Process
Materials and tools used to create Patachitra include paint brush, paper and colours. The colours are extracted from natural sources, such as flowers, turmeric and coal, are then mixed with glue extracted from wood apple. The colour extract and glue mix is dried in the sun before use. Chitrakars follow a common process while painting Patas. As the first step they draw outlines of the paintings on paper that is washed with cow dung before use to protect it from pests. The line drawings are then filled with colour before a layer of recycled soft fabric is pasted on the reverse side of the paper to make the scroll stronger. Finally the paintings are dried naturally. The songs which are locally known as Pater Gaan are written and performed with the traditional scroll-Pata by the artists.
