Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri

About the workshop

Enjoy the learning of Pattachitra painting "Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri" using traditional motifs and techniques with national awardee artist Mr. Bhaskar Mohapatra

Pattachitra is an ancient art form from Odisha, India, dating back to the 12th century. Artists, called Chitrakars, use 100% natural colors from conch shells and minerals to create intricate paintings on various surfaces like cloth, palm leaves, wood, and jewelry. The art depicts Hindu mythological stories, particularly around Lord Jagannath, Vaishnavism, and local folk tales, reflecting Odia tradition. Evolving, Pattachitra adapted to British and European tastes in the 19th century, preserving its rich legacy with vibrant colors and intricate details, offering a captivating visual representation of Odia culture.

Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri: This painting is a striking depiction of Mahagauri, the eighth form of the Hindu Goddess Durga, rendered in the traditional Pattachitra style. She is presented in the Padmasana atop a vibrant lotus, emphasizing her spiritual power and contemplative nature. Unconventionally for her typical four-armed depiction, this form is shown with five heads and ten arms, signifying a comprehensive and all-powerful manifestation of the Goddess. Her multi-colored faces and ten hands, each holding various weapons and implements, illustrate her complex role as both a creator and a destroyer of evil. The artwork adheres to Pattachitra characteristics through its vibrant, natural colors, bold outlines, and the use of the deep black background to enhance the central figure's brilliance. Mahagauri, whose name means 'Great Fair One,' represents purity, tranquility, and the ultimate victory of devotion after severe penance, symbolized by her fair complexion. The painting serves as a visual narrative of Shakti (cosmic energy), embodying the themes of austerity, divine power, and liberation.

In this 1-week workshop, create your masterpiece while learning the techniques and history of this beautiful art form. You can attend live Zoom sessions where you interact with the master artist and other participants, learning not only the art form in depth but also more about the culture of the region. The recorded videos will be available after the sessions as well.

This is a great opportunity to learn the motifs, techniques, and history of this ancient art form. Sign up for the workshop today!

Theme: Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri
Dates: 5th to 9th Jan. 2026 (Mon to Sat)
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM IST (1 week)
Duration: 7.30 Hours (6 Sessions approx)
Original Price: INR 1600

Learning Objectives and Modules

Learn the intricate design and techniques of Pattachitra paintings along with live artist interaction. Also, learn the importance of the motif, the folk stories behind the paintings, their relevance in modern times, and the peculiar features of Pattachitra painting, from base coloring to detailing.

What we will learn :

To understand the history and significance of Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri motifs in Pattachitra art.
To learn the basic techniques of Pattachitra painting, including line work, color application, and shading.
To develop skills in creating intricate details and ornamentation specific to the Kandap Hans depiction.

Module Details :

Module 1: Introduction to Pattachitra and Goddess Padmasana Mahagauri

Module 2: Practice basic color application techniques, including filling, shading, and highlighting.

Module 3: How to do decorative patterns for wings, body, and ornaments.

Module 4: Begin working on the intricate details and ornamentation.

Module 5: Learn to apply outlining and highlighting

Module 6: Final touches

Materials Needed

Material Needed:

Chart Papers / Canvas -12*17 Inches
Acrylic Colors
Pencils / Eraser / Sharpener/Black Colour Pen / Thin Marker
Long Hair Brushes: 0/1/2/3
(Basic Sketch Would Be Provided As Pre-Work For Tracing / Sketching)

About the Master Artist

Bhaskar Mohapatra is an award-winning Pattachitra artist from Odisha, India, known for vibrant scroll paintings without pencil or charcoal sketches. He continues a family tradition of hereditary chitrakars, emphasizing cultural and familial importance. Using traditional methods for colors and canvases adds authenticity, preserving Pattachitra's cultural heritage. Bhaskar's diverse themes and award-winning work contribute to the versatility and significance of Pattachitra art nationally, aiding its continuation and revitalization.

Image Source and Disclaimers

Disclaimer for the art workshop:

The artist will make the painting in the standard size, and it is recommended to use the same size. However, participants may choose other sizes as per their convenience and seek artist guidance in live sessions to manage the artwork in their chosen size of canvas.
Artist typically the brushes at their convenience as they have years of experience. Participants may choose the brush size as per their convenience and level of expertise, and seek artist guidance in the live sessions.
Artists use the sample image as a reference image for teaching purposes only. They typically provide their interpretation and variations to make a unique artwork. Sample image is not copied as it is and Catterfly provides the due credit to the original artist (wherever available) in our marketing communications.

**The displayed image is a representational image from the net. Check our website to see the source and name of the original artist**

*Source*