Chita is a painting style belonging to
Orissa. This style of painting is used by the women to paint the walls and floors of their home. Rice paste is the medium used in this painting.
These paintings are mostly done on Thursdays, during the Hindu month of Margasheersh (November-December). The floor is painted with a figure representing the feet of Goddess Lakshmi. The walls are decorated with images of paddy plants, fingertips, birds, lotus creepers and other figures occurring in nature.
On the occasion of the ‘sankranti’ festival, during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August), the south-facing doors are painted. These paintings depict paddy plants, ornaments and lotuses. They also include images of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (Lord Balram) and Subhadra. These images are worshipped on this festive occasion.
