Odisha village paints murals to welcome tourists post COVID

In the hope to greet tourists post COVID-19, 150 families of Raghurajpur, a heritage village, famous for its traditional Pattachitra painting have started painting their own houses with mythological themes. “Our livelihood has been adversely affected owing to COVID. Many of our paintings and products have remained unsold,” said Abhiram Das, secretary of the village committee. The plan was carried out by Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi with the help of Odisha Mining Corporation. “150 artists are painting their house walls to greet tourist. By help of OMC, Lalit kala Akademi has decided to provide Rs 10,000 remuneration to each family. When the tourism sector revives after COVID, Indian and foreign tourists will get a visual treat in this village,” said Sudarsan Pattnaik, President of Odisha Lalit Kala Academi, Bhubaneswar.