The heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur is Odisha’s best known for its Pattachitra art. The art form is used to decorate none other the Lord of the Universe- Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The attachment with the holy trinity elevated the art form helped it gain prominence.

Steeped in ancient culture, portraying scenes from mythology with vibrant colours, superb craftsmanship,simplicity in design, the Pattachitra has captured the imaginationof artists and art lovers alike. The term Pattachitrameans Vastra (Cloth) and Chitra means paintings. So Pattachitra is essentially a painting on a piece of cloth.

Together with Pattachitra and stone craft, the Applique work at the heritage craft village Pipili are Odisha’s most famous art exports to the world. The applique work of the village was recently showcased in the popular movie Sui Dhaaga starring Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma.

Pipili is also used to adorn the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings during the annual Ratha Yatra. It is also used in other rituals associated with the Lord. Pipili was set up as an artisan’s village during the Somavamsi dynasty rule in Odisha somewhere in the 10th Century AD. The art exemplifies the perfect syncretisation of the culture of Odisha. The applique work are predominantly created by Muslim artisans and adorned by the Lord of Odisha.

Odisha is known as the land of Lord Jagannath (literally meaning the Lord of the Universe). The temple built in the 12th Century AD has been the epicenter of Jagannath cult and sees pilgrims flocking the temple town of Puri from all corners of the world throughout the year.

The mysticism associated with the cult of Lord Jagannath overshadows the architectural brilliance of this magnificent temple.  Built on a raised platform, the gigantic temple is an architectural marvel in its own right.