Mithila painting, popularly known as Madhubani painting, is the folk art of the Mithila region of Bihar. The name 'Madhubani' means 'forest of honey'.
These are characterized by complex geometrical patterns, these paintings are known for representing ritual content for particular occasions, including festivals, religious rituals, etc.
Madhubani paintings were done using colours extracted from nature. As a part of household activity, women prepared colours sourcing them from flowers, leaves and wild berries.
The theme of Madhubani Painting is mostly influenced by the religious motifs and beliefs of Indians.
Both practitioners and professionals of this traditional Indian art form are driven by love for nature and devotion for the Hindu deities.
The main colors used in Madhubani paintings are the natural colors: yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Additional colors such as: lemon yellow.
Madhubani art has five distinctive styles: Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna and Kohbar. In the 1960s Bharni, and Tantrik styles were mainly done by Brahman women, who are 'upper caste' women in India.