72-year-old painter from Baitadi

Baitadi: Bhanadevi Chand of Baitadiko Sunnaya rural municiplaity-2, is 72 years old. She still can be found painting Temples, Public Places and Households.

Bhanadevi can accurately draw pictures of God and everything she sees. She said that she has drawn more than 2000 pictures so far. She said that she started painting in her childhood. She can paint anything as it is with just one look.

She has studied till Class 5 in Dharchula, India. She started painting at the age of 10. Bhanadevi's paintings are in public places and homes from Baitadi to Kathmandu, said her son Narendra. He says, "Mother used to paint in her spare time. She has painted the walls from Baitadi to Kathmandu with paintings. One look at the picture she paints is enough. She has good abilities. She has also been awarded in some places. She has also painted various art works in the house of former Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand in Kathmandu."

Although Bhanadevi is known locally for her painting, she has not had the opportunity to participate in competitions. She has not priced any of the paintings. Chand says that she doesn't take payment except the amount given by their own will and the money for buying the paint.

Chand said that if someone from the village asked for a painting, she would go there and paint a picture. Chand seems worried about not being able to teach others the skills she has. Also, she says that it is sad that the young generation is not paying attention to painting in recent times.