Patachitra Painting

Patachitra 

Patachitra and pater-gaan are the two aspects of a unique cultural tradition of Bengal that draws inspiration from the mythological tales of India. Patua, a community of itinerant scroll painters and singers from the district Paschim Medinipur, paint stories in picture frames on long scrolls of cloth. They sing the story while unfurling the scroll. Patua artists use natural vegetable colours made from vegetables, fruits and flowers to make this painting known as Patachitra. Biswa Bangla’s market linkage approach has empowered over 250 of these folk artists with secured livelihoods. Products in this craft form range from large scrolls to small square pats.