Gopashtami is the day Lord Krishna became a Gopala, a full cowherd. In 2026, Gopashtami falls on 17 November. Pichwai artists have painted this festival for centuries. In this guide you will learn what a Gopashtami Pichwai painting shows, what its symbols mean and how to choose a real handmade one.
Gopashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright half of the month of Kartik. According to tradition, this is the day Nanda Maharaj first sent Krishna and Balarama to graze the cows. From that day Krishna became known as Gopala and Govinda, the protector of cows. People decorate and worship cows and calves on this day, which is also called Gau Puja.
| Festival | Date | Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| Gopashtami 2026 | 17 November 2026 | Kartik Shukla Ashtami |
Exact timing can change a little by city, so please check your local panchang for puja time.
Pichwai is a 400-year-old art form from Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Pichwais were made as large cloth backdrops behind the idol of Shrinathji. The temple changes the Pichwai for each season and festival, and Gopashtami is one of them. A Gopashtami Pichwai usually shows Shrinathji or Krishna with the flute, surrounded by many decorated cows and calves, with lotus flowers, trees and peacocks.
At Rupasya, every Pichwai is 100% handmade in Nathdwara and Udaipur using natural stone pigments and gold foil. There is no digital printing. See our full Gopashtami Pichwai paintings collection.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Decorated cows | Gratitude, abundance and the bond between Krishna and cows |
| Calves | Innocence and new beginnings |
| Lotus | Purity and divine beauty |
| Peacock | Joy, love and Krishna's own symbol |
| Wish-fulfilling tree | Prosperity and blessings for the home |
| Gold foil | Divine light and value that lasts |
Many artists also paint cows under the wish-fulfilling tree. If you like this idea, explore our Tree of Life Pichwai paintings.
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Handmade or print | Fine brush lines, small variations, real gold foil shine |
| Base material | Cloth for traditional look, canvas for easy hanging, wall panel for large walls |
| Size | 24x36 inch for medium walls, 48x36 inch or bigger for large living rooms |
| Proof | Certificate of Authenticity with the artwork name |
| Packing | Safe rolled or crated packing for pigments and gold foil |
You can browse every theme in our handmade Pichwai paintings category. If you want a special size or design, we also make custom Pichwai paintings.
Gopashtami 2026 is on 17 November.
It marks the day Krishna started to herd cows and became Gopala, and it is a day to honour cows.
It shows Shrinathji or Krishna with decorated cows, calves, lotus, trees and peacocks.
Yes. Every painting is hand-painted by artisans from Nathdwara and Udaipur with natural pigments, and we ship worldwide.