Cultural Renaissance In Baghamari Driven By Kalapatru Panda’s Artistic Vision
Kalapatru Panda has emerged as a symbol of artistic perseverance in Baghamari by reviving a fading tradition. His journey began with rigorous training under renowned masters Pramod Kumar Panda and late Kalinga Maharana with the establishment of a stone craft workshop in 2005. Initially, his enterprise flourished and supported several local families. However, a severe shortage of raw stones in 2014 brought his work to a complete standstill. This crisis led to significant financial debt and the loss of many skilled staff members.
Strategic Shift To Woodwork
Facing the closure of his workshop, Kalapatru Panda embraced a creative transformation. He shifted his focus from stone to the production of traditional wooden masks. With the support of dedicated colleagues like Ashish Maharana and Satyabrata Sethi, the team began crafting lightweight masks. They leveraged social media to showcase their talent, which quickly attracted attention from art lovers across India. This pivot saved the workshop and preserved the livelihoods of the remaining artisans.
Carrying Odiya Heritage Abroad
Finely crafted from Paladhua and Shimili wood, these masks depict legendary characters from ancient Indian epics. The artisans apply traditional colors over a protective cloth layer to ensure durability and aesthetic beauty. Today, these masks are highly sought after in major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. International exhibitions have also recognized Kalapatru Panda’s work, bringing global fame to Baghamari’s unique cultural identity.
