Mata ni Pachedi/
माता नी पछेड़ी
Mata-ni-Pachedi is a traditional art form originating from Gujarat, India, characterized by vibrant paintings of goddesses on fabric typically found in temple settings. These colorful depictions feature animated images of gods and goddesses, devotees, flora, wildlife, and narrative themes. The term "Mata-ni-Pachedi" derives from the Gujarati language, with "Mata" meaning "goddess," "ni" signifying "belongs to," and "Pachedi" translating to "behind." Initially, when the nomadic Vaghari community in Gujarat was prohibited from entering temples, they ingeniously crafted their own shrines on cloth, portraying representations of the Mother Goddess in various forms. One distinguishing aspect of Mata-ni-Pachedi is the layout of four to five fabric pieces, which when combined, form a shrine dedicated to the Mother Goddess, making it a unique temple hanging.