Molela is a small, non descript village in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, situated on the banks of the river Banas. Normally, it could pass off as an ordinary village, one of the thousands that you pass by while traversing the rural landscape of our country.
The distinction here lies in the terracotta plaques made here, only here all over India. Made as a flat surface, unlike the usual idols made elsewhere, this craft is unique in design. This craft has existed since generations and caters to the tribals who travel from as far as Madhya Pradesh to buy them every year.
Once a year, in the months of Feb-Mar, the tribals buy the brightly painted terracotta plaques from these potters. Usually a priest accompanies them for this ritual of buying. The most important figures are that of Devnarayan(Dharmaraja) and Nagaraja(the snake God). The tribals prefer bright colours for Gods and there are specific colours to depict each God. For instance, Blue is used for Kaladev and Orange is used for Goradev. The tribals usually change these votives every year. These rituals are believed to prevent misfortune. They consider these Gods as their protectors.
