Calendar

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes.

calendar art; popular religious art

Full moon and flute are attributes of Krishna. Peacock feather in crown and vertical star on forehead both represent the eye of Shiva. Flute is an extension of the concept of beauty, intoxication, and pure, simple sound.

Rectangular calendar print depicting a young male, Krishna, holding a gold flute in two hands. Only torso and head shown. He is wearing a pink scarf draped over both arms and a yellow dhoti. He is adorned with jeweled gold necklaces, bracelets, armlets and earrings. Around his neck is a white, pink, green and red floral garland. On his head is a jeweled gold crown with peacock feather stuck in top; white star with a red vertical line through it is marked on his forehead. Background is dark purple with a light yellow halo behind his head.