Odisha, located on India’s east coast, boasts a rich heritage of craft traditions. A highlight of my visit is Raghurajpur, a vibrant village renowned for pattachitra art, where local artisans create paintings of mythological tales on cloth. Many artists here are nationally recognized for preserving this 12th-century craft.
In addition to pattachitra, the village is known for palm-leaf engravings, papier-mâché masks, and intricately carved wooden toys. Close by, Pipili is famous for chandua, an exquisite appliqué craft that decorates temples and festival chariots.
Exploring these villages on foot allows you to meet artisans in their homes, which often serve as studios, and purchase handcrafted items directly from the creators.
