Likhat: You Are Invited

Hey history buffs, first of all, a very Happy New Year! Hope you all are doing great. Have you decided on any resolution to follow this year? Do let me know in the comments. So recently I have posted a story on my Instagram page (if you are not following me yet, do it ASAP) and asked you all to suggest to me on which topic I shall write next? So there is a joint winner, culture and place. I chose alphabetically, culture first. Following it today, I am going to present a very unique side of culture coming from the forts of Jaisalmer. So grab your tea and let's dive in. 

Some days back, I was scrolling some reels, and got to know about a very distinct tradition named Likhat. In this generation, whenever there is a wedding, we either get invitation cards, or e-cards (digital cards). But in the forts of Jaisalmer, people prefer Likhat, the tradition of painting the invitation cards on walls. 

The fort of Jaisalmer is one of the living forts, here people are staying for years rent free and inside the fort you will get to see varieties of wedding invitations, painted on the walls. The fun part is, anybody who sees that card is invited to the wedding ceremony whether known or not. 

Exactly when this tradition got its roots is unknown, but this tradition has been there for decades. The thought of painting wedding cards, is a form of showing talent, and moreover for helping illiterates to get a more prominent and visual understanding. Besides this, it stays as a living memory on the walls of old havelis. 

The Likhat tradition works as a  community announcement and also represents visual storytelling. Artistic styles used in Likhat include Pithora art, Miniature paintings, and Folk art. You can see Lord Ganesha painted in vibrant colors as he is considered to be the god of beginnings and remover of obstacles. 

As the time passes by, the tradition of Likhat is fading away. Visitors may still encounter this beautiful tradition in the older parts of the city and haveli. Many of the historic havelis (traditional mansions) in Jaisalmer may still display remnants of past Likhat paintings, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region. While it may face challenges in the modern world, efforts to keep this unique custom alive will ensure that the vibrant spirit of Jaisalmer continues to flourish.