Medium: Watercolor and Colored Pencils on Paper

 

​Size: 9" x 11.25"

​

This painting is part of a larger ongoing project - a self-initiated picture book that I wrote and am currently illustrating. 

The story is set in Kolkata, India and highlights the unique culture of the place. This scene is about Saraswati Puja - one of the major festivals celebrated in the city. Saraswati is the Hindu Goddess of wisdom, creativity and the arts. Therefore, one of the rituals involves placing books, stationary (and anything else one uses for their work, studies or art) at the feet of the Goddess so she can bless them. The best part of the ritual for kids, however, is the fact that they don't have to study all throughout the festival since their books are at the feet of the deity.

This illustration portrays the joy and fun of that ritual.