The Sacred Face of Jagannath Ji

About the workshop

Enjoy the learning of Pattachitra painting "The Sacred Face of Jagannath Ji" 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.

The Sacred Face of Jagannath Ji: This painting is a traditional Pattachitra artwork from Odisha, depicting Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The bold circular face, large round eyes, and absence of limbs symbolize the infinite and formless nature of the divine. The artwork is characterized by intricate patterns, vibrant natural colors, and detailed motifs, especially around the crown and border. The ornate headdress decorated with peacock feather motifs represents divinity, beauty, and grace. Pattachitra paintings are made on cloth or dried palm leaves using natural pigments derived from minerals and plants. The red background and ornamental borders enhance the divine aura and aesthetic richness of the piece. This form of art not only serves as a medium of devotion but also reflects Odisha’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The stylized forms, limited colors, and decorative border are characteristic of Pattachitra art.

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: The Sacred Face of Jagannath Ji
Dates: 17th to 21st Nov. 2025 (Mon to Fri)
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM IST (1 week)
Duration: 6.15 Hours (5 Sessions approx)
Original Price: INR 1400

Learning Objectives and Modules

Learn the intricate design and techniques of Pattachitra paintings along with live artist interaction. Also, learn the importance of Kandarp Hans, 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 Jagannath Ji 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 Jagannath Ji depiction.

Module Details :

Module 1: Introduction to Pattachitra and Jagannath Ji

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

Module 3: How to do decorative patterns for the face and ornaments.

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

Module 5: Learn to apply final touches, such as outlining and highlighting

Materials Needed

Material Needed:

Chart Papers / Canvas -17*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*