In pictures | Raghurajpur: Odisha’s walk-in gallery

A car drive of about 50 km from Bhubaneswar in Odisha, towards the southern bank of river Bhargavi takes one amid groves of coconut, mango and jackfruit. Hidden behind and under the shade of the trees are over 120 houses spread over just two streets. The outside walls of the houses are decorated with mural paintings, and inside the houses live the painters who practice art and craft.

Raghurajpur, a small village in Puri district, is a living workshop rich in art, crafts and heritage culture. The village is inhabited by artisans creating sheer uniqueness. A visit to the village offers one the delight of seeing traditional art forms being practised, interacting with the artists, and buying traditional handicraft at reasonable prices.

With houses that serve as both dwellings and studios for the artists, Raghurajpur is an art connoisseur’s delight.

The village tracks from east to west with houses arranged in two neat rows, facing each other. At the centre, runs a line of small temples and the lone Bhagabat Tungi, the community meeting place of the villagers.

The village is home to a community of artisans, who produce different varieties of handicraft items such as patta paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, papier mache toys and masks, wood carvings, wooden toys, cowdung toys and tusser paintings. Perhaps nowhere else in India one finds such a congregation of so many arts at one place.

This is also the only village in India, where each family is engaged in one craft or another.

One comes across the best tradition of Odissan paintings and some of the finest pieces of work in this village.

The villagers have been carrying out this as a genetic practice for many generations. The Pattachitra art of Odisha is most recognised for being produced in the heritage crafts hamlet of Raghurajpur.

The Pattachitra, which is rooted in ancient culture and depicts mythological scenes with vivid colours, excellent craftsmanship, and a straightforward design, has attracted the attention of both artists and art enthusiasts. Paintings are referred to as Chitra and Vastra, respectively, in the phrase Pattachitra. It takes several days to complete each painting, which is essentially done on fabric.

Crafts like Tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, wood carvings, making cowdung toys, papier mache toys, and masks are also practised in the village.

The village happens to be the birthplace of the doyen of Odissi Dance Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra. Another art form that defines the village is Gotipua dance, which was a precursor to Odissi. Gotipua dance performed by young boys dressed as feminine dancers to praise Jagannath and Krishna, and involves acrobatic postures.

In this era where slow holidays, craft tours and village stays are gaining significance, this beautiful village has lot of scope. For those who are fans of all things heritage and craft, an exciting way to experience the uniqueness of Odisha, Raghurajpur is the perfect destination.