About the workshop
Enjoy learning about "The Divine Trinity: Ganesha, Ardhanarishvara, and Harihara in Pattachitra" by 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. Chitrakars use 100% natural colors from conch shells and minerals to create intricate paintings on 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.
The Divine Trinity: Ganesha, Ardhanarishvara, and Harihara in Pattachitra: This elegant Pattachitra painting depicts three significant composite and divine forms from Hindu tradition—Lord Ganesha, Ardhanarishvara, and Harihara. Lord Ganesha is shown on the left as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings. At the center is Ardhanarishvara, the unified form of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing the perfect balance of masculine and feminine energies in the universe. On the right is Harihara, a combined form of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, representing the unity of two of Hinduism’s principal deities and the harmony of creation and preservation. Each deity stands beneath an ornate temple arch, emphasizing the sacred and devotional nature of the composition. The detailed jewelry, graceful postures, decorative pillars, and intricate floral motifs reflect the refined craftsmanship of Odisha’s traditional Pattachitra style. The black background enhances the brilliance of the vibrant natural colors, making the divine figures stand out with striking clarity. The sacred animals and symbolic attributes associated with each deity further enrich the spiritual meaning of the artwork. Overall, the painting celebrates the unity of divine energies and conveys the message that all forms of the Supreme are interconnected, reflecting the philosophical depth and artistic excellence of the Pattachitra tradition.
In this 3-week workshop, create your masterpiece, 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. A structured classroom with step-wise instructions. Pictures and recorded videos will be available after the session on Google Classroom.
This is a great opportunity to learn the motifs, techniques, and history of this ancient art form. Sign up for the workshop today!
Theme: The Divine Trinity: Ganesha, Ardhanarishvara, and Harihara in Pattachitra
Dates: 9th Oct. to 28th Nov. 2026 (Mon to Sat.)
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM IST (3 weeks)
Duration: 21 Hours (17 Sessions approx.)
Price: INR 5000