Divine Radiance: Lord Jagannath in Pattachitra

A traditional depiction of Lord Jagannath with siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, painted in vibrant hues.

Canvas Preparation

• Base: Hand-stretched cotton canvas

• Surface primer: A mix of

  • Chalk powder (sankha churna)

  • Tamarind seed gum (boiled and filtered)

• The coated canvas is air-dried and then burnished with a stone or coconut shell to create a smooth, polished surface for detailed painting.

2. Natural Pigments (for Divine Figures and Background)

• Black (for outlines and Lord Jagannath): Made from lamp soot or burnt coconut shell

• White (Subhadra’s features and decorative patterns): From finely powdered conch shells

• Red (Background and ornamentation): Derived from hingula (cinnabar)

• Yellow (Balabhadra and ornaments): From haritala (yellow mineral) or turmeric

• Blue (decorative elements): Extracted from indigo plant

• Green and Earth Tones (borders, thrones, environment): Sourced from plant extracts and natural clay

All pigments are mixed with natural tamarind gum, serving as a binder for durability and color vibrancy.

3. Brushes

• Handmade using fine squirrel or mongoose hair, tied to bamboo sticks

• Brushes of varying thickness are used for:

  • Fine facial details

  • Floral borders and deity ornaments

  • Micro-line work and sacred symbols

4. Traditional Motifs and Borders

• Borders include lotus flowers, creepers, chakra, and conch motifs, carefully hand-painted in traditional patterns

• Often painted in symmetry, symbolizing balance and spiritual order

5. Protective Coating

• Finished with a layer of natural lacquer (resin or shellac) for:

  • Gentle sheen

  • Moisture resistance

  • Enhanced preservation