Local Craft Village Orissa, India

Raghurajpur, a small village in Orissa, holds a prominent position in the cultural map of India as it is perhaps the only one of its kinds where families are engaged in and specialize in a particular craft. The rich traditions of Orissa’s arts and crafts have been well preserved by the skilled villagers through passing on the arts from generation to generation.

There are 311 artisans living within 103 households in the village of Raghurajpur. Some of these artists are winners of National Awards. It is said that one experiences the best of Orissa’s traditional art and crafts, not to mention some of the finest artworks in the houses lining the two laned, palm shaded village.

Raghurajpur’s community of artisans produce a variety of handicrafts items such as Patachitras (folk painting), Talapatachitra or palm leaf engravings, stone carvings, papier mache toys and masks, wood carvings, wooden toys, as well as Tusser paintings.

Whether it be for a shopping excursion or an educational tour, Raghurajpur is well worth the visit no matter what your expectations, for every doorway has an unexpected adventure waiting to be discovered.