Pattachitra History and Origin
A common temple ritual demonstrates its connection to Lord Jagannath: The goddesses take a ceremonial bath to cool off on Debasnana Purnima Day (the Jyestha full moon day). Pattachitra Dupatta The outcome is that the gods are ill for fifteen days, or the first two weeks of Ashadha. During this time, known as Anasar, devotees cannot see their beloved Lord at the Ratnavedi (the jeweled platform where the deities are placed). Three paintings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Maa Subhadra are venerated during that time. The traditional pattachitrakaras created these paintings. While working on these paintings, these chitrakaras follow certain procedures. Pattachitra Dupatta During the painting phase, the chitrakar is required to follow a vegetarian diet and sleep on the ground without a bed. As he works on the paintings, he must don a fresh dhoti. Women are not permitted to handle the artwork. The goddesses' pattachitras are then placed in the temple for devotion and darsha...