Terracotta Tales from Gorakhpur: Clay Stories of Faith and Festivals

Gorakhpur’s terracotta art is a celebration of the earth, shaped into sacred figures, animals, and decorative items. This age-old tradition, centered around rural potter communities, transforms humble clay into intricate masterpieces.

The most iconic symbol is the terracotta horse, often offered in temples or used in rituals. Crafted by hand and fired in open kilns, these pieces carry rustic charm and religious significance. Patterns are often etched before firing, with some artworks as tall as four feet.

Recognized with a GI tag, this art has now found a place in museums, exhibitions, and urban homes. Despite modernization, Gorakhpur’s potters keep their legacy alive—each creation a testament to devotion and design, molded from the very soil they walk on.