Thangka is a religious painting on cotton cloth usually depicted on Buddhist deity, mainly practices under Tibetan Buddhism. Though, the idea and concept of painting Thangka was started from Tibet, it has got huge popularity in Nepal especially among Bajrayana (Mahayana) sect of Buddhist. Thangka serve as important teaching tool depicting the life of Buddha and it is also believe that if one literally can understand it and follow, can get Liberation (Nirvana). So, in the present days, Thangka is taken as one the valuable sacred thing and thus making and selling of Thangka is one of the good businesses.
By now, the painting of Thangka in Nepal has come a long way from religious painting to modern style oil painting. Especially Kathmandu valley is the fertile land of Thangka painting over which almost all people of religious believes keep interest and enthusiasm. Buddhist scholars of higher intellectuality revere it with entire homage considering mystic power of Lamastic deities in respect with religious culture and believe.
Thangka painting got fascinate after the 15th century when the brighter colors began to appear. As time pass by, Tantric cult began to make more impact on society and they started to paint God Shiva and Shakti in various conventional poses. They imagine the existence of Mahakala, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and many other deities. By which Thangka become much fascinated and develop as a thing of religious decoration also.
Thangka is also recognizing as “Paubha” in Newari society. Mainly Thangka is painted in cloth that could be easily rolled up and carried along with them. In Nepal, the earliest painting was found of Thirteenth/ fourteenth century showing Amitabha surrounded by Bodhisattva.

Thankga painting is one the conceptual art of all time. The main deity, a large figure occupies the central position while surrounded by smaller figures of lesser divinities.