Single Panel Patachitra on Fish Marriage Story (2019) by Mamoni ChitrakarBanglanatak
Fish Wedding: A Popular Theme
Patachitra artists paint on various subjects - mythology, folklore, social issues, etc. One of their favourites is the Fish Wedding story, which narrates about the wedding event of a fish. Beautiful depiction of fish marriage story in dual tone can be seen here, which is not typical of traditional Patachitra.
Single Panel Patachitra on Fish Marriage Story (2018) by ChitrataruBanglanatak
At the wedding of a dariya fish, all the fish have been invited to the marriage and this scene is about their merry-making. The wedding festival is signified by the motifs of dhaak and dhol (the traditional percussion instruments for any auspicious occasion).
The song narrating the story starts like this: Let's go for the marriage of dariya fish (Cat fish) O Rangeela!
The simplicity of the form and bold outlines reflect the traditional style of painting.
Small fish (Pnuti Maach) says, I will play the clarinet!
Koi fish says, I will play the dhaak (type of drum) at your wedding!
Single Panel Patachitra on Fish Marriage Story (2018) by ChitrataruBanglanatak
In between the merry-making and feasting, the fish don’t realise that danger is looming large. The boal fish, known as a monster fish, pops up and swallows everyone because he was not invited to the wedding.
Single Panel Patachitra on Fish Marriage Story (2019) by Mamoni ChitrakarBanglanatak
Metaphor behind the story
This story metaphorically criticises the hierarchy and socio economic divides in a society, where the powerful always tries to dominate and exploit the common people.
Patachitra Painting on Umbrellas (2018) by Muslema ChitrakarBanglanatak
Popularity of the fish motif
The fish motif is highly popular, commonly used by the painters in other artworks as well.
Painted Fish Motifs on Coasters (2019) by ChitrataruBanglanatak
In the present times Patachitra artists also use stylised and colourful fish motifs on various diversified products. Since fish is an auspicious motif their houses are painted with it during festivals.
Patachitra GI logo (2018) by ChitrataruBanglanatak
The popular fish motif has also been used as the Geographical Indication (GI) logo for Bengal Patachitra.
Patachitra Wall painting (2018) by Amit ChitrakarBanglanatak
They have also painted their village houses at Naya in Pingla, making the place exciting and inviting for visitors and art lovers.
To read a story on the women Patachitra painters of rural Bengal visit this link.
