A ritual performed by a newly married bride

Auspicious snakes, flowers, and various ritual objects fill the left side of this painting,which appears to document one of the ceremonies in a thirteen-day ritual festival (Madhushravani Puja) observed by new brides. At the right, the bride is seated while a male figure—the only one in the painting—covers her eyes. The exact nature of the events taking place is unclear. It is possible that the man is her husband and the ritual being performed is the concluding one of the festival, at which the groom's presence is considered essential. The festival Madhushravani Puja takes place at the beginning of the rainy season. The snakes and the elephant in the painting are emblematic of the season and thus, of fertility and well-being. An interesting feature of this painting, and one found in most marriage-themed works from Mithila, is the figure of a woman who stands behind the group at the right with her face half veiled. She represents an eye goddess (naina jogin), one who protects the bride and groom from the evil eye.