Pattachitra:
The Sanskrit words 'Patta' (canvas) and 'Chitra (cloth) have evolved into 'Patta Chitra (picture). Thus, it refers to a painting on canvas that features vibrant colors, innovative motifs and designs and depictions of simple topics, most of which are mythological styles. It is considered to have begun in 12th century. The artists prepare the canvas for Pattachitra painting in a traditional manner. Whitestone powder and tamarind seed gum are applied to a gauze-like fine cotton cloth. This prepares the canvas for the application of natural-color paint. The main ingredient is kaitha tree gum which is used as a base for creating various colors by mixing in other raw materials. The Badhia (a depiction of Jagannath's temple); Krishna Lila (an enactment of Jagannath as Lord Krishna demonstrating his powers as a kid); Dasabatara Patti (the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu); and Panchmukhi (a depiction of Lord Ganesh as a five-headed deity) are some of the famous themes of this sacred art. The paintings evolved from being depicted on palm leaves and Tussar silk to wall hangings and showpieces.
Sand Art:
Sand Art originated in Odisha. This art is the act of carving sculptures out of the sand. With the help of sand mixed with water and with the blessings of God an artist can create an appealing sculpture on the beach. Sudarsan Pattnaik is a well-known Odisha Sand Art artist. His work is also intriguing with the majority of them focusing on international concerns, festivals, world peace, sports, global warming and so on. Every year from 1st - 5th December Odisha Tourism hosts the Sand Art Festival. Its origin has an interesting story which demonstrates poet Balaram Das who is a devotee of Lord Jagannath. He once attempted to climb Lord Jagannath's chariot to give his prayers at the Ratha Yatra. Because the priests of the chariot refused to let him climb it and humiliated him. He came to the beach with frustration and carved statues of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the golden sand. He began to pray and worship these statues. His devotion became so profound that the unique statues vanished off the chariot and reappeared in which Balaram das worshipped.
Jhoti Chita:
Jhoti Chita, an Odia traditional white art form which can be found primarily in rural regions of Odisha. It is made up of rice paste and uses a piece of cloth and a stick to make lovely patterns on the wall. Creating Jhoti Chita is also done with bare fingertips. They can be built on top of walls and floors. Jhoti Chitas are made for a number of occasions including marriages, Manabasa Gurubara and Raja. This art is also used for creating saree prints. Popular motifs such as the lotus flower and the feet of Maha Lakshmi are thought to represent gateways for the goddess into our homes where she can bestow her blessings. "Jhoti Chita" is a link between devotees and Maa Lakshmi; the motifs and patterns adopted reveal our culture's richness and inspire creativity."
Pipili appliqué work
Pipili is famous for its appliqué art also known as Chandua. When we say "appliqué," we're referencing the French term appliquer which means "to put on." To create a decorative effect patches of different colored fabrics are placed on top of one another and the edges are stitched together. The artists of Pipli a village located 40 Kms from Puri on the Bhubaneswar-Puri highway are masters of appliqué art and their work now adorns houses all over the world. After being cut and sculpted into the forms of birds, animals, flowers, leaves and other ornamental patterns the colored cloth is stitched into a cloth designed as a wall hanging, garden or beach umbrella, a lampshade and other utility items. The Government of India has assigned Geographical Indication (GI) status to this product. The beginnings of Pipili appliqué date back to the 12th century in the culture of Lord Jagannath. The largest thematic appliqué work in the world was created by Pipili and is recorded in the Limca Book of Records 2004.
Silver filigree work
Tarakasi often known as 'Silver Filigree' is a gorgeous silver craft practiced in the Cuttack district of Odisha. More than 500 years old this supremely gifted technique is still performed by native artisans on Odisha's eastern coast. Pure silver or a 90% silver alloy is used for filigree work. Silver ore is first poured into a tiny clay pot and then into a pail of hot coals. The silver is melted then poured into a small rod-shaped mold, and the rod is subsequently cooled by submersion in water. Artisans carve the designs into thin flat silver wire that has been transformed. Various animal, bird, and flower shapes as well as small handbags and other mementos are created in the Tarakasi workshop. Popular scenes from the Mahabharata include the chariot of Arjuna being driven by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are also included.
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