Patachitra in a Digital Era

Patachitra, the scroll-painting tradition of Bengal and Odisha, is one of India’s most vibrant narrative art forms. Historically, the patuas (scroll painters) would sing stories while unfurling painted cloth scrolls, blending visual art with oral storytelling.

In the digital age, Patachitra is experiencing a rebirth. Artists now digitize scrolls for online exhibitions, animations, and educational content. Some are creating short films that animate traditional Patachitra characters, syncing them with music or spoken word.

This adaptation allows Patachitra to reach global audiences. Schools and museums use it to teach mythology, environment, and storytelling. Social themes like climate change, health, and women’s rights are also being explored through these modern pata songs.

Despite digital evolution, the heart of Patachitra remains the same: storytelling. The bold lines, natural colors, and rich textures still mesmerize, whether on a scroll or a screen.

By merging the traditional with the technological, Patachitra keeps spinning its stories—now louder, broader, and more impactful than ever.