Pattachitra Paintings – The Timeless Art of Odisha

What is Pattachitra?

Pattachitra (from Sanskrit: Patta = cloth, Chitra = picture) is one of the oldest and most intricate traditional art forms of India, originating from Odisha. These hand-painted scrolls or canvases depict Hindu mythology, folklore, rituals, and devotional themes, especially centered around Lord Jagannath.

With bold lines, natural colors, detailed borders, and stylized figures, Pattachitra paintings are not just art – they are visual scriptures that narrate centuries-old stories from epics and temple traditions.

Origin & History

Pattachitra has a 2,000+ year history, with its roots in temple traditions of Puri.
Originally created by the Chitrakar (artist) community to depict deities during rituals.
The tradition evolved as a substitute image of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra during the Anavasara period (a 15-day time when the idols fall sick after Snana Purnima and are kept away from public view).
The Pattas (cloth paintings) were worshipped as “Patti Diety” in this period.

🛕 Relationship with Puri & Jagannath Culture

Puri is the cultural heartland of Pattachitra, as the art is deeply intertwined with the Jagannath temple rituals.

🌀 Key Connections:

Anavasara Ritual: The only visible image of the deities during this period is a specially painted Pattachitra (called Anasara Pati).
Rath Yatra: Artists paint Chaka Apata (wheel-shaped designs), Rath Palis, and deity scrolls.
Temple Offerings: Small palm leaf Pattachitras are offered as souvenirs and sacred objects.

The Chitrakaras of Puri are not just painters—they are ritual artists, often involved in making paintings for temple ceremonies, Gosani Jatra, or village festivals.

Characteristics of Pattachitra

Feature	Description
Base Material	Handmade cloth (Patta), treated with chalk and tamarind gum
Paints Used	100% natural – stone, minerals, vegetable dyes
Themes	Jagannath stories, Krishna Leela, Ramayana, Mahabharata
Borders	Highly decorative, floral, geometric
Figures	Elongated eyes, stylized postures, minimal perspective
Medium Variants	Cloth, palm leaf, wood, tussar silk, and walls

🧭 Where to Find Authentic Pattachitra

🏡 1. Raghurajpur Heritage Village (12 km from Puri)

The birthplace and living museum of Pattachitra
Every home is a workshop and art gallery
Also known for palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, Gotipua dance

🛕 2. Puri Town (Temple Area & Beach Market)

Small Pattachitras sold near Grand Road and beach stalls
Sacred paintings made for rituals and tourists alike

🏛️ 3. Odisha State Emporiums & Craft Melas

Bhubaneswar: Ekamra Haat, Boyanika
National: Dilli Haat, Surajkund, etc.
Online: odishaart.com, craftsvilla.com, official artist profiles

Famous Pattachitra Artists from Odisha

1. Jagannath Mahapatra

National Award Winner, Padma Shri nominee
Pioneer in reviving ancient scroll styles

2. Niranjan Moharana & Family (Raghurajpur)

Known for temple murals and silk-based Pattas

3. Sudarshan Sahu

Specialist in merging contemporary mediums with traditional themes

Training & Revival Initiatives

Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi and INTACH – host workshops, camps, and exhibitions
Craft councils & NGOs – help artists access global markets
National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) – supports artisans under GI certification

Global Recognition

Pattachitra has Geographical Indication (GI) tag (2010)
Exhibited in:
- Paris Biennale, Surajkund Mela, Smithsonian Festival (USA)
Increasing demand in:
- Home décor, clothing (Pattachitra sarees), eco-art collectibles

Modern Evolution

Used in fashion (hand-painted kurtas, sarees)
Painted on Tussar silk, wood, and canvas
Digital revivals, NFTs, and animation attempts by younger artists

Why Pattachitra Matters

Represents Odisha’s cultural DNA
Preserves oral traditions, folk stories, and temple lore
Empowers hundreds of rural artisans
Bridges art, spirituality, and social identity

Feature	Details
Origin	Puri & coastal Odisha, over 2000 years ago
Core Materials	Cloth, palm leaf, natural pigments
Main Themes	Jagannath, Krishna, Ramayana, epics
Primary Hub	Raghurajpur Heritage Village
Where to Buy	Puri, Bhubaneswar, craft fairs, online artisan portals
Cultural Link	Integral to Jagannath rituals and temple life
Legal Status	GI-tagged (Odisha Pattachitra), protected heritage craft