Biswanath Swain - National Awardee from Raghurajpur village of Odisha for his instrumental work in the field of Pattachitra Artform

Raghurajpur village stands as a shining example of India's rich artistic heritage and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Its narrow lanes, vibrant murals, and skilled artisans create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. A visit to Raghurajpur is not just an opportunity to witness extraordinary art forms but also a chance to support the livelihoods of the talented individuals who carry forward these traditions. As the village continues to thrive, it serves as a testament to the power of art in bridging the gap between the past and the present, and in preserving the cultural legacy for future generations to cherish.

Biswanath Swain, a luminary from the quaint village of Raghurajpur in Odisha, has earned national acclaim for his exceptional contributions to the traditional art form of Pattachitra. A National Awardee, Swain has emerged as a distinguished figure in the realm of Indian folk and cultural heritage. Hailing from a region renowned for its artistic legacy, Raghurajpur, Swain has been a torchbearer for the Pattachitra art form, characterized by intricate paintings on cloth that often depict mythological narratives and cultural motifs.

Odisha is a treasure trove of traditional art forms, and several villages in the state are renowned for their artistic heritage. Here are some other famous villages in Odisha known for their traditional art forms: Saura Tribal Village (Golamunda): Located in the Kalahandi district, Golamunda is known for the ancient and unique Saura tribal art form. The Saura artists paint vibrant geometric patterns and mythical figures on walls, floors, and cloth, reflecting their deep connection with nature and tribal folklore.

Swain's journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Pattachitra. His mastery over the techniques involved in this ancient art form reflects not only his artistic prowess but also his dedication to the cultural heritage of Odisha. Pattachitra, with its vibrant colors, detailed brushwork, and storytelling essence, has found a devoted custodian in Biswanath Swain.

Above photograph shows door designed by Biswanath Swain's father and is still an exceptional visual in whole Raghurajpur village.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Swain has played a pivotal role in imparting his knowledge to the next generation. He has been actively involved in mentoring aspiring artists, ensuring the continuity of Pattachitra's rich tradition. His efforts have not only elevated the status of Raghurajpur as a cultural hub but have also brought national recognition to the artistic heritage of Odisha.

Above photograph shows work by Biswanath Swain. This was a huge piece of art and unfortunately photograph doesn't do justice. But If you zoom into it and look at the details, you will be amazed.

Biswanath Swain's National Award stands as a testament to his instrumental role in preserving, nurturing, and propagating the unique art form of Pattachitra. Through his creative brilliance and commitment to cultural preservation, Swain has made an indelible mark, leaving an artistic legacy that resonates far beyond the borders of Raghurajpur.


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While in Bhubaneshwar ( Odisha , we planned to drive to Konark Sun Temple and witness it's grandness & heritage.Temple has beautifully carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A lot of portions of temple are in ruins, although remained part is being maintained. Some work was happening when we visited the temple this month (july’2016).Sun Temple in Konark is 65 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar and 35 km from Puri.ASI maintains the temple and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konark Sun temple is also featured in the list of 7 wonders in India, along with Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai, Dholavira of Gujarat, Red Fort of Delhi, Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan, Nalanda of Bihar and Khajuraho of MP.The name Konark comes from Sanskrit words - Kona and Ark. Europian sailors had 2 important temples in this part of India - Konark Sun Temple and Jaganath Temple in Puri, which are called Black Pagoda and White Padoga respectively.Konark Sun Temple has used iron beams for it’s structure. It was made to look like Surya-Rath (Chariot of Sun God). There are 12 carved stone wheels which are 3 meters wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses, which you see on entry gate of the temple. It followed popular Kalinga Architecture.Maintenance of Konark Sun Temple was in progress and it made us feel good about the care ASI is taking of these beautiful heritage buildings in India. Although it made us worry about the way these structures are restored. Plain stones without any carving are being added to give support to the structure. It's understandable that same carving might be difficult to achieve but some creative stuff can be done. More than structure, the craved stones are decaying with time and wondering if there is a good way to avoid it. I am sure ASI must thinking about all these things.Konark Sun Temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Odisha and it's considered as one of the most popular places to visit around Bubaneshwar. We didn't want to miss and happy that it was a nice experience to be there. Although the weather was not suitable, but we had fun.There are some interesting facts about the architecture of Konark Sun Temple. Original temple had one part of the compound, which was 70 mgr high. Now the highest structure of the Sun Temple is 30 meters high, which is essentially the audience hall along with smaller structures like Dance hall and Dining hall.Orissa Tourism website lists few interesting details around history behind this temple.Surrounding of the Konark Sun Temple is pretty green and the weather made it greener for us.We had great time roaming around this beautiful campus of Konark Sun Temple, which has lot to surprise you and make you think how it was built many centuries ago. Here we tried to click family selfie with our DSLR and it came out well :)These are the Ashvas (horses) of Surya Rath. Somehow the faces are different and I am not sure why. There must be some reason behind these shapes.A visit to Konark Sun Temple in Odisha - One of the 7 wonders in India

















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