Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi Revives ‘Jhoti’ Art, Organises Competition In Koraput

Bhubaneswar: It’s festive season and ‘Jhoti’ or rangoli is an integral part of the festivities in Hindu families.

Odisha has its own significance in ‘Jhoti’ making with each art work drawn on the floor with rice powder (muruja), paste or chalk tell a story.  The ‘Jhoti’ patterns drawn in ” mostly are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath.

To keep this art form alive, Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi is organising competitions at the grass-roots where the art is still thriving in its original form.

The Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi in collaboration with Koraput district administration, organised a competition at Padmapur village on Thursday. The event was attended by sand artist  and president of the Akademi Sudarshan Patnaik.

Organised with the joint support of Academy of Fine Arts, Odisha Language, Literature and Culture Department and Koraput district administration, the event was inaugurated by Patnaik.

Speaking about the ‘Jhoti’ competition Patnaik said “In today’s world of science, creating a spiritual environment is almost extinct. The state government has created a healthy environment for women helping them showcase their hidden creativity,” said Sudarshan Pattnaik.

“It is remarkable that the old tradition is being revived through this competition. The women who have participated here are extremely talented as they can make such beautiful Jhotis. I am really grateful to the organizers as they have made an effort to revive this art,” said a participant.

The Akademi declared Yashwini Hantal, Shantilata Khemundu and Annapurna Khemundu as first, second and third in the competition.

Among others, IAS Probationary Vedbhushan, Koraput BDO Narendra Nayak and local Sarpanch Laxmi Hazaria were present along with District Culture Officer Madhav Pangi.