Pattachitra Art

Sessions:  2
Hrs per Session:  2

Pattachitra is an ancient folk art from Odisha and Bengal, dating back over 300 years, known for its intricate paintings on cloth (“Patta”) that depict mythological themes, primarily centered around Lord Jagannath and other Hindu deities.

Originating as ritualistic art closely linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, these paintings were traditionally created by the Chitrakar community (called Patua in Bengal) and served as devotional icons during festivals and rituals.

The art involves preparing cloth with natural adhesives like tamarind seed gum and painting with natural mineral-based colors using fine brushes made from animal hair. Pattachitra is characterized by disciplined, symmetrical designs with floral borders and a limited yet vibrant color palette derived from natural sources.

Over time, the craft has evolved from purely religious offerings to popular decorative art used on textiles and household items, preserving its cultural significance while adapting to contemporary markets.