Vocal For Local

It is said- "As in Rome, do as the Romans do." 

Anywhere in the world, can we speak the way we generally do?

We speak to be understood.

We speak to convey our feelings.

If we are in Rome, Tokyo, Lima, or Timbuktoo, we must speak the local language to be understood.

I came across this article in the Economic Times earlier-

"When In Venice, Do As The Bengalis Do"-

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/et-commentary/when-in-venice-do-speak-as-the-bengalis-do/articleshow/114177255.cms?

In this article, the writer mentions about Rabindra Sangeet too.

But, look at the spelling mentioned-

"Robindrosongeet"

Sri Rabindra Nath Tagore composed and promoted Rabindra Sangeet.

However, the pronunciation and spelling used as as shared in the above news report.

International Day of Yoga 2024

Proud to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga today- on June 21st.

The 2024 Theme is: "Yoga for Self and Society."

Yoga represents:
- the harmony of mind and body,
- the balance between thought and action, &
- the unity of restraint and fulfillment.

Prints Being Sold As Pattachitra Art Paintings

In our previous post, we shared how the eyes of the deities are now being misrepresented- in printed photographs/images that are used even in temples and at homes in Puja rooms, and also on diaries, calendars etc.

Misrepresentation of Eyes of Deities- Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Jagannatha-

https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2024/02/misrepresentation-of-eyes-of-deities.html

Even in the new art- paintings created by hand- artists are shaping the eyes incorrectly & not presenting the original eyes.

What is the shape of the eyes of Shree Balabhadra & Devi Subhadra in the "Pattachitra Art Painting" image given below?

This image depicts the eyes better (without squint)-

What is the name of the art that you can see in the above images?

Odisha Tableau - First Prize Winner In Republic Day Parade 2024

The 75th Republic Day was held with great pomp and show on January 26, 2024, at the Kartavya Path, New Delhi.

Odisha state's tableau has won the first prize in the State/UT category in Republic Day Parade 2024.

Traditional, local & GI crafts of Odisha were showcased.

Odisha Tableau was selected and could join the parade after 3 years.

The beautiful tableau had Pattachitra theme & art including Kandarpa Hati - i.e. elephant with figures in traditional Krishna Leela art.

Patachitra - Traditional Art of Odisha

 "Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to mythological and religious themes in Indian art. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant colours like white, red, yellow and black with decorative borders."

Apart from cloth & other materials, a locally-prepared canvas called Pata/Patta is also used for this amazing art style.

It is great to find correct information regarding the various arts of India in the report by India Today-

10 Distinct & Ethnic Paintings of India.

Remembering Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

Today, we pay tribute to former President of India, Bharat Ratna, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. 

It is his death anniversary.

Source: God Hope, Amazon

We had lost him on this date in 2015. It was the tithi of Suna Besha of the Ratha Jatra. 

Suna Besha is an auspicious day when the deities are dressed in golden attire.

Love And Grace of Mother

On Saraswati Puja 2022, the writer, Anita, felt blessed as she sat at her desk invoking Maa Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, speech, wisdom, and learning.

Maa Saraswati, Pattachitra- art of Odisha

A fair beautiful woman, radiating beauty, holding a Veena... the face of her mother always came in front of Anita’s eyes whenever she thought of Maa Saraswati.  Her mother’s Sitar was in its place, but the Sitar-player was no longer there...

Her mother embodied the arts and learning with such finesse! She was an accomplished singer and Sitar-player, and was so talented that she could play any and every musical instrument! A voracious reader and a gifted writer, she pushed her children and others to pursue the higher ideals.

The focus-light was on memories.

-*-

Anita remembered all the encouragement from her mother – words that had set the foundation for her writing journey:

“You must write a poem on this theme!”

“A journal/edition will be published- you write!”

“I have ordered/bought books and subscribed to magazines- you read and write!”

“Keep participating!”

“Do your best!”...

Anita felt lucky. 

Pattachitra- Copy And Misrepresentation #StopPattachitraMisuse

We start with a quiz question- Identify this art.

After taking a look at the above image, the name of which art comes to your mind? 

At first glance, seeing the borders and style, one knows that it is Pattachitra, that is also being spelled as Patachitra. It is an ancient art of Odisha that is linked with the Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri.

However, the name of Odisha's exquisite Pattachitra art is being copied and presently, different art is being passed off as "Pattachitra/Patachitra". 

Why is the name of West Bengal clubbed with Odisha too when the similar art of their place is called "Pot"/Patua/Potua?

Proposal To Odisha Government For Rasagola And GI Celebration #RasagolaA2Z

We have been celebrating Rasagola Dibasa on Social Media on Niladri Bije starting 2015.
July 30, 2015 was the Niladri Bije of the Nabakalebara Ratha Jatra.
This year 2021 will mark the 7th celebration.

