Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua

Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua : Recently, a group of artists practising Sohrai, Pattachitra, and Patua art forms called on the President of India, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

o These artists from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal participated in the second edition of Kala Utsav 2025 under the ‘Artists in Residence Programme’.

• About Sohrai Painting: Primarily in Jharkhand (especially Hazaribagh). Also found in parts of Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal
  
  
  
  

o Theme: Based on nature and animal motifs – forests, rivers, birds, cattle, etc. Often linked with agricultural cycles and the Sohrai harvest festival Symbolizes harmony between humans and nature

o GI Tag: Sohrai Khovar painting from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag

• About Pattachitra (Patachitra): Practiced in Odisha and West Bengal

o Theme: Hindu mythology (Jagannath, Krishna Lila, Dasavatara) in Odisha, Goddess Durga and folk tales in Bengal. Decorative borders, floral motifs, temple architecture, and deities

o GI Tag: Odisha version registered as "Orissa Pattachitra"

- Bengal version registered as "Bengal Patachitra“

• About Patua Art : Originates from West Bengal and Bangladesh

o Theme: Traditional storytelling of epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Local myths (Radha-Krishna, village lore)

- Modern : social awareness, environment, health, gender, etc.