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.  

About Rathyatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is a vibrant and colorful Hindu festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Odisha, as well as in other parts of India and around the world. The festival is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, along with his siblings, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra.

It takes place annually in the month of June or July, specifically on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon), during the Ashadh month of the traditional Oriya calendar.
The festival spans nine days in Odisha, starting with the Rath Yatra, the commencement of the chariot procession, and concluding with Bahuda Jatra, the return journey on the ninth day. This period is considered highly auspicious, and devotees flock to the Jagannath Temple in Puri to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

During the Bahuda Jatra, as the chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra makes its way back from the Gundicha Temple to the Jagannath Temple, it pauses at the Mausi Maa temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath's aunt. Here, the deities are offered Poda Pitha, a special baked cake believed to be Lord Jagannath's favorite, symbolizing his love and compassion for the poor and needy.
The entire procession, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple and back, is a grand spectacle, accompanied by the chanting of hymns, the beating of drums, and the enthusiastic participation of millions of devotees. It's a time of immense joy, devotion, and celebration, marking the divine journey of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to bless their devotees.

About this Rathyatra painting, In this vibrant Pattachitra artworks, the grandeur of Rathyatra is brought to life with meticulous detail and vivid colors. The majestic chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra are beautifully illustrated, adorned with intricate designs and motifs. The artisans skillfully capture the festive atmosphere of the procession, depicting the crowds of devotees pulling the chariots with ropes, accompanied by music, dance, and chanting.

Each element of the Rathyatra scene in Pattachitra is infused with symbolism and cultural significance, reflecting the deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and traditions associated with the festival. From the divine expressions of the deities to the dynamic movements of the chariots, every detail is crafted with precision and reverence.

This artwork is portraying Rathyatra serve not only as visual delights but also as sacred depictions of a cherished religious festival, conveying the devotion and cultural heritage of Odisha to audiences around the world.

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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