Village of Artists

Talking a walk through Raghurajpur for a peek into Odisha's artistic legacy

- Ambika Prasad Kanungo

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is set to take place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the State Government of Odisha. The theme for the convention is 'Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat'.

Artists from Raghurajpur will be showcasing their skills to the approximately 7,500 delegates expected to attend.

In 2000, Raghurajpur was declared India's first heritage crafts village. It is a community where every home serves as both a residence and an art studio, and every resident is an artist. Raghurajpur, located in the Puri district of Odisha, is a heritage village celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, especially the ancient art of Patachitra. This traditional style of painting on cloth has been practiced here for centuries, making the village a living repository of artistic heritage.

Walking through the narrow streets of Raghurajpur, visitors are greeted by over 160 houses adorned with colourful murals, each telling a unique story of artistic excellence. Nestled among lush coconut groves, these homes double as open-air galleries, showcasing artistic traditions passed down through generations.