Had it not been for the Vishnu-avatara saviour Lord Krishna, the people of Mathura would have long succumbed to the wrath of Lord Indra. When the latter had pelted fatal thunderstorms upon the region, slated to annihilate their settlement and livelihood, Lord Krishna stood over them like a rock. With the Govardhan mount raised high above His head, supported merely by the smallest finger of one hand, He prevented the torrential rains from descending upon His beloved Mathura.

The pattachitra (folk art made on a complex, locally produced canvas) that you see on this page is a colourful depiction of this snatch of Krishnaleela. The dusky Lord Krishna is at the centre of the composition, His peet- or amber-coloured robes flowing about Him. The people of Mathura, each painted in great detail, surround Him and prostrate at His feet in sheer gratitude and veneration. From the all-important hill to the mounds of bhoomi (earth) below, solid pastel hues characterise this composition.