Kalabhoomi Museum : Reviving Art and Crafts of Odisha
Hello all,
Odisha is a state renowned for its vibrant culture and art. From the former name of “Odra Desa” to “Utkala” and then “Kalinga” to “Orissa” and now finally “Odisha”. Just like these names, the state has a unique and exuberant contribution to the art, culture, and history of our country. And these arts and cultures have been displayed aesthetically and beautifully in this modern, state-of-the-art museum.
Built of laterite stone in the Pokhariput region of Bhubaneshwar, in a span of 12.68 acres. There are 10 galleries, an Outdoor Amphitheatre, a specific workshop space, a children’s play area, an outdoor canteen, and a souvenir store, Utkalika.
Museum Sections and Galleries
The galleries are divided into several heritage art forms of the state. The museum is well guided with self-explanatory displays. You can easily follow from one section to another:
Pattachitra Paintings
There are at least a dozen Pattachitra paintings in this section. The majority of them are from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and of Lord Krishna. The detailing of these paintings is mind-boggling. You will be amazed to see how the craftsmen have created these plaiting all those years ago… There are even pieces that describe how these ratings are done step by step. This section also has palm leaf etching, engraving, and paintings, one of the very minute and detailed art forms.
Godhi Dance Costume
In the same section, imitation horses are wearing Bodhi dance costumes. During the Ghodi dance performance, a person gets into the structure and carries it on foot.
Carved Wooden Artefacts
There is a display of some of the heritage wooden doors, panels, and door knobs, along with other wooden artefacts.
Stone artefacts:
Odisha is famous for stone carvings, and you will understand why after seeing the treasure in these museums.
Silver Filigree Artefacts
Cuttack, which is not very far from Bhubaneswar, is famous for the finest Filigree jewelry. And not only jewellery, they make showpieces with this art form.
Painted artefacts:
From wooden masks to wooden trunks to Paper Mache items to coconuts…. The talented and gifted artisans have done pattachitra art in all, and how amazing all of them are! There are many such simply mesmerizing handpieces in this museum.
Tribal Jewellery and Dhokra art
There are many tribes in Odisha with the Dhokra art form, which is approximately 5000 years old, with metallic jewelry.
Terracotta Artifacts
There are indoor and outdoor sections of this art form. The most striking were the pots for the Tulsi plant. Even outside all homes in Puri and Bhuvenshwar, the Tulsi pots were so unique and beautiful.
Sholapith Handicrafts
white-colored intricately made ornaments and handicrafts are made up of cortex of the plant called Shola, which grows in the marshy waterlogged lands of Odisha and Bengal.
Pipili Applique Work:
This is the famous art form on fabric and traditionally known as Chandua. The traditional patchwork of Orissa, in which artisans deftly stitch traditional motifs such as elephant, peacock, flowers, as well as modern motifs, on brightly colored clothes. However, the pieces in this museum are exceptional and exquisite, and today it is almost impossible to get this type of masterpiece.
Paddy Craft
The husked rice is tied together to create chains with the help of cotton threads, and beautiful craft objects are thus made. Chains of paddy are braided and shaped to form models o. Idols of deities, animal figures, garlands and floral arrangements are created from paddy crafts.
Lord Jagannath Gallery:
There is one specific section for the Jagannath temple and Rathyatra.
Handloom section:
This is the largest gallery in the museum and was my favourite. Odisha is home to the finest and unique traditional handloom weaves made in both silk and cotton. The famous weaves are – Sambalpuri Ikat, Bomkai, Berhampuri weave, Pasapalli, Santhali, Dongria, Sachipar, and the list goes on and on!! There is also a section in which the process of making of cotton fabric is explined in detail.
Points to consider:
• Check out their website before visiting.
• entry fee : Rs 50 is charged per adult.
• There are one-hour-long free guided tours of the museum daily in multiple languages.
• There are a few workshops on pottery and paddy crafts.
• There is a small canteen with serene and peaceful seating.
Timings: 10:00 AM- 5:30 PM
Days: open all days except Monday
So, if you are in Bhuvneshwar, don’t skip a visit to this fabulous museum showcasing the breathtaking craftsmanship of artisans of this unique state.
Description ! Laajawab
artstic
Thank you…
Spellendid !
Thank you…
Did u see turtles didi
i remember bhubaneshwar puri turtles
No we missed them.
Ancient and modern !both at its best
Thank you…
All ancient & antic items are there. Magnificant collection in the museum. All supperb pics.👍👌🏻
Thank you…
Great 👍 but I think timing may be from 10.00 AM to 05.00 PM.. superb hand crafted items..
Yes uncle. Corrected. Thank you…
Try hornbill festival Nagaland
We have been to Nagaland but in monsoon… now wish to visit during the festival.
Amezing
Thank you…
last 2nd line.. in timings.. pls change 10pm to 10am..
awsm article.. as if i have personally visited the museum..🙏🏻🙏🏻
Yes sure. Thank you…
Relatively unexplored area. You have covered it nicely. Thanks and best wishes 👍
Thank you..