Odisha Illuminated
A Celebration of Ritual in a Modern World
I’m Rakhi, and Odisha Illuminated is my way of sharing a growing personal collection and deep appreciation for the traditional arts of Odisha - textiles, scrolls, stonework, and more. I’m not a professional curator or art historian (at least not yet!), just someone learning by collecting, listening to artists, and following what speaks to me. These works are part of my cultural identity and creative curiosity. Some pieces I’ve acquired, others I simply admire, but all of them reflect the beauty, meaning, and heritage that I find so powerful in Odisha’s art.
This is the beginning of a lifelong journey, and I’m honored to invite you into it.
-- Rakhi Jain
Chandua Appliques
What I love about Chandua is how graphic and bold it is—there’s a clean rhythm to the shapes that just clicks with me. It’s fun knowing these pieces were made with simple tools and serious skill, right in people’s homes.
Talapatra Chitra Palm Leaf Art
I really admire the precision in palm leaf etching—it’s such a small surface, but the level of detail is incredible. It’s the kind of craft that makes you slow down and appreciate how steady and skilled the artist’s hand has to be.
Pattachitra Paintings
I’m drawn to Pattachitra because of how detailed and consistent the style is—you can spot it instantly. There’s a kind of quiet confidence in the way these scrolls are painted, with no do-overs, just experience and steady hands.
Sabai Grass Crafts
Sabai grass items are beautiful in their simplicity—they remind me that useful things can also be made with care and artistry. I’m always amazed at how something from the forest floor can become something so refined.
