Patachitra Saree

A Patachitra saree carries the imagery of Patachitra, Odisha's traditional cloth-based scroll painting, onto a saree, with mythological scenes, deities, dancers, animals and the tree of life.

In Odia: ପଟ୍ଟଚିତ୍ର ଶାଢ଼ୀ
Geographical Indication: Orissa Pattachitra is a registered Geographical Indication (GI) of Odisha.

Olive Patachitra Story Panel Saree, an example of Patachitra Saree

Where it comes from

Patachitra painting is centred on Raghurajpur, a heritage crafts village about 14 km from Puri, where artist families have painted scenes of Lord Jagannath and Krishna Leela for centuries.

How it is made

Traditional Patachitra is painted with natural pigments on prepared cloth. On sarees, the same figures and borders are painted or printed onto tussar, silk and cotton, usually concentrated on the pallu so the story unfolds over the shoulder.

Signature motifs

Krishna Leela and dancing gopisLord JagannathDashavataraTree of lifeDeer, birds and elephants

How to spot a genuine Patachitra

Figures follow Patachitra conventions: large expressive eyes, bold outlines and ornamental borders.

Scenes are usually arranged in panels or flowing across the pallu like a scroll.

Ask whether the motif is painted or printed; both are available and priced differently.

When to wear it

Patachitra sarees are conversation pieces for festivals, cultural events and gallery evenings, and a meaningful souvenir from the Puri region.

Caring for it

Dry clean only for painted pieces. Avoid spraying perfume directly on painted areas and store away from direct sunlight.

Patachitra Sarees at Handloom Garden

Olive Patachitra Story Panel Saree, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Vermilion Patachitra Panel Saree, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Patachitra Saree with Fuchsia Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Painted Floral Saree with Red Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Beige Tussar Saree with Painted Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Saree with Tree of Life Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Black Patachitra Saree with Red Ikat Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Charcoal Patachitra Art Saree, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Plum Patachitra Saree with Dancing Gopis, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Saree with Crimson Painted Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Mustard Saree with Patachitra Scene Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Butter Yellow Saree with Patachitra Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Black & Turquoise Painted Pallu Saree, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Dark Stripe Saree with Patachitra Figure Pallu, Patachitra Art saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Patachitra Art

Olive Patachitra Story Panel Saree

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Patachitra Saree: questions

Where does Patachitra art come from?

Patachitra comes from Odisha, with Raghurajpur village near Puri as its best-known centre. The art traditionally depicts Lord Jagannath and stories from Hindu epics.

Can I buy Patachitra sarees in Puri?

Yes. Handloom Garden at Swargadwar Square, Puri has a dedicated range of Patachitra sarees with Krishna Leela, tree of life and temple scenes.