Khair Devi

Gouache on paper, 32 x 40 cm, 250 USD

During the Harvest Festival, the entire village sows jowar (millet) in pots. Every pot, called jwara, represents a wish that has been granted. On the Festival’s ninth day, we take them to the shrine of the goddess Khair Mata. After the ritual, we immerse them in a river or stream, signifying the beginning of the goddess’ journey to her heavenly abode. Here I have depicted people carrying the jwara through the forest to the shrine. This is a very important ritual amongst my tribe, the Baigas.

Curator’s Note: The Baiga tribe is one of several hundred adivasis, the “first inhabitants” of India who mostly live in remote, difficult to reach regions of the country.