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Different forms of Indian art paintings have always left art lovers spell bound. And, one such form of artwork that has been widely acknowledged by people across the globe is Patachitra Folk Art Paintings. 

Through this post I would like to discuss in detail about Patachitra art form. Let's have a closer look at the origin of these paintings. 

The practice of creating Patachitr aart paintings dates back to 8th century AD. Basically, it has to do with the yearly function that takes place at the Jagannath Temple (in Puri, Orissa), which was built by the Choda-GangaDeva. It has originated from the indigenous and blossoming art forms of Orissa and states surrounding it. Interestingly, traces of such primitive artwork can be found at caves of Khandagiri, Udaygiri, and Sitabhinji. 

These cave paintings bear remarkable alikeness to present day Patachitra paintings.

Highlighted by incredible vivid representations, exceptional detailing in the lines and borders and most significantly the effervescent and natural colors, Patachitra currently is one of the best illustrations of time-honored old custom assisting to keep an old art form alive.  

The word Patachitra is actually made up of two Sanskrit words that are Pata and chitra. Pata means a piece of paper, while Chitra means a portrait. The colors used in the creation of these paintings are derived mainly from the plant extracts. Numerous themes are portrayed in these paintings- completely outside the ambit of the temple paintings. And, in it the images of three main gods are largely created. Folk and mythological stories are represented in a series of miniature images in enormous sized paintings. 

Other frequently created themes include Krishna Leela, Jagannath, Durga, Ganesh and other key divinities in the Hindu mythology. Besides, you can even find the presence of different species of animals, birds and other elements from nature by the artists to beautify the painting more.

Undoubtedly, Patachitra folk art paintings have been preserved till date mainly owing to the demands of the millions of pilgrims who gather in huge number to the Jagannath temple during the annual bathing ceremony. Nevertheless, these days this famous India art painting is even being used in fabrication of modern day apparel and accessories, to inhibit its disappearance from the mainstream urban cultures.

Hence, embellish you room walls in a completely different manner with folk art paintings. If you are looking for some incredible piece of art then you can browse through our online art gallery.