Wall Painting of Hazaribagh, Jharkhand

Two styles of wall paintings are particularly outstanding in Hazaribagh: Khovar and Sohrai. The Khovar paintings are typically made during the wedding season, which extends from January to May, and are characterized by fertility symbols that celebrate union and propagation. Popular motifs in these paintings include birds such as parrots and peacocks, as well as fruit-bearing trees.

Sohrai paintings, on the other hand, are observed during the harvest season, from November to December. During this time, cattle are cleaned and worshipped, along with agricultural implements like the plough. The central figure in these paintings is Pashupati, also known as Shiva, who is depicted as the lord of animals standing on the back of a bull. These paintings serve as a celebration of the harvest and are a testament to the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the tribes.

The tools used in Khovar and Sohrai wall paintings are brushes made from twigs and leaves, a broom used for cleaning and smoothing the wall surface, and a comb used for adding texture and detail to the design. The materials used to make the Khovar and Sohrai wall paintings in Hazaribagh include natural pigments made from crushed leaves, flowers and other plant material along with clay and chalk used to prepare the wall surface.