Bengal Patachitra

The word ‘Pata’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Patta’, meaning cloth and ‘Chitra’ refers to painting. In Patachitra, stories are painted as frames on long scrolls and the Patras who paint Patas, gradually unfurl them while presenting the story through their songs. The songs are known as Pater Gaan. Patachitra is known for its bold colors, lines, and strokes.  One of the fascinating aspects of Patachitra is the use of natural colors derived from local sources like fruits and flowers.