Raghurajpur a small village near to jagannath dham in Puri, Odisha on the north eastern coast of India. It is a tropical community and is the residence of Odia artisans who work in multiple media like patachitra (paintings done on canvases made of old sarees), palm leaf carving, silk (tassar) painting, cow dung sculpting, paper mask making, and many more. The traditions and techniques used to make
these art works have been preserved and perfected by multiple generations of villagers and can be described as absolute poetry. Raghurajpur is also known for it’s gotipua dance forms and music which participants will experience while in the village. Kalakhetra (Perform Odisha) residency is an interactive and immersive program where artists can live along side artists and the art in the form of patachitra , tassar painting, palm leaf engraving , paper mache , cow dung toys , dhokara (brass casting) ,stone carving , wood carving , patch work(modern applique), ganjapa playing cards, coir toys and teracuta. The program provides comfortable local accommodations, access to medical care and facilities, food, and instructors to participants. Our main program is 5 weeks long from February 1st to March 7th,2017. It is possible to visit solo or in a small group during the rest of the year and to customize the instruction you wish to receive while in the villiage. Contact us if you would like to set up your ‘own’ residency plan. Price including food, accommodations, and instruction is a nominal weekly fee of $250 USD.
1. During each residency artists will have opportunities to see and take part in cultural events in the village and local areas like Odishi dance, gotipua dance, Paika Akhada, Naga (snake) dance, Durga Dance, Fire dance , horse dance , Ganesh Dance etc.
2. Cultural events will also include enjoying the local music and songs from Rag sangit through flutes, Tabla, harmonium, kendra and mridung. During the first week of the event, Kalakhetra will provide a welcome ceremony and will organize cultural entertainment for the residents.
3. Raghurajpur has some of the most kind, creative, talented and generous residents. Many artists and craftsmen have an open door policy while they are working, and it is a fantastic thing to be able to see master craftsmen at work. During this program international artists will have the opportunity to view local art works within the context of the villiage, the artists’ own studio, and the artists home. Kalakhetra is happy to provide this and many more adventures to both the village and international artists.
**We believe that the exploration of incredible India is incomplete without visiting the cultural crafts heritage village like RAGHURAJPUR. The above organizations is being maintained in collaboration with the sister organization like KALAKHETRA (in the guidance of Guru Dr. Jagannath Mohapatra of heritage village Raghurajpur) Raghurajpur,Chandanpur,Puri,Odisha,India.Reg.No: 6305-170 of 2003-2004,Act XXI of 1860.
