Raghurajpur Artist Village

Raghurajpur village is a heritage crafts village near Puri, known for Pattachitra paintings, as well as other art forms like palm leaf paintings, wood and stone carvings, papier mache, masks, coconut crafts, and Gotipua folk dance, the predecessor of classical Odissi dance style. The village is also the only place where the traditional decoration for Lord Jagannath's throne, called Patas, is made. The art-enriched village owes its culture to an era as early as 5 BCE.

In 2000, Raghurajpur was honored as a 'heritage village' by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), fostering a renaissance of traditional art forms among its artisans. Both men and women actively engage in this artistic pursuit. These artisans warmly welcome visitors, readily sharing insights into the art's origins and techniques. Many families graciously open their homes to guests, offering direct purchases of their creations. For a deeper experience, visitors can even partake in lessons offered by the artisans for a separate fee.

As you explore this vibrant artistic haven, take a moment to honor the legacy of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, a celebrated luminary of Odissi dance whose roots trace back to Raghurajpur.