Pattachitra (ପଟ୍ଟଚିତ୍ର) is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha, a tradition often described as more than a thousand years old. The name comes from:
- Patta = cloth/canvas
- Chitra = picture
These vibrant paintings depict Hindu deities, especially Lord Jagannath, and scenes from mythology.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | Several centuries old; exact date uncertain |
| Location | Raghurajpur, Puri district |
| GI Tag | Orissa Pattachitra, registered 2008 |
| Materials | Cotton cloth, natural colors |
The Art Village: Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur (ରଘୁରାଜପୁର) is the hub of Pattachitra. Odisha Tourism describes this village near Puri as India's first heritage crafts village:
- Many artisan families
- Nearly every house is a studio
- Traditional skills passed through generations
"In Raghurajpur, art is not just occupation — it's a way of life."
Traditional Themes
Jagannath Paintings
The most popular subject is Lord Jagannath in various forms:
- Temple scenes
- Rath Yatra depictions
- Krishna leela (stories)
Mythological Scenes
- Dashavatar — 10 incarnations of Vishnu
- Ramayana episodes
- Mahabharata scenes
- Krishna and Radha
Folk Themes
- Thia Badhia — Scenes of Jagannath Temple
- Kanchi Kaveri — The legend of Jagannath and Balabhadra riding to Kanchi
- Panchamukhi — Five-faced Ganesha
The Process
1. Canvas Preparation (Patta)
Creating the canvas takes 5-7 days:
- Two layers of cotton cloth glued together
- Coated with a gum of tamarind seed paste and chalk powder
- Dried and polished with stone
2. Drawing (Chitrakara)
- Artists draw outlines by hand (no stencils)
- Traditional iconography followed strictly
3. Coloring
Natural colors only:
| Color | Source |
|---|---|
| White | Conch shell powder |
| Yellow | Haritala (orpiment) |
| Red | Hingula (cinnabar) |
| Blue | Indigo (used in some workshops) |
| Black | Lamp soot |
| Green | Mixing blue + yellow |
4. Final Touches
- Lacquer coating for shine and preservation
- Borders painted with floral motifs
Distinctive Features
- Bold outlines in black
- Flat color application (no shading)
- Intricate detailing in jewelry, clothes
- Symbolic use of colors
- No perspective — flat 2D style
Artists: Chitrakara Community
The Chitrakara community has practiced this art for centuries:
- Skills passed from father to son
- Now women also learning
- Recognized as master craftsmen
Where to Buy
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Raghurajpur | Direct from artists |
| Pipili | Appliqué market nearby |
| Puri | Tourist shops |
| Bhubaneswar | Ekamra Haat, museums |
Pricing
Prices vary widely with size, detail and the artist. Ask the artist directly and compare a few workshops.
Modern Revival
Pattachitra today appears on:
- Sarees and fabrics
- Home décor items
- T-shirts and accessories
- Digital art adaptations
Recognition
- GI Tag: Orissa Pattachitra, registered 2008
- National Awards: Many artists recognized
- International exhibitions: Displayed globally
Visiting Raghurajpur
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time | October - March |
| Distance from Puri | About 14 km |
| Entry | Free |
| Can watch artists work | Yes |
| Workshops available | Yes |
Related: Odissi Dance • Odia Culture
