Morning walkers are often captivated by the wall of Janakpur Cigarette Factory Limited (JCFL). Despite its worn-out condition—with faded colours, peeling plaster, exposed bricks, and overgrown bushes—the wall stands out with its vibrant Mithila paintings. JCFL has been closed since July 1, 2019, and now serves as the headquarters of the Madhesh provincial government.

Women are busy painting the walls, holding brushes and acrylic colours. Seated on the footpath, artist Ramita Thakur worked on a painting depicting the marriage of Ram and Sita. Alongside the artwork of the divine couple sitting on a throne, she sketched a bow to complement the scene.

“Once the sketch is complete, we will add colour. It may look black and white now, but it will be stunning after it’s coloured,” says Thakur, who began painting two days ago and estimates it will take her another two days to finish.

The construction of JCFL began in Janakpur in 1960 with assistance from the Soviet Union (Russia). The 64-year-old JCFL wall is currently adorned with Mithila paintings by the Madhesh provincial government. Three artists were finalising a painting on the western wall of the main gate of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers’ office. These artists, who depicted the traditional Mithila wedding on the wall, used colours that matched their own clothing.

A total of 160 Mithila paintings will be painted on 3,500 feet (1 km) of the outer wall of JCFL, which occupies 33 bigha and 9 kattha land. “All 160 paintings will be unique,” says Udit Kumar Thakur, the information officer at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development under the Madhesh government. Around 50 artists have been commissioned to create the Mithila paintings. The Ministry is investing Rs2 million in constructing the outer complex of JCFL.

Thakur, the information officer at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development, stated that 160 Mithila paintings showcasing Mithila’s culture, lifestyle, cuisine, and diversity will be created on the wall. “The outer wall of the Madhesh government headquarters used to look unattractive,” Thakur explains. “The Mithila paintings have been added to enhance its appearance. All the artists who paint the wall are local artists from Janakpur.”

Artist SC Suman began by creating Mithila paintings on mud walls. “In those days, natural colours were used for the paintings,” Suman shares. “Later, the shift to cement walls brought an increased use of acrylic colours.” He explains that while the tradition of painting on walls remains rooted in history, the medium has evolved. “Previously, the artwork primarily depicted mythological themes. Now, it also addresses contemporary issues.”