Nila Madhav Sahoo preserves the traditional art by using contemporary themes, says Shabiha Nur Khatoon.
The first thought that crosses the mind when someone talks about the ancient city of Puri, is beach and temples but that is not all, Puri is also famous for its age-old art form known as Pattachitra. The art form which was primarily made on cloth or palm leaves dates back to 12th century and was used for religious rituals. With the passage of time these paintings became beautiful souvenirs for pilgrims.
One of the major characteristics that set Pattachitra apart from other art form is the story telling techniques through intricate imagery. To dive into the depth of the age-old art form, Nila Madhav Sahoo elaborates on his journey. He is preserving the traditional art form by fusing it with contemporary themes that work as a bridge between the past and present.
Pattachitra originally made on cloth or palm leaves dates back to 12th century.
Pattachitra is distinct due to its use of natural materials, intricate designs and narrative style which brings to life, the stories, and legends of Odisha. There are artists who go for quicker or more cost-effective methods, but Nila Madhav Sahoo insists on using traditional cotton cloth or palm leaves as his canvas and the pigments are derived from natural minerals, plants and soil which adds an organic depth to his work making it more authentic and traditional.
Nila Madhav Sahoo usually goes for vegetable-based colours on patti or tussar cloth but while experimenting with modern fabrics, he makes a shift towards acrylic paints, ensuring the vibrant finish that is characteristic of Pattachitra. When asked how he chooses the themes or stories for his painting, he informed that his work often reflects the stories of the Jagannath tradition, with deities and ancient tales at the heart of his pieces. He adds, “My themes are inspired by Lord Jagannath and Hindu mythology as well as social activities and contemporary issues. I always try to blend traditional and modern elements in my artwork.”
Talking about the entire process of creating a Pattachitra art from scratch requires a lot of patience and precision as there is no room for mistake. The initial process involves preparing the canvas — be it cotton or palm leaf and then carefully sketching the outline of the painting before applying natural or acrylic pigments and finally varnishing the artwork.
We all know good things take time. Same goes for Nila’s paintings. Some of his paintings take a few days, while others take a longer time like weeks or even months. He adds, “Making a Pattachitra painting takes a lot of time and patience. It is not something you can rush through. I start by preparing the canvas, which could be cotton or palm leaves. The surface must be treated first before anything can be drawn on it.”
Once the canvas is ready, Nila carefully sketches the design. He spends hours getting the outline just right. Once it is perfect, he starts painting. He uses natural pigments or acrylic paints, depending on the canvas. He applies the paint in layers, letting each layer dry before adding the next. Every stroke is carefully thought out. Finally, the painting is varnished to protect it and keep the colours from fading. Some paintings are finished in a few days, but the more complex ones can take weeks or even months. Nila does not rush. He takes his time, making sure every detail is exactly how he wants it.
Pattachitra is an art form that really stands out because it tells stories. These paintings are not just about beautiful pictures; they are filled with images and symbols from Odisha’s rich history and Hindu culture. A lot of Nila’s paintings are inspired by the Jagannath tradition, showing gods and legends that have been around for ages.
But the paintings are not just about telling old stories. The symbols used in them mean a lot more. For example, the lotus flower is not just a nice design. It actually, stands for spiritual growth. Similarly, peacock feathers are often seen in Nila’s work, and they stand for beauty, pride and even royalty. These symbols are not just for decoration—they carry deeper meanings about life, growth, and divine energy.
Another thing you will notice in Nila’s work is the strong female figures. These are not soft, passive women; they are powerful, proud, and beautifully decorated with jewellery and designs. They represent strength, beauty and grace, qualities that are important in Hindu mythology. Nila is also known for his special borders around his paintings. These borders, called Nila’s Signature Design, are detailed and beautiful, adding a unique touch to each piece. They help frame the story in the painting, making it feel more complete.
Today, the world moves so fast, with technology and digital art everywhere. This fast pace does not leave much room for the slow, careful work that goes into traditional art. Nila faces the challenge of how to keep this ancient art form alive in such a quick-moving world. His answer is simple: he keeps the tradition alive but also adapts to the times. Nila combines traditional Pattachitra techniques with modern themes, making art that speaks to today’s audience while still respecting the old ways. But keeping Pattachitra alive is not just about making it relevant—it is also about protecting it. The materials used in Pattachitra can fade or get damaged by sunlight and humidity. Nila knows this, so he makes sure each painting is carefully stored, mounted, and framed so it will last for many years.
One of the things that makes Nila different is his desire to teach others. He does not just want to make art for himself—he wants to share his knowledge and keep the tradition alive by teaching young artists. Nila holds workshops and mentors’ students, showing them how to create Pattachitra art just like he does. His mentor, Shilp Guru Shree Goukul Bihari Patnaik, had a big impact on Nila’s artistic journey. Through Patnaik’s guidance, Nila learned the true meaning of Pattachitra. Now, Nila continues to honour his mentor’s legacy by passing on what he has learned to others.
