A rich history of temples can be found in Odisha, one of the oldest states. It is one of the oldest civilizations in the nation and possesses a rich culture. It is renowned for being the place where King Ashoka started to practise and preach Buddhism. It is also featured in Indian epics including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Our Aryan ancestors, known as Odras, are believed to have resided in Odisha, which is why the state bears their name.
The area is a cultural treasure trove with its historical monuments, archaeological sites, indigenous arts, sculpture, dance, and music. Since the dawn of time, Odisha has drawn a large number of thinkers, artists, and tourists.
It is a state that values talent, craftsmanship, and regional folklore, to mention a few. The colours on the streets are riotous. There is something for everyone, whether it’s the street art in Bhubaneswar or the artwork produced by tribal people in front of their vividly painted dwellings. Odisha’s craft and art forms are among the most well-liked things to see and do because the state is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
Check out our fascinating blog to learn more about the rich world of Odisha’s folk art forms. From Pattachitra to Gotipua dance, immerse yourself in the fine intricacies and cultural diversity of these ancient manifestations. Learn about the heart and spirit of Odisha’s creative legacy in this article.
Pattachitra
In Odisha, pattachitra is a long-standing and well-liked art form. As the name implies, Pattachitra is a mix of the terms “Patta” (cloth/canvas) and “Chitra” (picture). This style of Odia art, which mixes vibrant colours drawn from nature, is closely related to Puri’s temple customs. The ‘Chitrakars,’ or artisans, are largely from Raghurajpur, a little hamlet near Puri. The most well-known themes of the Pattachitra Chitrakars’ artwork centre on a variety of Hindu Gods and tales. Lord Ganesha and Lord Jagannath take on a variety of shapes.
Talapatra Pothi
Have you ever heard of writing on palm leaves for manuscripts? Indian culture has included “Taali Oolas,” or palm-leaf manuscripts, even since the beginning of time. Binding palm leaves together and carving out numerous epics from Indian mythology is another modern art form practised in Odisha. The “Chitrakars” of Odisha use a unique storytelling method called Tala Patra, a variation of Pattachitra. Craftsmen of Raghurajpur village in Puri also engage in this activity. On palm leaves, these artisans create a universe of stories that range from ornate wall hangings to endearing bookmarks.
Odisha Handloom
The handlooms of Odisha have ushered in wonderful fabrics that are stunning in and of themselves. Nevertheless, they are durable and economical. The skill of the weavers has advanced to sylvan levels in tassar silk. In actuality, the tassar cooperatives produce the finest yarn, which is appealing because to its brightness, sheen, and smoothness.
The textiles each have an own individuality. They include exotic and dramatic patterns, a vibrant but delicate colour scheme, special tie-dye techniques, and an opulent look. The region is famous for its silk ikat weaves, which are made on looms employing a challenging technique (bandha) in which wrap and weft threads are first joined and then dyed to create the desired design.
Common design motifs include rows of birds, animals, fish, seashells, rudraksh beads, and temple spires. The most well-known and well-known tie-dyed fabric from Odisha is the saree. Traditional sarees made in Odisha include Khanduas, Saktapada, Tarabali, and Bichitrapuri, to name a few. They are made of cotton and silk. In addition to these items, the weavers also produce bed covers, garments, handkerchiefs, lungis, and towels.
The indigenous inhabitants of the state are also known for their colourful textiles made using vegetable dyes.
Sambalpur is one of the most well-known handloom hubs in Odisha and is famous for its Sambalpuri sarees. The villages of Bargarh, Sonepur, and Kendpalli are the main locations for this renowned weaving.
In addition, cottages of skilled artists who are unconcerned by the commotion of daily life line the roadways.
Koraput — Talking about Odisha would be incomplete without mentioning the state’s indigenous people. The tribes of Odisha have significantly enriched the state’s cultural heritage. The most well-known handicraft from Koraput is the Dongari & Ikat saree, which has piqued the interest of handicraft lovers all over the world.
Pipili Applique work
Every fashion designer is familiar with the word “appliqué.” It is just the practise of weaving attractive, vivid patterns made from one material onto another. Isn’t there a trend in our field at the moment? Contrary to popular belief, appliqué art has long been a part of Orissan art forms. Chariots were initially painted for the “Ratha Yatra” at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Talented craftspeople who practise this temple art that has been handed down through the years may be found in Pipli, a tiny village close to Bhubaneswar. They not only supply temples but also make a vast variety of ornamental and functional items. Examples include lampshades, wall hangings, clutches, and even purses.
Balakati metalworks
The earliest metal crafts were brought to Orissa in the 11th century under the Ganga Dynasty, and they have since developed significantly. In Orissa’s Puri district, the village of Balakati is renowned for creating high-quality brass, bell metal utensils, and temple products. This craft is thought to have begun around the year 1400 AD and has subsequently developed. All of the kitchenware are constructed of antique metals like bell metal and brass. When you enter this community, you will hear excited screaming and hammering from the artisans, as well as the sound of metals banging.
These metals are more desirable since they have advantageous properties and are not naturally ferrous. Nonferrous metals are lighter, more electrically conductive, and nonmagnetic than ferrous metals.
