Odisha’s Pattachitra gains global spotlight but facing major challenges

Pattachitra, derived from the Sanskrit words ‘patta’ meaning cloth and ‘chitra’ meaning painting, is one of Odisha’s most revered traditional art forms. Known for its detailed religious imagery and natural colour palette, the art form has gained renewed international recognition in recent years. During his visit to Croatia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Pattachitra painting to President Zoran Milanović, showcasing the art form as part of India’s cultural outreach.

Deep Roots in Jagannath Culture

Pattachitra’s origins are closely tied to the Jagannath temple in Puri, where these paintings were historically used during the Anasara period, the fortnight when the Sibling Deities fall ill after Snana Purnima. During this time, painted representations of the deities, ‘Patti Dian’, serve as stand-ins for darshan for devotees. The art primarily depicts themes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Krishna Leela.

Traditional Techniques Still Practised in Raghurajpur

Raghurajpur village in Puri district of Odisha remains the cultural hub of Pattachitra. Artists prepare their canvases using cotton cloth coated with a paste of chalk and gum prepared from tamarind seed, and polish it to a smooth finish. Colours are derived from natural sources: hingula for red, haritala for yellow, lamp soot for black, powdered conch shells for white, and indigo for blue. The process ends with a lacquer finish that protects the artwork.

Adaptation and Challenges in Modern Contexts

While the traditional form continues to be practised, many artists now diversify into creating bookmarks, wall hangings, and apparel to meet urban demand. Some have shifted to synthetic colours for cost and convenience. Although government schemes, GI tagging, and awards offer support, sustainability remains a concern due to fluctuating income and seasonal markets.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Recognition

Pattachitra has increasingly featured in India’s diplomatic engagements. Apart from the recent presentation in Croatia, similar gifts have been made to leaders such as the French and Danish heads of state. These gestures highlight Pattachitra not just as a craft but as a cultural symbol representing Odisha's rich heritage.