Pattachitra is the art of traditional, cloth-based scroll painting originated in state of Odisha (formerly known as Orissa). The name comes from the word ‘Patta,’ the Sanskrit word for ‘cloth’ and ‘Chitra,’ picture. These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect.

Origin

On the Debasnana Purnima day (Full moon day of Jyestha month), the Gods of Jagannath, Puri, have a ritualistic bath to fight the heat of summer. As a result the deities become sick for fifteen days, i.e., the first fortnight of Asadha. During this period, known as Anasar, the devotees don’t have Darshan of their beloved Lord at the Ratnavedi. Instead, three paintings, of Lord Jagannath (a form of Krishna), Lord Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra, in the colours black, white and yellow respectively, are worshipped. Such paintings, known as “Anasar Patti”, are made by traditional Chitrakaras of Orissa, who are experts in the art of Pattachitra. Patta paintings of Orissa have evolved and flourished under the cult of Lord Jagannath and therefore, considered to be as old as the temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri, i.e. 12th Century A.D.

Process and Intricacies

All colors used in the paintings are natural and are made in traditional way by Chitrakaras (Odiya Painter). The serene Pattachitra painting is the result of detailed, disciplined and intricate process as preparing the paints is perhaps the most important part of the creation of Pattachitra. The gum of the kaitha tree is the chief ingredient and is used as a base for making different pigments, on which diverse raw materials are mixed for diverse colors. Powdered conch shells, are used for making white pigment, lamp soot used for black pigment. The root of keya plant is used for making brush, while mouse hair is used on requirement of finer brushes, attached to wooden handles

Where to find Pattachitra

Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The painting the 'pattachitra' resemble the old murals of Odisha especially religious centres of Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar region. The best work is found in and around Puri, especially in the village of Raghurajpur from where Ethnoroot sources its Pattachitras.