Sanjay Manubhai Chitara

Sanjay Manubhai Chitara is an Ahmedabad-based artist and traditional craftsman, part of the Vaghiri (Devi Pujak) community that has practiced the art of Mata ni Pachedi for over 300 years. Alongside his family, he continues a lineage that has preserved this ritualistic textile tradition across generations. Originally created as a portable shrine for the Mother Goddess, these painted cloths were used by communities who were denied access to temples.

Chitara’s practice draws from the Kalamkari tradition, involving intricate hand-drawing on cotton using a date-palm stick and natural dyes. His compositions typically centre on the goddess, surrounded by detailed depictions of animals, trees, and sacred landscapes. While historically limited to red and black, his works today explore a broader palette, all derived from organic sources with each colour carrying symbolic significance.

Over time, Mata ni Pachedi has evolved from a devotional object to a highly regarded collectible. Chitara and his family remain among the few practitioners sustaining this intricate and time-intensive process. He was awarded the National Award in 2000, with multiple honours also conferred upon his family members for their contribution to the craft.