Govardhan Puja in Pichwai by Naveen Soni

This festive Pichwai painting by master artist Naveen Soni depicts the celebration of Govardhan Puja alongside twenty-four miniature depictions of Shrinathji sewa. Originating from the Nathdwara region of Rajasthan, the traditional Pichwai style consists of intricate cloth hangings created to adorn temple shrines behind Lord Shrinathji, the seven-year-old manifestation of Lord Krishna. The central space features Lord Shrinathji in the sampada position, raising his left hand to hold Mount Govardhana while holding a flute (murali) and lotus (kamalchadi) in his right. Dark-complexioned and oval-faced, the deity is adorned with lotus-shaped eyes (kamalnayan), a pearl nath, a chin diamond, a sandalwood and vermilion tilak, a peacock-feather crown (mormukuta), extensive jewelry, and embellished attire, standing on a pedestal set with prasaddibbi, paan, and jaldaani for sewa. Flanking him are adoring female attendants raising their arms and, near the pedestal, partially bald pujaris (priests) in yellow lower garments performing rituals with lotus baskets and peacock feather fans (moorpankha). The central background displays lush foliage, a starry sky with the moon, and six celestial chariots. In the lower register, the Govardhan Puja narrative unfolds, featuring Krishna being offered delicacies as offerings, especially an Annakut (mountain of grains) along with the Daan Leela, where Krishna and Balarama demand tax from gopis carrying butter pots, cows, and architectural elements. Surrounding the central field are twenty-four miniature panels illustrating distinct scenes of Shrinathji sewa illustrative of 24 festivals celebrated in the Pushtimarg tradition, including Janmashtami, Snana Yatra, Rath Yatra, Sharad Purnima, Tulsi Vivah, Govardhan Puja, etc.; enclosed by an outer border of sacred white cows with saffron handprints representing Krishna's presece and protection with a lotus pond at the base, and an ornamental floral frame.