The Unity Collection: An Homage to Mughal and Pichwai Art

Why the 2025 cover of the Desi Planner combines Mughal Art and Pichwai Art

When I started thinking about the cover of the 2025 Desi Planner, it was clear to me that the theme was going to bring together certain elements that we are all craving a little more of in life these days. Joy. Harmony. Unity. Togetherness.

And I wanted the cover to not only be functional but also a piece of art that speaks to our cultural roots and inspires connection. The fusion of Mughal and Pichwai art for the cover of my planner is intentional, reflective, and deeply personal. These two art forms are both rich in history, and they complement each other in ways that tell a story—one that resonates with modern women balancing tradition with ambition.

In this post, I’ll explain the significance behind the cover design, what inspired me, and why these two artistic styles, in particular, felt like the perfect combination for the Desi Planner. 

The Timeless Appeal of Mughal Art

Mughal art is synonymous with elegance, grandeur, and attention to detail. Originating from the royal courts of the Mughal Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, it is an intricate blend of Persian, Indian, and Islamic influences. Characterized by its beautiful floral motifs, naturalistic depictions, and symmetrical designs, Mughal art has stood the test of time, representing an era of opulence, knowledge, and refinement.

For me, incorporating Mughal art into the planner cover was about bringing that same sense of beauty and structure into our everyday lives. Just as Mughal architecture is known for its balance and harmony, so is a well-designed planner—something that not only helps you manage your day but does so in a way that feels both intentional and peaceful.

In the fast-paced lives we live today, having a touch of Mughal artistry on something as practical as a planner adds a sense of calm. The symmetrical patterns and delicate florals remind us to slow down, appreciate beauty in small things, and find balance amidst our busy schedules.

The Spiritual Essence of Pichwai Art

On the other hand, Pichwai art, which originated in the town of Nathdwara, Rajasthan, is known for its spiritual depth and intricate detailing. Traditionally, Pichwai paintings depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, often with an emphasis on nature—lotus flowers, peacocks, cows, and water bodies being central themes. Pichwai art’s focus on nature and spirituality brings a serene and meditative quality to any space it occupies.

While Mughal art brings a sense of structure and elegance, Pichwai art brings a grounding sense of connection with nature and spirituality. One is an homage to the rich history of Persian migration to India and Islamic heritage in South Asia. The other is a quintessential Hindu art form found in the most traditional of homes. 

By fusing these two styles, I aimed to create something that speaks to both beautiful, bold, unified and spiritual elements of our personalities. In a world where we are often disconnected from nature and the things that bring us peace, Pichwai art serves as a reminder to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with the simple joys of life.

A Bridge Between the Traditional and the Modern

One of the reasons I chose to blend Mughal and Pichwai art is that both styles have a timeless quality. While each has its own distinct flavor, together, they create a narrative that bridges the traditional with the modern. As women today, especially South Asian women living in a globalized world, we often find ourselves balancing the values and traditions we were raised with, alongside modern-day ambitions and challenges. The fusion of these two art styles mirrors that duality.

Cultural Pride and Identity

There’s something incredibly special about designing a product that feels rooted in cultural heritage. For me, using both Mughal and Pichwai art on the planner cover was also about celebrating our rich South Asian history. Both these art styles are iconic in their own right, representing different facets of Indian art and culture. It was about showing that there is more common ground than there are differences.

When I met Devanshi Padsala, the founder of Gulabi Mango and worked with her on updating the brand identity of Paperfly, it became clear that she would be able to bring the artistic vision and ideas to life. It helped that Devanshi, like me, is a proponent of unity and humanity. We bonded over that A LOT during the design process. Devanshi brought the vision to life in a way I couldn’t even have imagined. It was bold and completely outside my comfort zone, but exactly what I wanted. 

As the founder of a brand that caters to South Asian women, I wanted this planner to be a celebration of who we are and where we come from. By using traditional art forms, the planner becomes more than just a tool for organizing your life—it becomes a reflection of your identity, reminding you of the strength, beauty, and grace that is inherent in our heritage.

The Role of Art in Daily Life

Incorporating beautiful art into something as functional as a planner can have a powerful impact. Planners are used every day, often multiple times a day, and they are a tool that helps us create structure in our lives. When that tool also serves as a piece of art, it adds an element of joy and mindfulness to the routine task of planning.

Art, especially traditional forms like Mughal and Pichwai, has the power to ground us and bring a sense of peace and inspiration. I wanted a cover that felt not just aesthetically pleasing but also like a small piece of art that could be a source of daily inspiration.

Final Thoughts

In today’s world, we are constantly juggling multiple roles, responsibilities, and ambitions. My goal with the Unity Collection was to create something that not only helps you organize your time but also serves as a visual reminder of our roots, our values, and the beauty that exists in both tradition and progress.

By combining Mughal and Pichwai art, I wanted to reflect that duality we live with—the elegance of structure and ambition, alongside the peaceful, spiritual, and nurturing aspects of our lives. This planner is more than just a tool; it’s a reflection of who we are as modern South Asian women, navigating both our traditional values and contemporary aspirations with grace and strength.

I hope the Desi Planner serves as a daily reminder of the balance we all seek, and the beauty that exists in every aspect of our lives—from the organized chaos of our schedules to the moments of quiet reflection.

P.S.: You can grab your Unity Collection products including the Desi Planner here!