Madhubani or Mithila painting is a traditional folk art form rooted in the Mithila region and extends across northern Bihar in India and the eastern Terai of Nepal. For centuries, this art has been integral to the region's cultural heritage.

"Madhu" translates to honey, and "bani" translates to forest. In Sanskrit, "Madhubani" completely translates to "forest of honey." This highlights its extensive connections with nature by using Painting Motifs; flora and fauna in most paintings.

Traditionally, women have been the primary practitioners of this art, passing down their techniques and stories through generations, ensuring its continuity within families and communities, which is a significant part of Mithila's community heritage.

Madhubani folk art is passed down "From mothers to daughters and from mother-in-laws to daughter-in-laws." Madhubani paintings were used to decorate homes for special occasions such as weddings, religious festivals, and birth celebrations. Artists created these works on the mud walls and floors of huts.

Upper-class women initially practiced this art form, but it has now spread across various communities. Women would paint their walls (known as Bhitti Chitra) and floors (known as Aripana) of their homes with these vibrant artworks.

The themes often revolve around Hindu mythology, nature, and daily life in the village, frequently depicting scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The folk art also includes weddings and festivals featuring Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Kali, Durga, and Krishna. It continues to play a vital role in preserving the cultural identity of the Mithila region.

Madhubani characteristics include intricate 2D figures outlined with double lines, creating depth and symmetry. The art traditionally leaves no empty spaces, filling every area with motifs such as flowers, animals, birds, or geometric patterns. Borders are a key feature, often adorned with nature- inspired elements like vines, trees, and lotus flowers or geometric shapes like triangles and circles. Figures often have exaggerated features, such as pointed noses and bulging eyes, adding a distinctive touch.