Phad Art: A Unique Initiative for Voter Awareness in Balotra, Rajasthan

A distinctive initiative is underway in the Balotra district of Rajasthan, gearing up for the upcoming assembly and parliamentary elections. The campaign involves using the traditional art form of 'Phad' to raise voter awareness in rural areas. Through paintings and songs on a 101-meter-long cloth canvas, the significance of voting is being conveyed to the general public.

Phad is an ancient folk art of Rajasthan, depicting folk tales on cloth through paintings, accompanied by folk singers singing and narrating stories of local deities. The art form includes depictions of the lives of revered figures like Pabuji, Ramdevji, Devnarayan Bhagwan, Lord Krishna, and more. The voter awareness campaign using Phad art was initiated by Dr. Rameshwari Chaudhary, the coordinator of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Balotra. Collaborating with painting artists, she illustrated the voter awareness process on a 101-meter cloth canvas.

This unique approach includes visuals of checking voter lists, visiting polling centers on election day, choosing the right candidate on the ballot, and depositing the ballot in the box, making the voting process easy to understand through art. Local artists and school students are also actively participating in the campaign, taking Phad art to villages and explaining the importance of voting to the electorate.

Dr. Rameshwari Chaudhary highlighted the effectiveness of Phad art, stating that it is a popular art form in rural Rajasthan and serves as an impactful means to spread voter awareness. The response to the campaign has been positive, with people appreciating the simplicity with which Phad art explains the voting process.

Balotra district collector Rajendra Vijay praised the initiative, stating that using Phad art for voter awareness is a commendable effort. He believes that this campaign will contribute to increasing voter turnout in rural areas.

What is Phad painting?

Phad painting is believed to have originated 700 years ago in the state of Mewar. The depiction of popular folk tales on cloth is called ancient board painting. This depiction is called Phad in Rajasthani language. A unique blend of folk theatre, singing, playing, oral literature, painting and folk religion can be seen together in Phad depiction. Through Phad depiction, the story of some folk deities and folk heroes is told, the events that happened in their lives. Prominent among them are Pabuji, Ramdevji, Devnarayanji, Lord Krishna and Durga Mata. The length of Phad is more and width is less. Phad is recited by Bhope.

In Phad Art:

 Folk tales depicted Religious texts Folk heroes Dev and Devnarayan Lord Krishna and scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata

The significance of Phad Art:

The voter awareness campaign using Phad art in Balotra is a commendable initiative. It has the potential to reach a larger audience in rural areas and establish voting as a social responsibility among people. Apart from Phad art, other programs like awareness rallies, essay competitions, sports events, and innovations by the Election Commission are also being organized to explain the importance of voting. This marks a positive step towards enhancing voter awareness and participation in the democratic process.