Pattachitra: Untitled

The Bengal Pattachitra is a visual and oral art tradition practised by the Patuas or Chitrakars of West Bengal. They earn their livelihood by telling stories from Hindu Mythology, local folklores, Sufi tradition and contemporary themes through paintings and songs. The unfolding or playing of the Pata is called ‘Pat Khelano’, and the song through which the divinely painted narratives are sung is called ‘Pater Gaan.’ This flows in 3 stages – the kahani (story), the mahatmya (glory), and bhavita (introduction).

The cult of Manasa, a snake goddess, also known as Vishadari, is widespread in Bengal and its neighbouring regions, particularly in rural settings. Often worshipped to cure diseases or to beget children, the folk deity Manasa Devi is among popular themes portrayed on a Pata. Mostly pictured having a third eye, bearing multiple hands, majestically sitting on a snake throne, and wearing gorgeous jewellery, her stories are usually picked from the medieval text – Manasa Mangal Kavya.

This Pattachitra is created by Monimala Chitrakar.  To read more on the Bengal Pattachitra, click here.