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Pattachitra, a GI tagged handicrafts product of Odisha

Photo: Patrick.zip / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Handicrafts · Odisha

Pattachitra

GI Registered Odisha Handicrafts
GI numberGI-52
Typical price₹1,000 - ₹1,00,000
Verified cooperativesRaghurajpur Artisan Village Cooperative
StateOdisha

About Pattachitra

Pattachitra is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha, known for its bold outlines, rich natural colours and mythological subjects. Artists depict the deities of the Jagannath temple in Puri, scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and episodes from Krishna's life. Modern artists also paint on palm leaves, wooden boxes and other surfaces, keeping the same detailed border patterns.

Heritage and place

The word patta means cloth and chitra means picture. The craft is associated with the chitrakar community of Puri and villages such as Raghurajpur, where families of painters have kept the tradition alive. The paintings are part of temple ritual life, and the GI recognises the artistic tradition while protecting it from printed posters passed off as hand-painted work.

How it is made

A canvas is prepared by coating cloth with a paste of tamarind seed and chalk, then polishing it smooth. The artist draws outlines directly in fine brushwork, without a pencil sketch, and fills them with mineral and vegetable colours such as white from ground conch shell, and black from lamp soot. Borders with floral and geometric patterns frame the picture. A finished piece may take days or weeks.

Registry record

Pattachitra is listed in this catalogue as GI-52, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Odisha in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Pattachitra

What to check

Real Pattachitra has firm, confident brush lines and a slightly stiff, glossy surface from the coating. The colours are earthy and matte rather than fluorescent, and the border is detailed. Printed copies look flat and lack line variation. Ask the artist's name and village, and look for the GI or artisan card. Buy from Raghurajpur, Puri's craft shops, state emporia and artisan cooperatives.

  • Painted on cloth canvas using natural stone colors and gum. Synthetic posters display artificial neon hues and flat ink.

Price to expect

Genuine Pattachitra typically sells in the range of ₹1,000 - ₹1,00,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Raghurajpur Artisan Village Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Odisha.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-52 · Odisha · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Pattachitra?

This catalogue lists Pattachitra as GI-52. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Pattachitra made?

Pattachitra is produced in Odisha, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Pattachitra legally be made outside Odisha?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Odisha may legally sell goods under the name “Pattachitra”.

What does genuine Pattachitra cost?

Genuine Pattachitra typically sells in the range of ₹1,000 - ₹1,00,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Pattachitra?

Painted on cloth canvas using natural stone colors and gum. Synthetic posters display artificial neon hues and flat ink.

Where should I buy genuine Pattachitra?

Look for authorised sellers such as Raghurajpur Artisan Village Cooperative, or government emporia and cooperatives in Odisha.