Sanjay Manubhai Chitara (Maharashtra)
About Artist
Sanjay Manubhai Chitara, based in Ahmedabad, and his family have upheld the centuries-old tradition of creating Mata ni Pachedi, a sacred art form rooted in Kalamkari. For over a hundred years, the Chitara family has practised this intricate process, drawing the image of the goddess on cotton cloth using a date plant stick and natural dyes. Initially featuring only red and black, the artwork now showcases a range of colours and is sought after by collectors for its rich cultural significance. The motifs typically depict a goddess at the centre, surrounded by animals, rivers, and nature. The colours used are all derived from natural materials, such as yellow from mango or turmeric, orange from henna, and black from iron water. The creation process is elaborate and deeply symbolic, with each stage involving careful preparation of the cloth and color application. Sanjay Chitara was honored with the National Award in 2000. The family has also been recognized with numerous state-level awards for their commitment to preserving this traditional art form.Artwork