Patachitra of Odisha (Hardcover)

The diversity of Indian states and their art is recognised globally. But we have still not been able to identify the artists, especially folk artists. Since time immemorial, a wonderful practice has been in place in our neighbouring Jagannath Kshetra, Puri, in Odisha. As is the tradition, the wooden idols of Lord Jagannatha Mahaprabhu is not worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum after Snan Yatra, till the time of Ratha Yatra. The trio of Jagannatha, Balarama, and Subhadra are then worshipped as they are depicted in the pata drawing. So, patachitra has a long and deep connection with the various customs and rituals of the Puri temple. In this book I have tried to uphold those eternal practices. This Odiya art, which is closely related to Jagannath culture, has been discussed in great depths in this book. The topics range from the origin of the art to their present-day resonance. The artists find fulfilment in their creation. The village of Raghurajpur is one such seat of art, where the many stories of the life of Lord Jagannatha and the numerous artists are being chronicled through images. This book is a testimony of that practice