You will be greeted by neat rows of cottages with painted walls as soon as you arrive at the beautiful Raghurajpur village, which is around 10 kilometers from Puri. You will immediately notice that you have arrived in an artist’s community where homes double as studios.
The late Jagannath Mohapatra, who lived in this hamlet and received the President of India Award in 1965, was formerly recognized as the guardian of the old pattachitra art of Odisha. Today, the village is home to artists who practice numerous traditional arts.
Prior to the Rathayatra celebration, the Puri temple is closed as Lord Jagannath and his siblings withdraw into seclusion for a month. In the past, chitrakars, or artisans, would offer pilgrims miniature, handmade paintings of the idols.
The pattachitra of Odisha is supposed to have been handed down from one generation to the next and dates back to the 12th century. The artwork is done on seven layers of cloth that have been cut into discs and properly hardened. Traditional Raghurajpur artists use organic colors even if manufactured colors may have displaced natural dyes from plants and minerals in many regions. The pattachitra genre also includes the Ganjifa playing cards and the Dashavatar cards from Odisha. The playing cards in particular are on exhibit in museums all around the world.
Palm-leaf painting is another significant art form practiced in Raghurajpur. On intertwined strips of palm leaves, delicate black line designs are constructed, occasionally with daubs of color. Typically, each drawing tells a tale like a tapestry. Along with traditional paintings, the artists also create mementos like bookmarks made from painted palm leaves.
The artists have been able to explore various traditional art forms thanks to Raghurajpur’s designation as a “heritage village” by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in 2000. In addition to pattachitra and palm leaf paintings, you can discover artisans creating wooden toys, masks, papier-mâché toys, and other items. Artists come in all genders and sexes. Most of the time, the artists are welcoming to visitors and don’t mind discussing the history of the work or the methods used. Even more common is the practice of inviting guests into a home. You can purchase straight from the creators. On additional payment, you might also take advantage of one or more lessons with the artists.
You may choose to pause while touring the art village to honor Raghurajpur-born Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, a highly acclaimed exponent of the Odissi dance.
Where to stay?
Raghurajpur has a small number of interesting accommodations. Indulge in the local culture while enjoying a comfortable stay at Heritage Villa Raghurajpur’s traditional design.
As an alternative, many local families provide homestay opportunities that let you stay with them, discover their culture, and eat delicious home-cooked Odia food.
You can stay in the nearby city of Puri, which is only a short drive away, and take day trips to Raghurajpur if you’d prefer more varied lodging alternatives.
Keep in mind that in rural locations, amenities could be more minimal. But for those who enjoy art and culture, the chance to see the attractiveness of a typical Odia town is definitely worth it.
Locations to Visit
While Raghurajpur itself is a great location to see, you may also include a number of neighboring sites in your schedule, such as the Puri temple and beaches, the Konark temple and Chandrabhaga beach, Satapada and Chillika, and so on.
