Nestled in the eastern part of India, Odisha is a land steeped in cultural heritage and artistic splendour. Renowned for its vibrant traditions, the state boasts a rich legacy of handicrafts that have stood the test of time. The handicrafts of Odisha are a reflection of its history, ethos, and the skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.
The colourful applique art of Odisha is frequently seen across India, often used as canopies during functions and for interior decorations. Pipili, the original home of this traditional art, is about 20km by road from Bhubaneshwar. As you drive into the town, you will find rows of shops on both sides of the road, where the artists are busy cutting coloured fabrics in various designs and stitching them on yards of cloth. Sometimes, the patterns are embellished with decorative stitches and bits of glass. Today, the colour palette of fabrics ranges beyond the traditional red, yellow, black and white. According to local people, the art originated as part of religious rites. The appliqued cloth would be used to make 'chandua' or canopy and 'chhati' or umbrella. The drapes used to cover the giant wooden chariots of Puri's Lord Jagannath and his siblings are also the applique work of Pipili. To ensure the survival of the art form, the tailors have devised ways to attract modern buyers. Now, they are making designer parasols, purses, handbags, bed covers, wall hangings, lampshades, etc.
Tarkashi, silver filigree of Cuttack, is one of the most exquisite handicrafts of Odisha. It is amazing to see the craftspeople using finely drawn silver wires to give shape to ornaments and artefacts. While the ornaments can be perfect accessories for all occasions, the mind-boggling range of artefacts—floral and animal shapes, boxes and other containers, miniature boats, statuettes, to name a few—can be used as interior decorations or gifts.
Raghurajpur, about 5km from Puri, is a crafts village in Odisha. It is here that you will find pattachitra painters at work. Stiffened cloth is used as the canvas on which paintings are made. In the old days, pattachitra artists would paint pictures of Lord Jagannath to be sold to pilgrims who would come to Puri during the period when the deities would remain in seclusion for a fortnight prior to the Rathayatra. The artists would also make the Ganjifa or Ganjapa playing cards, some of which now find a place of honour in museums around the globe.
Palm leaf has long been used to make auspicious recordings, including religious texts and horoscopes. In Odisha, artists used to paint directly on the palm leaves cut to the required size. The tradition of painting snippets from religious texts or incidents continues even today. The palm leaf paintings are now being made more user-friendly to attract modern buyers. Greeting cards, bookmarks and other decorative items make lasting souvenirs and gifts.
Probably no traveller to Odisha leaves the state without at least one miniature stone replica of the famous wheels of the Konark Sun Temple in their luggage. The land of lofty temples built of stone and embellished with rich carvings, Odisha has been home to master stone carvers since time immemorial. You will find most handicraft shops storing these stone carvings in many sizes. From statues of gods and goddesses to copies of famous sculptures seen in temples to utility items, there is a lot to choose from.
Two of the best examples of Odisha's traditional woodcarving are the three idols of the Puri temple—Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra—as well as the huge chariots they ride in during the annual Rathayatra (Chariot Festival). The miniature idols and toys on sale may be bought as souvenirs.
Despite pressure from modern technology and materials, a select group of craftspeople are still trying to keep the tradition of brass and bell metal wares alive. It is not difficult to come across traditional factories where the age-old 'lost wax' process is still being used. Various kinds of religious artefacts, household utensils and decorative items are made. The flexible brass fish, usually made in the Ganjam region, is an interesting souvenir.
Dokra or Dhokra is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc. The metal is used to give shape to a stylised range of decorative artefacts. Divine figures, animal statuettes, lamps, etc., reflect age-old designs. Candle stands, pen holders, ashtrays, small plates, etc., are also being made. According to Odisha Tourism, Kuliana in the Mayurbhanj district, Kaimati in the Keonjhar district, Sadeiberni in the Dhenkanal district and Adakata in the Nayagarh district are some of the best places to see the artisans at work.
Odisha is a shopper's delight if you are looking for traditional crafts. Apart from the ones already mentioned, Odisha is also known for its papier-maché products, woven mats and other products made from golden grass, coconut shell carving and coir craft, betel nut carving, murals, terracotta, and seashell products, etc.
Although now seen across many beaches of Odisha, sand art is a recent addition to the state's long list of arts and crafts. Sand art is best enjoyed on the Puri beach, largely owing to the efforts of master artist Padma Shree Sudarsan Pattnaik. You may find Pattnaik (if he is not travelling) and his students making huge sand sculptures based on commemorative themes at Puri beach. Usually in December, during the time of the Konark Festival, Odisha Tourism organises the annual International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga Beach, near Konark Sun Temple.
The traditional art and craft wares of Odisha can be bought at government and privately owned emporiums in Bhubaneswar and other major towns of Odisha. Odisha government emporiums are also found in major cities in India. Small items made of seashells, stones, wood, etc. are also available at stalls crowding popular tourist destinations such as Puri and Konark.
