Pattachitra

Patachitra, also spelled Pattachitra, is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting style that originated in Odisha, India, with a parallel tradition in West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh. The term comes from Sanskrit, where patta means "cloth" and chitra means "picture." This art form is renowned for its intricate details, vibrant natural colors, and depiction of mythological narratives, especially those related to Hindu deities such as Lord Jagannath, Krishna, and stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Patachitra paintings are created using natural pigments derived from minerals and plants, and the artists, known as Chitrakaras, prepare their own colors and brushes The style is characterized by bold, clean lines, decorative borders, and a lack of perspective, focusing instead on close-up, narrative scenes. Traditionally, these paintings served religious purposes, often used in temple rituals and as offerings, and were also sold as souvenirs to pilgrims visiting temples like the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

Over centuries, Patachitra has remained a vibrant folk tradition, with artists today continuing to adapt its themes and techniques to contemporary contexts while preserving its rich heritage.