Gujarat: Tribals fume over 'misuse' of Pithora

VADODARA: Popularity of the colourful Pithora that have adorned the walls of homes of adivasi communities in Gujarat's tribal heartland for centuries has crossed continents. But the Rathwa and Bhilala communities in the state and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh (MP) have now raised their voice against depiction of their ritualistic practise - Pithora - on garments and in public places across the country.
For the Rathwa tribe, primarily residing in Chhota Udepur in eastern Gujarat and Alirajpur in adjoining MP, Baba Pithora is the God of all things - the chief God.

Tribals in Vadodara and Chhota Udepur on Monday made representations before their respective district administration urging the authorities to stop depiction of their sacred ritual.
The Bhasha Research and Publication Center that runs Tribal Academy at Tejgadh has also decided to issue legal notice to a Bengaluru-based design institute, whose students had depicted the chief God - Baba Pithora, Rani Kajal, Baba Ind, Baba Hundol, Baba Ganesh and other deities worshipped by the tribals, on the garments with horse motifs, during a fashion show.
"We are going to send legal notice to JD Institute of Fashion Technology for using religious deities on costumes," said Madan Meena, director of Adivasi Academy that works for studies and conservation of adivasi languages and culture.
"Our contention is that Pithora is not painting or drawing but it is a ritual practice, and it should not be used just for decorative purposes, especially on costumes," he said. The Adivasi Sahitya Academy (ASA) at Chhota Udepur too submitted a memorandum to the district collector seeking an apology from the institute and warning against future misuse.
"Pithora is not a drawing or painting. It is written by 'lakharas' with all ritualistic practice," said Kawant-based Paresh Rathwa, himself a 'pithora' lakhara. ASA has warned against misuse or wrong depiction of 'Pithora' on t-shirts, garments by any institute, centre or organisation or non-tribals.
In Vadodara, community members submitted a memorandum at the district collectorate demanding that a 'Pithora' on the compound wall adjacent to Vadodara railway station and opposite state transport bus depot should be removed.
"We are demanding that if there is a Pithora written (it is not drawn) at any public or private place, the dignity of Baba Pithora Dev should be maintained since Baba Pithora is highly revered in the community," said Sejal Rathwa, a social worker based in Chhota Udepur.