Jadu Patua Art: Where Stories Come Alive

JADU means Magic & PATA means Scroll. Jadu pata is a magical scroll created by patuas - artists & storytellers. They wander from village to village carrying Jadu patua-painted scrolls made by sewing together painted scenes on paper sheets. The scrolls are rolled and carried on their journeys. During their performances, they open the roll and play myth-making and tell stories about the complex illustrations to life for their audiences. Interestingly, they employ their library of a dozen themes judiciously by narrating different interpretations for each theme depending on their audience. Hindu, Muslim and Santhal gatherings call for other stories. The common themes include the Baha’s Feast - a mix of Hindu and Santhal folklore, the creation myths, paintings of the goddess Kali and the escapades of the god of hell Yama. These magician storytellers live off the money and offerings the villagers give them. The intensity and macabre style of narration would inversely enhance the status of the artist amongst the communities he visits.