Unique and beautiful world of Pattachitra in Raghurajpur, Odisha

There’s an exciting way to experience the uniqueness of Odisha, and it is called Raghurajpur. This heritage crafts village in Puri district is everything you need to see if you are a fan of all things heritage and craft.


Located just 14 km away from the town of Puri, and about 50 km away from the capital city of Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur is a gem of a place.



Have you heard of the famous Pattachitra art form? Yes, it comes from this village. Raghurajpur is famous for its rich cultural heritage, especially for the Pattachitra art form, the traditional style of painting on cloth. Is it the only art form from this region? No. The village is also home to many other traditional art forms, such as palm leaf engraving, wooden toys, and stone carving.



One interesting thing about the Pattachitra is that the art form has been passed down through generations. For thousands of years, people from this village have managed beautifully to preserve this art form.


Did you know that the Government of India recognises Raghurajpur as a heritage crafts village? No wonder Pattachitra is so well-known and so well-preserved.



Many families in the village are involved in traditional crafts and as soon as you enter the village, you will notice this. Here in Raghurajpur, many of the homes have detailed motifs on their walls and doors. This is to let the visitors know that these families practise Pattachitra. Isn’t that amazing?


Raghurajpur has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world. Tourists can visit the village and witness traditional art forms being practised, interact with the artists, and purchase traditional handicrafts. These homes serve as both their residence and studio.



The motifs used in Pattachitra paintings are typically inspired from the Hindu mythology and folklore of the region. These motifs are painted using natural pigments and dyes. In times of synthetic colours, the natural ones are just so special and so unique. It is the uniqueness of this artwork and this village that wins over every single visitor.


How to reach Raghurajpur?
By air: The nearest airport to Raghurajpur is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar which is about 60 km away.

By train: The nearest railway station to Raghurajpur is the Puri Railway Station, which is about 14 km away.

By bus: Raghurajpur is well-connected to major cities and towns in Odisha by bus.