Gita Updesha

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This colorful rendition with bold lines and soft expressions speaks of the first day of the battle between the Kauravas and Pandavas. Arjun sat silent in his chariot gazing into the distance at the opposing army, at the figures who stood as his enemies- Bhishma, Drona, Kripa,... his cousins. These were people who he loved, who were close to his heart-how could he shed their blood? What would he gain by destroying those he loved and revered? Of what use would be such a victory? Arjun's heart faltered and tears rolled down his cheeks. Suddenly, he threw away his arms and sat down, crying out- "Krishna, I will not fight this war! I cannot bring myself to destroy those whom I love and honor. Let us surrender. Let the Kauravas take everything so that there may be peace and goodwill."

It was a moment of crisis. A great battle was about to commence, and the foremost warrior of the day had suddenly lost courage. It seemed to him so senseless and futile to fight and kill-all for the sake of a patch of land called a kingdom.

Krishna listened to Arjun's words with compassion. He spoke to Arjun of life and death, of this world and the ones that are invisible, of the struggles and conflicts, the sorrows of mankind and the three paths by which men may reach God. The path of duty was one of them and for a Kshatriya, the way to God lay in the path of duty only. It was Arjun's duty to fight for righteousness, whatever the consequences. Arjun must act fearlessly. And when he acted, he must do so without the desire for reward or glory or even success. Right action, said Krishna,was that which was free from all desires.

Last of all Krishna revealed himself to his friend in all his glory. Arjun saw the heavenly vision which was limitless as the universe itself. He sat spellbound. A Strange emotion seized him. Nothing seemed to have changed except in Arjun's heart, for he had seen the light of wisdom. Then, with a new spirit surging through him, he took up his weapons again and went into the battle.

This description by Renu Rana.

Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.