A centuries-old tradition, Pattachitra is a form of heritage art practiced in Odisha. Dating back to the 5th Century, Pattachitra translates to “painting/picture on clothe/leaf”. The origins of this art are deeply rooted in the current ruling deity of Odisha, Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Krishna. According to legends, on the full moon day of Jyestha month (May-June), the deities residing in the Jagannath temple are taken for a ritualistic bath. This bath is to help them combat the heated climate at that time of the year. The idols Lord Jagannath, his sister Subhadra and brother Bhalabhadra participate in this ritual. Due to this bath, all three deities develop a fever that lasts 15 days. This fortnight is known as “Anasar”. During Anasar, devotees cannot be granted the darshan of their beloved gods. To be granted the darshan of their lords, these bhakts painted Pattachitra images of Lord Jagannath, Subhadra, and Bhalabadra to replace the idols.
The first step is preparing the base. The cloth is coated with a soft, white powder and glue made from tamarind seeds making the cloth capable of absorbing and retaining paint. The paints used for these paintings are all produced naturally,
Black: made from lampblack
Yellow: made from haritala stone
Red: made from shingle stone
White: made by crushing boiled and filtered seashells
Green: made using leaves
The paintbrushes are usually made using the root of the keya plant or the hair of a white mouse.
Traditionally, the border of the painting is always drawn first. After making a rough sketch, the artisan starts painting using the base colors. Once the paint has dried, details are outlined using black paint. When the painting has been completed, it is held over a charcoal fire while being brushed with lacquer. This process makes the painting much more durable.
Another form of pattachitra involves painting on palm leaves. The leaves are sundried for two to three months and then soaked in water. After being soaked in water they are treated with a solution of turmeric and water to make them durable. This style is known as Talapatra Chitra. Multiple palm leaves are joined together to form a scroll.
The art of painting pattachitra is passed down from generation to generation. These artisans typically work on one painting for about 3-5 weeks depending on the amount of details incorporated. The artisans usually belong to the Maharana and Mahapatra castes.
The main theme of these paintings revolves around religion. Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Goddess Subhadra, Lord Bhalabhadra, and many more can often be found as the primary subjects of such paintings. Scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are frequently painted by the artisans. The colors also have a certain aura attached to them. For example, black is used to depict mystery, power, and authority. Similarly, red symbolizes love, energy, and power. Many nature-based pattachitra can also be found in the market.
Encouraging our artisans is an important aspect of keeping a craft and heritage alive. Let us keep supporting them endlessly. Please feel free to reach out to us for details on where to purchase these timeless art pieces.
Odisha
