Mahabharata Playing Cards. The soul’s battle between light and shadow
Mahabharata is one of the greatest epics of antiquity, considered a spiritual and literary pillar of Indian culture. With over one hundred thousand verses, it recounts the conflict between two branches of a royal dynasty —the Pandavas and the Kauravas— fighting for control of the kingdom of Hastinapura. But this war is not just a struggle for power: it’s also a profound reflection on justice, duty, spirituality, and the consequences of human choices. From this timeless well of wisdom comes a project that reimagines its legacy through visual elegance and symbolic depth: Mahabharata Playing Cards.
The campaign, led by Omega Playing Cards and designed by Bivas Bhattacharjee (Old Gravity), transforms this monumental work into a collection of cards and objects that capture its philosophical and artistic essence. The result is a visually powerful, symbol-rich creation, meticulously produced in two deluxe decks and a limited-edition collector’s box.
The Mahabharata playing cards are not mere decorative illustrations: each card tells a visual story. The court cards portray heroes and antagonists from the epic, capturing not just their appearance but their deeper narrative roles—Arjuna, Draupadi, Bhima, Karna, Duryodhana, Dronacharya… each depicted with symbolism that reflects their virtues, values, or ambitions. The red suits represent the Pandavas and their allies, defenders of dharma (righteousness). The black suits are linked to the Kauravas, champions of greed, betrayal, and chaos.
The number cards feature layouts inspired by Pasha, an ancient dice game that marked some of the most tragic moments in the Mahabharata—like the Pandavas losing their kingdom and freedom in a deceitful match. The pip arrangement subtly reflects the ritual geometry of this game.
Technically, the deck stands out for its advanced printing technique: foil is applied first, followed by the printed color. This allows shiny and matte finishes to coexist precisely, creating a rich, dynamic surface where light and shadow add depth and contrast.
The cards are available in two distinct editions, reflecting complementary dimensions of the epic.
The Dharmic Edition focuses on the ethical clash between justice and ambition. Its design features intense tones of red, black, and gold, evoking the drama of the Kurukshetra battlefield. The two-piece tuck case features embossed details, die-cuts, and metallic foil for a ceremonial, majestic presence.
The Moksha Edition, in contrast, is inspired by the pursuit of spiritual liberation. Its aesthetic is softer and more contemplative, with marble, silver, and sepia hues. Its tuck design conveys serenity and detachment from material desires.
Both editions are also available as gilded versions —with metallic edges and exclusive numbering— enhancing their value for discerning collectors.
The Dharmic Gilded Edition features matte dark gold gilding and an interior lined with silvery blue foil that contrasts beautifully with the dramatic exterior.
The Moksha Gilded Edition has platinum-colored gilding and a pearl-silver interior finish, in perfect harmony with its introspective spirit.
These special versions are exclusively available during the campaign, with no reprints or wholesale distribution, making them truly limited-edition items.
The most exclusive item in this campaign is the Collector Box with the Pasha game, a highly limited piece (maximum 500 units) that combines form and function in a ritualistic design. Inspired by the dice game that changed the fate of the Pandavas, the box unfolds in three levels: a rigid outer lid with golden prints; a fold-out Pasha board hidden inside; and a central core that holds the two gilded decks, hand-painted wooden pieces, and two traditional long wooden dice.
More than just packaging, this is a symbolic altar encapsulating fate, chance, and the spiritual tension of the original epic.
The campaign is already funded, so if you’re drawn to ancient stories, refined art, and projects that merge philosophy and design, just visit the project website and make your pledge to join this eternal battle.
Good luck!
