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Pattachitra – The Sacred Scroll Paintings of Odisha

Odisha's Artform from Raghurajpur- Pattachitra

HKC Team

8/16/20261 min read

Pattachitra – The Sacred Scroll Paintings of Odisha

Pattachitra is one of India's oldest art forms—a tradition of painting mythological narratives on hand-treated cloth using natural pigments and intricate linework. Originating in Odisha over 1,200 years ago, these paintings were created for Jagannath Temple rituals and storytelling by hereditary Chitrakara artists.

Origins and Temple Connection

Pattachitra means "picture on cloth" (patta = cloth, chitra = picture). The art flourished during the 12th century under the Jagannath Temple in Puri, where temple painters depicted deities, mythological scenes, and ritual themes as visual scriptures for devotees.

The Artisan Process

Pattachitra painting depicting Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Creating a Pattachitra takes days to weeks:

  1. Canvas Preparation: Cotton cloth is soaked in tamarind seed solution, layered with chalk-tamarind paste, and polished to a smooth, leathery finish.

  2. Natural Pigments: Colors come from minerals and plants—white from conch shells, black from lampblack, yellow from haritali stone, red from hingula.

  3. Sketching & Coloring: Artists draw intricate outlines (Rekhachitra), fill base colors, then add fine details of jewelry, textiles, and ornate borders.

  4. Finishing: Outlines are reinforced, and the painting is sun-dried and mounted on bamboo or wood.

Themes and Motifs

Pattachitra paintings depict:

  • Jagannath Trio (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra)

  • Krishna Leela (butter-stealing, gopi dances)

  • Ramayana & Mahabharata epics

  • Thia Badhia (Jagannath temple)

  • Navagunjara (mythical nine-bodied creature)

Signature features include large expressive eyes, ornate borders, no empty spaces, and profile-view figures.

Cultural Legacy

Pattachitra is preserved by Chitrakara families in villages like Raghurajpur near Puri. The art form has gained global recognition while maintaining its spiritual roots, with artisans creating contemporary themes and modern formats.

At Hasthkala Creations, each Pattachitra piece honors this sacred legacy—supporting Odisha's artisans and bringing authentic storytelling art to your space.