6 Mandanas That Bring Good Luck


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By Aanya Yagnaraman

Mandana Paintings are one of the oldest forms of tribal art of India and are predominantly done by the Meena community in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This art is passed down through generations of women who learn by observing and imitating their mothers, connecting them over time. Mandanas are drawn on walls and floors of rural mud houses to protect the home and celebrate festivals, featuring diverse designs of animals, wells, and water bodies. The art is created using a unique technique involving clay, white and red paint, and a special brush made of a date stick and cotton amongst other innovative resources (3). Mandana paintings have religious and auspicious significance and can even bring good fortune! Here is a list of six Mandanas that could perhaps make its way to your house right from our website!

 

1. Athwe ka Chowk

  
 

This is a great example of one such Mandana that is considered to bring good luck and protection during childbirth is made when a woman is eight months pregnant. This Mandana is believed to have special powers that can ward off evil spirits and ensure a safe and healthy delivery for the mother and baby. Once the Mandana is complete, the pregnant woman sits on it while a small pooja or ritual is performed. This pooja is usually conducted by a priest or an elderly woman from the family. The pooja involves offering prayers and seeking blessings from the gods and goddesses for the safe delivery of the baby. The Mandana is believed to bring good luck and protection to the mother and baby as they approach the days of delivery. It is said to create a positive and calming energy that helps the mother to stay relaxed and focused during labor. The Mandana is also believed to protect the baby from any harm or negative energy.

 

2. Mandana of Kavalye

 

 

Not only is this Mandana unique, but it is also believed to bring good luck and abundance to the family. Once the Mandana is complete, food or rice is placed on it, along with two coconuts and the coconuts are considered to be an auspicious symbol and are believed to represent abundance, prosperity, and good fortune. The purpose of this Mandana is to wish for an abundance of food and water in the family and for their availability at all times. It is believed that by placing food and water on the Mandana, the gods and goddesses are pleased, and they bless the family with an abundance of these resources.

 

3. Phoolan ka chowk: 

 

 

The Mandana painting of Saat Phoolon ka Chowk is traditionally made by unmarried women in India. This Mandana is believed to bring good luck and help in finding a suitable husband. The designs usually depict seven flowers arranged in a circle, which is why it is known as Saat Phoolon ka Chowk. The seven flowers represent the seven chakras of the body and are believed to bring balance and harmony to the person who creates the Mandana. Along with the floral design, seven diyas or oil lamps are placed on the Mandana, which can be filled with flowers as well. In the center of the Mandana, a Kalash filled with water is placed- considered to be a symbol of purity and abundance. The Mandana is believed to bring good luck and help in finding a suitable husband for the unmarried woman who makes it. It is believed that the design and the presence of the Kalash with water attract positive energy and blessings from the gods and goddesses, who then guide the woman towards her future husband.

 

4. Saathiye ke Chauk

 

 

The Mandana artwork titled "Saathiya ki Chowk" or "Companions Chowk," and the design of the painting features the Shubh Mangal Swastik, a symbol of auspiciousness and good fortune. The Swastik is an ancient symbol that has been used in various cultures throughout history, and it is believed to represent the four directions, the four seasons, and the four elements. The Shubh Manglik motifs of these paintings are inspired by beliefs that pertain to auspiciousness and good omens. The design of the painting is believed to bring positivity, happiness, and good luck to the household. Moreover, it is also believed to ward off negative energy and evil spirits. This particular Mandana is also worshipped to indicate the auspicious Swastika of Mars. In astrology, Mars is believed to be a planet that represents strength, courage, and vitality. The presence of the Swastik of Mars is believed to bring strength, courage, and positive energy to the household, thereby bringing good luck and success.

 

5. Mangal Kalash:

 

 

The Mangal Kalash is a symbol of abundance, peace, and immortality which can be seen in this Mandana. It has a powerful place in wedding and religious ceremonies, where it is used to bless the couple and the family. The Kalash is considered a 'source of life,' and it is believed that it creates peace and happiness in their homes. The painting depicts the coconut kept on top of the Mangal Kalash, which is also known as the 'elixir of life' or amrit. The coconut symbolizes wisdom and immortality, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The Kalash is also decorated with beautiful flowers and the Sadev Ghar depicted in the painting is built to wish the family auspicious prosperity. Saidev ghar translates to forever home!

 

6. Holi ka Mukut

 

 

Holi Ka Mukut by Vidya Soni is a beautiful and intricate artwork that is steeped in cultural significance. It is made usually on the occasion of Holika Dahanam or Burning of Holika, which is celebrated a day before Holi. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, and the Holi Ka Mukut mandana art plays an important role in the festivities.The Holi ka Mukut Mandana art is made in four directions around a pyre that symbolizes Holika. Four of these Mandanas of the same type are made to create a complete circle. The pyre is then lit, and people gather around it to celebrate the festival. This ritual symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and it is a time for people to come together and rejoice. The coconuts are kept in all four directions of the mandana, and they are cracked by the boys in the village which symbolizes the breaking of obstacles and the release of positive energy and blessings.




References 

1. "Mandana paintings: This artist is struggling to keep the tradition alive". www.hindustantimes.com/. Hindustan Times. 2016. Retrieved 12 June 2022.,

2. Kamboj, B. P. Early Wall Painting of Garhwal. New Delhi: Indus Publ. Co., 2003. p. 158. ISBN 8173871396.

3. PTI, Kota. "Mandana paintings: This artist is struggling to keep the tradition alive." Hindustan Times.. URL: https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/mandana-paintings-this-artist-is-struggling-to-keep-the-tradition-alive/story-r0EhVTA9VDhzWnI1njoKNO.html