Odisha Pattachitra Hand painted Tussar silk saree

The art tradition of Odisha Patachitra took birth in 12th century A.D. against the backdrop of the glorious Sun temple and rich Odia culture. Patachitra was a family tradition then; where women prepared the canvas and filled in the colours after the master painter finished the sketch. Pattachitra is a traditional painting of Odisha. These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava. 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. These paintings were originally substitutes for worship on days when the temple doors were shut for the 'ritual bath' of the deity.