The Kohbar Ghar: A study of sacred space and ritualistic paintings in Mithila marriage traditions

Abstract

The painting tradition of Kohbar Ghar (nuptial chamber) is a tradition of intricate wall paintings in the room where married couples meet for the first time after marriage. Rural-urban migration and time shortened marriage ceremonies are causing folk art and cultural practices to decline, resulting in loss of roots and near extinction of these traditions. The objectives of the research are to examine the cultural, social, and ceremonial significance of the Kohbar paintings in connection to Mithila marriage practices; understand the religious iconography and metaphorical meaning behind the decorations at the Kohbar Ghar and study how Kohbar painting traditions have been maintained and adapted as it has been affected by modernity and commercialization. The descriptive research used primary (museum visits) and secondary (web resources) data to analyze these issues. Unlike earlier aesthetic or historical works, this paper analyzes the meanings of symbolic motifs and their links to Mithila’s socio-economic background. It highlights Kohbar Ghar as an important element of the living heritage of Mithila, as well as strengthening the discussion of the cultural heritage and the differences between regions. The research discloses that Kohbar paintings and cultural symbols of the Mithila community maintain their culture despite commercialization representing their values, beliefs, and aspirations, and discussing the recent developments of using new techniques and materials and the preservation activities of museums and exhibitions. This paper investigates the religiousness and ritualistic implications of Kohbar painting traditions during Mithila weddings.