What are pattachitra paintings in Odisha’s artistic tradition?

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Puri: Jagannatha temple — Odisha Jagannatha temple, Puri, Odisha, India.

Pattachitra is a traditional form of visual art in Odisha that holds a significant place in the state's rich artistic heritage. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning "cloth" or "canvas," and chitra, meaning "painting."1

These paintings are characterized by their detailed depictions of scenes from Hindu mythology. Beyond this specific style, Odisha’s artistic tradition is also renowned for other visual arts, including mural painting, stone and wood carving, and intricate painting on palm leaves.1