They are used on auspicious occasions in the majority of Indian homes. The bulk of the artisans are from a traditional group called Kansari, who follow traditions and rituals associated with the fabrication of brass and bell metal. They work in a workshop called Sala, or a shed, which is conveniently close to their home.
Sand art
Although the precise origins of the sculpture known as “sand art” are uncertain, Odisha is where it first appeared. However, it is obvious where to find this work and the people who created it. The best area to find sand sculptures is at Puri Beach. There is a museum dedicated to sand sculptures on the road from Puri to Konark, so don’t worry if you’re unfortunate and can’t locate any there.
The Sand Art Festival is held in Odisha every December from the first to the fifth. This festival is organised annually by Odisha Tourism. Sand painters from all across India and other countries take part in this event.
Stone Carving
Stone carving is still highly valued in Odia tradition. It is the most well-known handicraft from Odisha. Examples of Odisha stone carving include the Sun Temples at Konark, Udayagiri, and Ratnagiri, as well as the Jagannath, Lingaraj, and Mukteshwar temples.
In Orissa, stone carving has been practised since the thirteenth century A.D. The iconic Sun Temple is one of the best examples of artistic creation. Since then, this tradition has been handed down from one generation to the next. In Odisha, stone carving is still a well-known art form. This employment now serves as the main source of income for many households.
Sandstone, soapstone, Serpentinite, Makrana marble, and granite are the most common materials used for stone sculpting. Khadipathara, a white soapstone, or Kochilapathara, a little harder greenish chlorite, are the soft stones used by skilled artisans. The hardest of all the stones, black granite, and Muguni Pathara are typically used for stone carving, along with pinkish Kandolite, Sahanapathara, or Baulapathara.
Additionally, stones are employed to create practical items like candlesticks, writing instruments, paperweights, bookends, lamp bases, and stoneware cookware. Beautiful polished plates, containers, cups, glasses, and Kunda are made out of stone. These things are used for meals every day, ceremonial worship, and Pujas.
Papier mache
Papier mache is another well-liked art form, or to put it another way, a keepsake to add to your collection. Craftspeople use the Papier Mache method all throughout Odisha. Paper, used clothing, and other natural fibres are soaked, pounded into a pulp, and then blended with a variety of seeds and gums for strength and termite resistance. The body and reinforcement are provided by specific clays and biowaste. The entire procedure results in a material that is so malleable that it can be easily moulded into a variety of forms. But despite its adaptability, this craft has gone unnoticed.
Literally, “paper pulp craft” is what “papier mache” means. Among the items provided are masks, lampshades, decorative items, and animals, to name a few.
Dokra
One of the ancient and most sophisticated processes for casting metal that has ever been employed by human civilization is the lost-wax method, which is used in Dhokra metal casting. Dhokra is prized by collectors for its continuous history, its intrinsic vigour, and its starkness.
The Dhokra craftspeople are spread out throughout a considerable portion of the central Indian tribal belt, which includes the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and is rich in minerals. The Dhokra themes were influenced by indigenous folk culture. It combines fundamental simplicity with inventive pattern and design utilisation. Because the craftsman was not schooled in accredited institutions, his artistic ability is essentially innovative. It took thousands of years before intuitive invention appeared.
Beeswax wires are used to carefully craft the waxwork for the preparation. After that, a thick layer of clay with a hole on top is placed over it. The molten metal is subsequently poured into the mould to cover the wax layer. The ornate finishing touches are completed once the cast has been removed.
Odisha still has deep sociocultural linkages to dhokra. Brass and bell metal household goods are typically offered as dowries to rural brides. Packs of betel nuts and a round deep dish for local rice delicacies are daily essentials. Deities in temples and the related ceremonial items (such bells and thalis) are made of brass or bell metal. The ankles of the traditional Odissi dancer are adorned with metal anklets that jingle with bells.
Saura Painting
Wall murals painted in the Saura painting style are famously produced by the Saura tribal people of Odisha, India. For the Saurus, the first tribe in India, these paintings, also known as ikons (or ekons), had sacred significance. Saura art is often done with natural pigments derived from rice, white stone, flower and leaf extracts, and a soft bamboo brush on the red or brown clay walls of villagers’ homes. The paintings are typically constructed for significant events like harvest, childbirth, marriage, and other times during which they are likewise venerated, and are frequently dedicated to the Sauras’ deity, Idital.
Silver Filigree
Since the 15th century, artisans in Odisha have been creating silver filigree crafts, each with a unique exquisite pattern and level of artistry. In Cuttack and the surrounding areas, only around 2000 artisans perpetuate the history of this excellent profession. Filigree in silver has been made for ages. Sterling is
Fine threads and foils are hammered into tiny pieces, which are then combined to create the most exquisite jewellery and ornamental pieces. The goods have received a great deal of praise for their exquisite creativity, exquisite craftsmanship, and outstanding shine.
Odisha was known as Utkala in prehistoric and mediaeval times. The translation of the term “Utkala” is “land of excellence in art and workmanship.” The art forms reflect on a tradition that still exists in the imaginative creativity and technical prowess of her artisans and are visible reflections of the rich cultural legacy of Odisha.
