Pattachitra: Odisha’s Timeless Art on Cloth

Odisha, a land rich in culture, tradition, and artistic expression, is home to one of India’s oldest and most intricate painting forms — Pattachitra. Rooted in mythology and nurtured by devotion, Pattachitra is more than an art form. It is a visual storytelling tradition that has survived centuries and continues to enchant art lovers around the world.

Origins and Etymology

The word "Pattachitra" is derived from Sanskrit — patta meaning cloth and chitra meaning picture. As the name suggests, it refers to paintings done on cloth, traditionally depicting tales from Hindu mythology, especially those related to Lord Jagannath, Krishna, Rama, and Durga. The art form traces its roots back to as early as the 12th century CE, possibly earlier, in and around the sacred city of Puri.

Pattachitra evolved under the patronage of the Jagannath Temple in Puri. The chitrakars (artists) painted scrolls to narrate stories of gods during periods when the temple deities were not visible to the public. These painted stories kept the devotees spiritually connected and offered an imaginative experience of divine tales.

The Artists and Their Lives

The traditional Pattachitra artists belong to the community of Chitrakaras, most of whom reside in the artisan village of Raghurajpur, near Puri. This village has earned national recognition for being a heritage crafts village, where almost every household is involved in some form of painting or art.

• In this community, the knowledge of Pattachitra is passed down through generations, often from father to son, with each artist beginning training from a very young age. Despite the growing popularity of digital art and machine-printed products, the chitrakaras continue to rely on hand-painting, following ancient techniques with reverence and precision.

Themes and Iconography

The themes of Pattachitra are almost exclusively religious and mythological. Some of the most commonly painted stories include:

• The Krishna Leela (childhood and romantic episodes of Krishna)
• The Dashavatara (ten incarnations of Vishnu)
• The Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes
• Lord Jagannath and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra
• Ritualistic depictions of festivals like Ratha Yatra, Snana Yatra, and Nabakalebara

An especially revered genre is the "Tala Pattachitra", painted on palm leaves stitched together. These miniature works are made using etching tools and black ink, revealing delicate line work and dramatic storytelling.

Artistic Process

The process of making a Pattachitra painting is labor-intensive and requires a series of meticulous steps, all rooted in traditional methods:

1. Preparing the Canvas

The canvas, or patta, is made by layering strips of cotton cloth with a mixture of chalk and tamarind seed gum. Once dry, it is polished with stones or shells to achieve a smooth, leathery surface.

2. Drawing the Outline

Using a fine brush made of animal hair or bamboo, the artist begins by sketching the outline with precision. These lines are drawn freehand, showcasing the artist’s experience and skill.

3. Filling the Colours

Traditionally, only natural colours are used — derived from stones, minerals, vegetables, and earth. For instance, red is obtained from hingula (a mineral), yellow from haritala (orpiment), black from burnt coconut shells, and white from conch shells. The colors are vibrant and long-lasting, contributing to the art's visual richness.

4. Finishing Touches

After the painting is completed, it is often coated with a lacquer-like finish made from tamarind seed gum to preserve its brilliance and durability.

Notably, Pattachitra paintings do not show any empty space. The entire canvas is filled with ornate floral borders, motifs, and background scenes. The figures have long, expressive eyes, stylized postures, and elaborate costumes.

Symbolism and Style

Pattachitra paintings are a harmonious blend of folk and classical elements. The artwork uses flat colours with no gradation or shading, giving the images a two-dimensional look. This style, however, doesn't limit expressiveness. Through careful detailing and symbolic elements, each character and scene conveys emotion and energy.

The depiction of eyes is especially important. The large, almond-shaped eyes symbolize divinity and omniscience. Intricate headgear and jewelry signify status and character traits.

Each color also holds symbolic value — for example, black symbolizes strength and mystery, red symbolizes power and devotion, and white symbolizes purity and spirituality.

Contemporary Relevance

In the modern context, Pattachitra has found renewed appreciation. While the traditional themes still dominate, artists have started experimenting with contemporary stories, social messages, and fusion styles to keep the art form relevant. These adaptations are particularly popular among urban audiences and art collectors.

The art has also transcended the boundaries of scrolls and is now applied on T-shirts, coasters, masks, bookmarks, walls, and home décor items. However, efforts are made to maintain the original essence even in these adaptations.

Artists from Odisha have also taken part in international exhibitions and workshops, receiving acclaim for keeping this rich heritage alive. The Government of Odisha and the Ministry of Textiles, India have played a role in supporting these artisans through training programs, subsidies, and exhibitions.

GI Tag and Recognition

In 2008, Odisha’s Pattachitra received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which ensures that only artists from the state can use the name and style authentically. This has helped the artisans gain global recognition and protected their traditional rights over the craft.

The GI tag has not only given legal recognition but has also elevated the market value of authentic Pattachitra art. It has encouraged younger generations in artisan families to take pride in their heritage and continue the legacy. Shri Bijay Parida (Shilp Guru), is a distinguished Pattachitra artist, who is keeping the authentic tradition alive. 

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the recognition and growing market, Pattachitra faces several challenges. The increasing cost of natural materials, competition from printed replicas, and limited access to global markets can pose hurdles for artisans.

Moreover, many young artists are tempted to move to cities in search of more lucrative professions. To sustain this art form, it is essential to continue integrating it into educational programs, cultural tourism, and global art forums.

Digital platforms and e-commerce have opened new doors for artisans, enabling them to connect with global buyers directly. Workshops, art residencies, and social media campaigns are helping bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern sensibilities.

The biggest challenge however is counterfeit versions of Pattachitras. Many people have discovered the trick of screen printing, where they print the outline of the painting and then colour the figures. The colouring process, at times, may involve untrained people, giving the painting a shoddy look. The best way to differentiate an original from a counterfeit is to look at the outlines. If the lines appear perfectly straight, they are most likely printed. 

Conclusion

Pattachitra is not just a painting style — it is a living tradition that carries within it the ethos, faith, and aesthetics of an ancient culture. Its vivid colours, delicate lines, and mythological depth continue to inspire artists and admirers alike. As we celebrate India’s diverse artistic heritage, Odisha’s Pattachitra stands as a shining example of how tradition can thrive through adaptation, innovation, and passionate craftsmanship.