Matihani women learning Mithila painting

By Nagendra Kumar Karna,Mahottari, Feb. 16: Hina Khatun of Ward No. 7 of Matihani Municipality is currently busy attending Mithila Painting training sessions in Matihani.

 Despite belonging to a different religion and culture, she has been drawn to Mithila painting due to its reputation as a valuable skill.

 Hina, an 11 grader at Ram Secondary School in Matihani, said that skills are not confined to any particular group based on religion, community, or culture. She expressed her interest in learning Mithila painting as a means to achieve independence.

Similarly, Nasima Khatun, of Ward No. 6 of the same municipality, has begun attending Mithila painting classes after completing her household chores. She diligently takes notes of the painting techniques shared by the instructor.

A total of 30 women from various communities, including Dalits and Muslims, have joined the Mithila painting training programme organised by the Community Learning Centre in Matihani-7, with the support of Matihani Municipality. 

Shyam Kumar Mandal, President of the Community Learning Centre, said that the Mithila painting training aims to preserve cultural heritage and empower women with income-generating skills.

 He said that the 35-day training programme would enable women to acquire valuable skills for self-sufficiency.

Manju Devi Sah, Deputy Mayor of Matihani Municipality, emphasised the high demand for Mithila painting in national and international markets.

 She encouraged women to embrace this skill for earning income from home and become independent financially.  

Following the training, the municipality pledges full support to further develop the women’s skills and urges them to apply what they have learned.

Coach Menka Jha emphasised the recognition and respect that women gain through Mithila painting, which is deeply intertwined with Mithila’s identity and heritage.

Chandeshwar Sah, the education coordinator of Matihani Municipality, lauded the Mithila painting training as a positive step in preserving Mithila’s cultural arts amidst their  gradual disappearance.