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Nw Delhi/Bhubaneswr: In a vibrant celebration of Odisha’s artistic heritage, nine hereditary artisans from the Odisha participated in the second edition of ‘Kala Utsav 2025 – Artists in Residence Programme’ held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, recently.
The 10-day residency brought together hereditary artisans of ‘Pattachitra’, one of India’s oldest and most intricate traditional art forms, to showcase themes deeply rooted in Odia culture and identity.
Led by master artisan Bijay Kumar Mohapatra of Puri, the group included Rabi Narayan Mohapatra (Athagarh), Bibhu Maharana and Purnachandra Maharana (Dandasahi, Puri), Lingaraj Maharana and Bhaskar Mohapatra (Raghurajpur), Ramesh Chandra Maharana (Puri town), Prahallad Maharana (Sakhigopal, Puri), and Prasant Kumar Das (Nimapara). Each artisan brought with them generations of inherited skill and a shared commitment to preserving Odisha’s visual storytelling traditions.
The artworks created during the residency portrayed the essence of rural life, rituals, and folklore through themes such as ‘Boita Bandana’, ‘Raja Parba’, the daily routine of a rural man, farming scenes, ‘Kanchi Bijaya’, and ‘Padma Rasa’. These pieces reflected the lived heritage of Odisha, rendered in the flowing lines and symbolic language of ‘Pattachitra’.
Despite the challenge of working on unfamiliar mediums provided on-site, the artisans collaborated intensively to complete their pieces with remarkable precision. What would typically take three months was accomplished in just 10 days, driven by passion and the residency’s timeline.
Among the standout works were ‘Kanchi Bijaya’, painted on a 7.5 ft x 3 ft frame, and ‘Padma Rasa’ on a 5 ft x 3 ft canvas. Additional 3×3 ft designs were created for display on dining tables, each infused with intricate detailing and cultural depth. These artworks were exhibited on the final day of the programme, drawing admiration for their craftsmanship and storytelling.
Speaking to OdishaBytes, Bijay Mohapatra emphasised the importance of reviving ‘Pattachitra’ in its purest form. “These artisans are the true custodians of ‘chitrakari’. Their work, often overshadowed by mass-produced imitations, carries the soul of our tradition. Through this residency, we aimed to restore the flow, style, and language that define authentic ‘Pattachitra’,” he said.
The residency not only spotlighted Odisha’s indigenous art but also reaffirmed the resilience and relevance of its hereditary artisans, whose dedication continues to keep centuries-old traditions alive.
On the concluding day artist residency, President Droupadi Murmu personally visited the exhibition where she viewed a diverse array of artworks and interacted with the artisans. The President’s presence underscored the importance of nurturing and promoting traditional art forms, which continue to serve as vital links to India’s diverse regional identities.
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A total of 29 artists from Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal were the participants of the programme, organised in collaboration with Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
