🎨 PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS OF ODISHA
India is a land of diverse art forms, and one of the most beautiful among them is Pattachitra, a traditional style of painting from the eastern state of Odisha. These paintings are more than just art — they are rich in mythology, devotion, and culture, painted with patience and love on pieces of cloth or dried palm leaves.
🖌️ What is Pattachitra?
The word ‘Pattachitra’ comes from two Sanskrit words:
‘Patta’ meaning cloth,
‘Chitra’ meaning picture or painting.
So, Pattachitra literally means ‘a painting on cloth’. These paintings usually show stories from Hindu mythology, especially related to Lord Jagannath, Krishna, Rama, and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
🏠 Where is it made?
Pattachitra art is mainly practiced in Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village near Puri, Odisha. Every household in this village is home to skilled artists, known as Chitrakars, who pass on their knowledge from generation to generation.
🎨 Features of Pattachitra
Pattachitra has a very distinctive style, with these main features:
Bold, clear outlines drawn with black or red.
Natural colours made from stones, plants, and shells — no synthetic paints are used!
Mythological themes, especially related to Lord Jagannath.
Decorative floral borders that enhance the beauty of the artwork.
The paintings are made on canvas prepared with chalk and gum, and sometimes on dried palm leaves.
The detailing and symmetry in Pattachitra make it truly eye-catching and mesmerising.
🌟 Unique Aspects
One famous tradition is the painting of the “Anasar Pati”, which replaces the deities in the Jagannath temple during the Anavasara period, when the idols are believed to fall ill and are not displayed.
Artists don’t use pencils! They draw directly using brushes made from animal hair.
Palm leaf engravings (called Tala Pattachitra) are also a unique style, where the art is etched into dry leaves.
📚 Cultural Importance
Pattachitra is not just decorative art — it is deeply spiritual. It plays an important role in Odisha’s culture, temple rituals, festivals, and even storytelling traditions. These paintings were once used as visual aids to tell stories from epics and teach values to communities.
🛍️ Pattachitra Today
Today, Pattachitra is appreciated globally and is also used in:
Sarees and textiles 👗
Home décor 🎁
Bookmarks, fans, and souvenirs 📘
Digital prints for modern art lovers 💻
Many artists now combine traditional designs with modern objects, keeping the art alive in a new way.
🧠 Conclusion
Pattachitra is more than an art form — it is a living tradition that connects people to their roots and to ancient stories of devotion and dharma. Whether seen on temple walls or in modern galleries, the charm of Pattachitra continues to inspire awe.
Let us support and celebrate such beautiful Indian art forms, so they remain alive for generations to come!
