routes or migrations.
•  The Right (Divine Exile): Detailed scenes from the Ramayana draw a powerful parallel between an earthly traveler’s path and Lord Rama’s epic 14-year wilderness exile—the ultimate journey of hardship, faith, and triumph.
•  The Base (The Perils): Swirling blue waters teeming with golden crocodiles and fish represent the unpredictable, treacherous obstacles of the natural world, which the Goddess safely subdues beneath her to ensure her devotees’ safe passage.

About the artist:

Kiran Bhulabhai Chitara is a renowned Mata Ni Pachedi artist and an 8th-generation practitioner of this traditional art form. Born in 1976, Kiran learned the intricacies of Mata Ni Pachedi from his father, Shri Bhulabhai Chunilal Chitara, at a young age. With over 36 years of experience, he has mastered the art of creating intricate designs using natural colors and traditional techniques.

As a certified GI user of Mata Ni Pachedi, Kiran ensures the authenticity and traditional integrity of his artworks. He is committed to preserving and promoting this art form for future generations, blending heritage with innovation. Kiran’s artistic philosophy emphasizes the importance of traditional art forms in modern times, striving to make Mata Ni Pachedi relevant and accessible to diverse audiences. He continues to innovate and experiment with new designs, techniques, and themes, while mentoring the next generation of Mata Ni Pachedi artists.