The name Raghurajpur derives from ‘Raghuraj‘ which literally means King Raghu which is a synonym to Lord Rama in Hindu mythology. According to a popular lore, it is believed that Lord Rama stayed at this place for a short while during his fourteen years of exile.
Raghurajpur is famous for its rich cultural heritage, especially for the Pattachitra art form, the traditional style of painting on cloth. This village is also home to many other traditional art forms, such as palm leaf engraving, wooden toys, and stone carving.
Famous Art Forms in Raghurajpur
1.PATTACHITRA PAINTINGS:
Pattachitra is a traditional painting of Odisha, India.These paintings are based on Hindu mythology and specially inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect. All colors used in the Paintings are natural & painting are made fully old traditional way by Chitrakaras that is Odia Painter. Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta, meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture.
2. TASSAR PAINTING :
Tassar painting is one of the most ancient and precious painting of Odisha, which is basically considered as the perfect substitute of Pattachitra painting. Mainly painted on the palm leaves with natural colors, it used to adorn the temple as wall decoration. Tassar painting derives its inspiration from the Jagannath temple of Puri. Though the art form originated in the Cuttack district of Odisha, it is mainly practiced by the chitrakar families of Raghurajpur.
PALMLEAF ENGRAVING :
One of the most ancient crafts of the world, etching and paintings on the palm leaf still thrives in the state of Odisha in India. Called Talapatrachitras there, the art has reached new heights there. The palm leaf etchings are treasured decorations of all Indian home. The art originated when written communication began. Messages and manuscripts were written on the palm leaf to be disseminated. Gradually the trend to decorate the text with images began and it became an art in itself.
Other Attractions:
- HERITAGE TOURSIM
- ECO TOURISIM
- CULUTRAL TURISIM
- RURAL TOURISIM
Places To Visit Nearby :
While Raghurajpur itself is a fascinating place to explore, there are several nearby attractions and places to visit in Odisha that you can include in your itinerary:
–Puri:
Puri, located just 14 km from Raghurajpur, is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and famous for the Jagannath Temple. Apart from the temple, you can also visit Puri Beach and explore the vibrant markets and streets.
–Konark:
Konark, often called the “Sun Temple City,” is around 35 kilometres from Raghurajpur. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning architecture. The Chandrabhaga Beach nearby is also worth a visit.
–Chilika Lake:
Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India, is approximately 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. You can take a boat ride on the lake and visit the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
–Bhubaneswar:
The capital city of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is about 60 kilometres from Raghurajpur. It’s known for its ancient temples, including the Lingaraja and Mukteshwar Temple. The city also has museums, parks, and modern amenities.
–Dhauli:
Dhauli, located around 50 kilometres from Raghurajpur, is a historical site where the Kalinga War occurred. It’s known for its rock edicts and the Shanti Stupa, a symbol of peace and non-violence.
Getting There :
Raghurajpur is only 10km by road from Puri, yet not on the popular tourist circuit. So you must book a car or an auto-rickshaw for travelling to and fro. The artists and their families are friendly but sensitive, too. So do get permission before entering any household or workshop. It is also advisable to take permission before taking photographs of people and products on display. If you are keen to buy directly from the artists, remember works of art have their own value and the price is set accordingly.
It is an awesome place to visit if you want to really deep dive into culture of Odisha. You will different styles of painting, dance and singing. There are many things you can buy here if you’re art lover. And there aren’t any shops in the village, people make artifacts at there home and display them in home itself.
Learn More: Daily Rituals Of Lord Jagannath
