PM Modi gifts Odisha’s Pattachitra to Croatian President; CM Majhi hails cultural recognition

Bhubaneswar, June 19: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting a traditional Pattachitra painting to Croatian President Zoran Milanovic. 

He hailed the gesture as a powerful reaffirmation of "Odia Asmita"—the pride and identity of the Odia people—and a proud moment for Odisha's cultural heritage on the global stage.

Join Us on WhatsApp for Breaking News in English

In a post shared on X, CM Majhi wrote, “Extend heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting a traditional Pattachitra painting to H.E. Zoran Milanovic, President of Croatia. Time and again, Prime Minister Modi ji has brought global recognition to Odisha's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.”

He added, “This gesture further reaffirms our pride in Odia Asmita and brings the timeless legacy of the Jagannath tradition to the forefront on the world stage. Such international appreciation is a profound inspiration for our artisan communities and strengthens Odisha's cultural identity globally.”

The painting gifted to President Milanovic is a classic example of Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra art—a centuries-old tradition of intricate and vibrant paintings on cloth. The name derives from “patta” (cloth) and “chitra” (picture), and the artwork typically illustrates scenes from Indian mythology, particularly centered on Lord Krishna and the Jagannath tradition.

This particular piece beautifully depicts key episodes from Lord Krishna’s life, including his playful childhood, the Ras Leela dance with the gopis, and the lifting of the Govardhan Hill. Created with natural dyes and handmade tools, the painting features bold lines, intricate detail, and floral borders—hallmarks of the Pattachitra style. Rooted deeply in spirituality, the art form was originally used in temple rituals to convey religious stories to devotees.

Originating mainly from Raghurajpur village in Odisha, Pattachitra has been preserved and passed down through generations, symbolizing devotion, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Prime Minister Modi met with President Zoran Milanovic on Wednesday during his visit to Croatia, marking the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the European nation. The stop in Croatia followed visits to Cyprus and Canada, where PM Modi attended the G7 Summit as part of his three-nation tour.