Pattachitra — The Sacred Scroll Paintings
Pattachitra (ପଟ୍ଟଚିତ୍ର) is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha, practiced for over 1000 years. 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 | 12th century or earlier |
| Location | Raghurajpur, Puri district |
| UNESCO | Intangible Cultural Heritage |
| GI Tag | Geographical Indication protected |
| Materials | Cotton cloth, natural colors |
The Art Village: Raghurajpur
Raghurajpur (ରଘୁରାଜପୁର) is the hub of Pattachitra. This heritage village near Puri has:
- ✦120+ artisan families
- ✦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 — Regional tales
- ✦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 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 |
| 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
- ✦Small pieces: ₹500-2000
- ✦Medium: ₹2000-10000
- ✦Large/intricate: ₹10000-50000+
Modern Revival
Pattachitra today appears on:
- ✦Sarees and fabrics
- ✦Home décor items
- ✦T-shirts and accessories
- ✦Digital art adaptations
Recognition
- ✦GI Tag: Protected identity
- ✦National Awards: Many artists recognized
- ✦International exhibitions: Displayed globally
Visiting Raghurajpur
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best time | October - March |
| Distance from Puri | 14 km |
| Entry | Free |
| Can watch artists work | Yes |
| Workshops available | Yes |
Related: Odissi Dance • Odia Culture