Dancing Radha-Krishna with Gopis | Pattachitra Painting from Odisha

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The Pattachitra you see here is filled with the divine affection shared between Gopis and Krishna. The blossoming floral vines that border the image, the tiny flowers that grow on the ground, the trees that are painted in a lush green shade, and the adorable deer that stands on the left half of the painting- each of these elements are an extension of the loving ecstasy felt by Krishna and his gopis in each other’s company. In the center of the painting is Krishna, romantically embracing his Hladini-Shakti (pleasure-giving potency), Sri Radha. The divine duo, dressed in a regal manner, is the archetype of pure love in Hindu-Bhakti tradition. Immersed in the love shared between them, Radha-Krishna, one soul divine soul in two human bodies, reunites. Further beautifying the Pattachitra, Gopis, the milkmaids surround the couple, in awe of the sweet nectar that the witness of Radha-Krishna’s love feels. Clad in fineries of various kinds- one of them, with a golden-hued physique, holds a pot while dotingly gazing at the celestial couple. Another one, on the ground, holds the foot of Radha Rani in her hands and gently caresses it, extending her love for Krishna to his beloved Radha. Draped in vibrant red and yellow, yet another close to the graceful figure of Radha is in a striking dancing posture, elated with the ambiance of the groves of love.

Liberal use of vibrant shades, detailing in drawing the natural background of the scene as well as the exquisite youth of the gopis, marvelous ethnic patterns of the attire of Krishna and gopis- all these elements combined have given this Pattachitra a particularly beautiful appearance, which is a great visual representation of the divine Prema (love) that flows in the lanes of Vrindavana. 

Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.