Bhanubhai Chunilal Chitara
An Ahmedabad artisan of Mata ni Pachedi, the painted temple cloth of Gujarat, who has kept the family craft alive, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023.
Bhanubhai Chunilal Chitara is a master of Mata ni Pachedi, a painted cloth made as a shrine for the mother goddess in Gujarat. He was named for the Padma Shri in 2023 in the field of art, from Gujarat [1].
A craft handed down in families
Chitara was born in Ahmedabad on 26 October 1957 and learned the craft from his parents [2]. Mata ni Pachedi goes back more than 750 years and has always been passed from one generation to the next within artisan families [2]. The cloths show scenes from Hindu religious stories and are known for strong colours, fine detail and crowded, carefully balanced compositions [2].
Carrying it forward
Chitara has given his working life to the form, producing detailed paintings of mythological scenes [2]. He has shown his work at exhibitions and cultural events across India, helping more people learn about a craft that was once known mostly to its own community [2]. He has also trained members of his family, so that the skill will continue after him [2].
Recognition
The Government of India has honoured him twice for this work: with a National Merit certificate in 2006 and a National Award in 2012 [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2023: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 21 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2023: citation for Bhanubhai Chunilal Chitara — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 21 October 2026.
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