Pichwai of Rasleela for Sharad Purnima

A large pichwai of rasleela for Sharad Purnima (the autumnal full moon dance), depicting the episode of rasleela with multiple Krishnas dancing with numerous gopis in a circle while two groups of female musicians accompany them. The eight repeated images of Krishna in the circle symbolise the ashtkon (octogonal platform), which has great significance in the Pushti Marg sect with the number eight holding special sacred significance. The centre of the circle features another Krishna dancing with two gopis. The entire scene is set in a lush garden filled with birds and monkeys, being witnessed in the sky above by various deities flying in golden chariots centred by an image of Surya (the sun god), worn over time. Pichwais such as these depict the raas of surrender and devotion of the gopis.