Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction.

Pattachitra painting, when done on cloth, follows a traditional process of preparation of the canvas. Firstly, the base is prepared by coating the cloth with soft, white, stone powder made of chalk. A glue is then made from tamarind seeds. This mixture, while coated on the cloth, gives the fabric tensile strength and a smooth, semi-absorbent surface, which lets it easily absorb the paint. The main aspect about this art is that the artisan does not use a pencil or charcoal for the preliminary drawings.

This is an intricate work that is the true hallmark of a skilled artist like Bhaskar Mohapatra. Pattachitra, originating in the 12th century Odisha, India, is an ancient art form using 100% natural colors from conch shells and minerals. Chitrakars, the artists, craft intricate paintings on diverse surfaces like cloth, palm leaves, wood, and jewelry. The art narrates Hindu mythological stories, especially around Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava sect, as well as local folk tales, providing insights into Odia tradition. The 18th-century decline of Mughal influence in Odisha saw a rise in Pattachitra, adapting further in the 19th century to appeal to British and European tastes with secular content. The art's rich legacy includes masterpieces passed through generations, featuring vibrant colors, intricate details, and clear lacquer for preservation. Pattachitra remains a captivating visual representation of Odia's culture and heritage, thanks to the adaptability of its artists across changing times.  

The Jagannath Temple in Puri, India, is a very important place for Hindus. People from all over the world come to visit it every year. This temple is dedicated to a special form of the Hindu god Vishnu, called Jagannath, which means "Lord of the Universe." Inside the temple, there are images of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and their sister Subhadra. These images are often made from logs of fragrant margosa trees that are cut down in a special ritual.

The three deities have big eyes and simple red smiles. They are usually shown wearing special clothes and surrounded by the offerings they receive every evening. People who visit the temple often buy paintings of these divine siblings to worship at home or to give to their friends and family.

About this painting, In this vibrant Pattachitra artworks, the depiction of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra holds immense significance and beauty. These divine siblings are often portrayed with meticulous detail and vibrant colors, capturing their iconic appearance and spiritual essence. The artists of Pattachitra infuse these sacred images with rich symbolism and cultural reverence, paying homage to the divine presence of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The depictions often include the traditional clothing and offerings that are presented to the deities every evening in the Jagannath Temple.

Pilgrims and devotees cherish paintings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, both as objects of worship and as sacred gifts to share with loved ones. Through these exquisite artworks, the spiritual significance and divine beauty of the Jagannath Temple and its revered deities are celebrated and preserved for generations to come.

In this Pattachitra painting, skilled artisans paint intricate scenes on cloth or palm leaves, using natural colors derived from minerals, plants, and other organic sources.

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