The Traditional Indian Pattachitra Painting

Pattachitra is an ancient Indian painting tradition's folk art form. To say the least, the style is really beautiful. Pattachitra is made up of two Sanskrit words: 'Patta' which means canvas or fabric, and 'Chitra' which means painting. The artists are called 'chitrakars,' and they are very talented in this art form.

Pattachitra Painting is one of Odisha's oldest art forms, depicting characters and stories from Hindu mythology. The paintings are based on Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna-Radha, Lord Shiva & Goddess Paravati, Lord Nataraja, Kanchi Abhiyan, and Tribal Life.

Puri, Raghurajpur, and Chikiti are traditional Oriya cities where the Pattachitra tradition still survives. The Pattachitra paintings are meticulously detailed. They are brilliantly reflective of both folk and traditional features. Natural materials are used in the art form. The artworks are made from natural sources.

Natural colours coming from plants, the soil, and stones are utilised exclusively. The four primary colours of a chitrakar's pellet are yellow, red, black, and white. The red border is one of the most distinguishing elements of these paintings. Even the brushes that are used are made from domestic animal hair. The furs are knotted together at the end of a short bamboo pole.

Tala Pattachitra is the name given to these Pattachitras. Paintings are created by drawing and colouring on palm leaves that are then stitched together to make a canvas. Tala Pattachitra are now affixed on handmade papers to protect the art pieces from being destroyed.

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