Ganjifa Art

Sessions:  2
Hrs per Session:  2

Ganjifa art is a traditional Indian hand-painted playing card craft originating from ancient India and flourishing during the Mughal era, especially in royal courts.

Practiced in regions like Odisha, Maharashtra, Mysore, and West Bengal, it blends mythology, storytelling, and visual devotion, often depicting themes such as the Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Vishnu), epic narratives, and Persian motifs.

The cards, made from palm leaf, cloth, wood, or layered paper, are painted using natural pigments and organic binders, with miniature painting techniques featuring intricate detailing and vibrant colors.

Traditionally circular or rectangular, Ganjifa cards undergo a meticulous process of surface preparation, outlining, coloring, and varnishing.

While the tradition declined with modern playing cards, recent revival efforts have adapted Ganjifa for contemporary art forms and décor, preserving its rich cultural and religious significance.