Pichwai paintings depict tales from Lord Krishna's life. He is often depicted as Shrinathji, the deity manifested as a seven-year-old child. Other common subjects in pichvvai paintings are Radha, gopis, cows and lotuses. Festivals and celebrations such as Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Diwali and Holi are frequently depicted in Pichwais.

Pichwai (Pichvai) style of painting originated over 400 years ago, in the town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan, India. Originally, Pichwai ('pichh' meaning back and 'wai' meaning textile hanging) paintings are hung behind the deity to celebrate different seasons, festivals and events in Lord Krishna's life.