There were many developments after our maiden Rasagola Dibasa celebration online. (Many people didn't even know about Niladri Bije till then.) 

It was encouraging to see the action following earnest request for Geographical Indication (GI) application for Odisha Rasagola.

Open Letter To @CMO_Odisha @Naveen_Odisha @MsmeDepartment #Odisha #StateGovernment :
Kindly answer the questions & let us know what steps are you taking to file application for our Odisha #Rasagola & other GI-status-worthy Odisha products:https://t.co/nzeuWUa4uY#RasagolaProject pic.twitter.com/OxCovDYCMj

— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) January 5, 2018

For some intellectuals, GI tag did/does not matter and some find/found it - "amusing to see netizens being vocal about GI tag just because of some sort of ill-reasoned vanity & self admiration." 

It was wonderful that our advocacy for Odisha Rasagola GI Tag was rewarded.

Odisha Art And Sweet- Pattachitra And Rasgulla #RasagolaA2Z

Pattachitra is a traditional fine-art of Odisha. 

Like Rasagola, Pattachitra too is linked with Shree Jagannatha Temple, Puri, Odisha, India. 

The word Pata comes from the Sanskrit word "Patta" meaning “a piece of cloth” and "Chitra" meaning "painting". 

Niladri Bije is celebrated as Rasgulla Day i.e. #RasagolaDibasa.

As per the centuries-old continuing tradition of Puri Temple, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagolas (Rasgullas) to appease His wife, Devi Laxmi. Also, each year, on this last day of Rath Yatra, the devotees offer Rasagolas to the deities.

Awareness About The Art of Odisha

 Last year, OdiArt Museum of Odisha, India, had invited me as a judge of the fashion-cum-personality contest- Ms. Chilika and Mr. Chilika, held during the Shelduck Festival 2019. 

There were some Q&A rounds where the judges asked questions and the participants had to answer. 

The age of all the participants was less than 30 years.

I asked some questions, one of which was- "Name at least one art or handicraft of Odisha."

I was surprised to find that my question could not be answered by the contestant to whom it was directed. I tried giving hints, but still the young participant, who had completed high school, could not answer.

Orissa Pattachitra #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

The word Pattachitra is derived from the Sanskrit word “patta”, which means a painted piece of cloth, or a plate; "chitra" means paintings or pictures.

The brilliantly colored Pattachitra works originated at Puri. They were/are produced as souvenirs for the pilgrims of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha. 
Pattachitra is linked with Shree Jagannath Temple. 

You can see more images in this post- Pattachitra depicting Rasagola Dibasa and Niladri Bije Rath Yatra.

Themes for the Pattachitra paintings range from incidents in Krishna’s life and the avatars of Vishnu to the epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata. 

#RasagolaDibasa Doodle And Pattachitra

For this year's Niladri Bije, the last day of the Ratha Jatra, I planned to wear something special.

Niladri Bije is celebrated as Rasagola Day i.e. #RasagolaDibasa.
As per the centuries-old tradition of Puri Temple, Lord Jagannath offers Rasagolas to appease His wife, Devi Laxmi. Also, devotees offer Rasagolas to Lord Jagannath on this day.
 
I had handed over a gamuchha (a multi-purpose cloth used in Odisha) to our Pattachitra artist.

Pattachitra is an ancient art of Odisha that is found on the walls of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, and also on the chariots (Rathas) of the Ratha Jatra.

I had discussed that I want the story of Niladri Bije depicted by Pattachitra on my kurta.
I sent my idea as a doodle to our artist. 
It was just a quick sketch to put him on the same track as my thoughts.

Raghurajpur Art Speaks...

Odisha is a very rich state - both historically, archeologically, culturally and with its mineral wealth. 

However, like many other states of Eastern India it is- uncared, unexplored, unappreciated...

Odisha is famous for many wonderful arts & crafts. Unfortunately, many people, even in the state of Odisha & in our country, India are not aware of the treasures...

Tradition Marries Modern

One of the #IncredibleIndia crafts with motifs based on mythology, religion, folklore etc dating back to the 5th Century BC practiced by the talented Raghurajpur artists in Puri, Odisha, India, was on the edge and was clinging on for dear life and support... 

Tattoo Love Story

It was the first day of work for him,
As an archaeologist, he found her there.

He was dumbstruck by her beauty.
Her face, complexion, figure, her hair...

How would he focus on the 'site'?
When he was treated to beauty so rare...

There was an unmistakable familiarity,
He wanted to caress her cheeks & her hair...

The wind blew as if taking a cue to play,
The tattoo on her neck peeped with flair!

He had seen that tattoo before! 
If only he could remember where.

He couldn't sleep the whole night,
When he did, he dreamt of a fair...

There was an old Temple by the sea,
The merry fair was taking place there... 

Someone was calling... His room-mate!
"Hey! Get Ready! Not a minute to spare!