Scroll Animation Inspired by Patua Art

West Bengal’s Patua art—also known as Pattachitra—is a centuries-old storytelling tradition where artists paint narrative scrolls and sing as they unroll each scene. These vibrant visuals, filled with gods, demons, tigers, and tales of social reform, are now leaping into the digital age through the rising trend of scroll animation.

In recent years, young illustrators, animators, and storytellers have begun digitally animating Patua scrolls, turning them into short films, Instagram reels, and interactive web experiences. The result? A seamless fusion of folk wisdom and motion design—preserving tradition while making it accessible to younger, global audiences.

These animations retain the charm of the original scrolls—flat perspectives, bold lines, and earthy palettes—but add elements like sound design, camera panning, and layered narration. Often, the original Patua songs (called Poter Gaan) are digitally recorded to accompany the visuals, bringing an authentic feel to modern formats.

Organizations like Banglanatak dot com, Art for Change, and independent animators have been instrumental in pushing this crossover. Topics range from mythology to environmental awareness to COVID-19 education—making the scroll a vehicle for both culture and contemporary relevance.

For the Patuas themselves, this transition opens up new opportunities. Some have started working with studios or uploading content to YouTube and social media, earning recognition beyond the haat and mela circuit.