Marshaghai, Dec 5: In recent years, Pattachitra, a traditional and intricate art form from Odisha’s Marshaghai, has gained popularity in the market. Known for its delicate craftsmanship, this art form has captivated art lovers and has found a place in many homes, with several women proudly displaying these paintings. The artwork, which often depicts Hindu mythology, including deities like Lord Jagannath, Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Radha-Krishna, carries deep cultural meaning and links modern art with ancient traditions.
In Marshaghai, a village in Kendrapada district, women artisans are reviving this age-old art and turning it into a source of livelihood. Through the Jay Jagannath Pattachitra Producer Group, many women have gained financial independence and empowerment by creating these beautiful paintings. This initiative is not only helping preserve the art form but also creating jobs for local women, allowing them to support their families.
The demand for Pattachitra paintings has grown steadily, with artisans like Priyabrata Jena from the Odisha Handicraft Development Corporation playing a key role in training women. After completing a three-year training program, women from Orishbinda village started producing these masterpieces. They now earn a regular income from selling their artwork, with monthly earnings ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000. As demand increases, they are also able to expand their market internationally.
One of the success stories comes from the Jay Jagannath Pattachitra Producer Group. Initially, 24 women started the project with just ₹1,000 each, buying materials like colors, brushes, and cloth. Over time, their earnings have grown, and they now produce high-quality artwork, contributing around ₹30 lakh to the local economy annually.
This success has attracted the attention of banks, which are providing financial support to help expand the project. The Jay Jagannath Pattachitra Group is now recognized not just in Odisha but across India for its role in preserving this traditional art and empowering women.
Women like Urmila Bala Jena and Asima Nayak, who are part of the group, have become important contributors to this movement. Priyabrata Jena, who trained them, believes that Pattachitra has given the village an identity and provided many women with financial freedom. This initiative is not just about preserving Odisha's cultural heritage but also changing the lives of those involved in the art.
Urmila Bala Jena, a member of the group, said, "Pattachitra has not only given me an identity but also made me financially independent. I am proud to showcase my work to the world."
Asima Nayak, another member, added, "I have found financial freedom through Pattachitra, and I am proud to be part of this project."
Kanchanbala Padhi, the Chairperson of the group, stated, "We are not just creating art; we are creating livelihoods and opportunities for our people."
This initiative in Marshaghai is a perfect example of how traditional art forms like Pattachitra can be modernized to create economic opportunities and empower women in rural areas. Through this, not only is cultural heritage being preserved, but sustainable livelihoods for the future are also being created.
