Around Puri · Home of Pattachitra painting
Raghurajpur Heritage Crafts Village
A living heritage village where every home is an artist's studio — Pattachitra scrolls, palm-leaf engraving, papier-mâché masks and the birthplace of Gotipua dance.
History & legend
Pattachitra painting in this village on the Bhargavi river is tied to the Jagannath temple: during Anasara (the deities' 15-day illness before Rath Yatra) the temple displays painted Anasara Patti made by these Chitrakara families, a tradition documented since the 12th century. The village is also the birthplace of Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra (1926–2004), the legendary Odissi dancer, and of the Gotipua boy-dance form. INTACH declared it Odisha's first heritage crafts village in 2000 after a survey found every one of its 120-odd households engaged in traditional art.
Timings
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best time to visit
October–March, mornings
Entry fee
Free · workshops ₹200–500
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
₹825 · 11 km × ₹75/km
Don't miss
- Watch Pattachitra artists at work
- Palm-leaf engraving demo
- Gotipua dance gurukul
- Buy directly from artists
Local tip: Carry cash — most artists don't take cards. Ask before photographing works in progress.
On the map
