Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s renowned Pattachitra paintings were showcased on the global stage at the International Institute of Democracy and Election Management Conference (IICDEM-2026) held in New Delhi, marking a proud moment for the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The high-profile conference witnessed participation from delegations representing over 70 countries. As part of India’s cultural outreach, exquisite Pattachitra artworks depicting Lord Shri Krishna and Mahaprabhu Jagannath were presented as official cultural gifts to representatives from more than 40 nations.
The inclusion of Pattachitra—Odisha’s centuries-old traditional scroll-painting art form—was inspired by the Chief Election Commissioner’s earlier visit to Odisha, during which he was deeply impressed by the region’s artistic legacy. The move aimed to highlight India’s cultural depth alongside its democratic traditions.
Artisans and cultural observers have hailed the gesture as a significant boost to Odisha’s soft power, bringing international recognition to local craftsmanship and reinforcing India’s image as a nation where democratic values and cultural heritage coexist.
The global exposure at IICDEM-2026 is expected to further enhance awareness and appreciation of Pattachitra art, opening new avenues for cultural exchange and artisan livelihoods.
-OdishaAge
