Written By- Sarat Paikray
Pipili Artist Creates Mini Rathas: Every year during the Rath Yatra festival, young artist Akshaya Mahapatra from Pipili comes up with a unique artistic creation. For the past six years, his innovative works have attracted widespread attention. This year, he has crafted miniature replicas of the three chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra using 5,720 colorful shirt buttons.
The intricately designed chariots feature the three deities seated on their respective Rathas. The vibrant use of buttons and fine detailing have made the artwork a major attraction for visitors. At first glance, it is difficult to believe that the entire structure has been made from ordinary shirt buttons.
Akshaya spent nearly one and a half months completing the project. Each of the three Rathas stands about two feet tall. His mother also played an important role in helping him complete the artwork.
Inspired by the original Puri Rathas, Akshaya has meticulously recreated several traditional elements, including the Suaa (parrot), Potala, Nilachakra, Charamala, and other decorative features, making the miniature replicas remarkably authentic.
A resident of Darji Sahi in Pipili of Puri District, Akshaya works at a garment shop, while his father is a traditional Pipili applique (Chandua) artisan. After returning from work each evening, he devoted his time to building the button-made chariots.
Akshaya says Rath Yatra always inspires him to create something new. Over the past six years, he has produced Ratha models using a variety of unconventional materials, including thermocol, ice cream sticks, and matchsticks. Last year, he drew appreciation for crafting miniature Rathas using raw rice grains.
His latest creation once again showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of Odisha’s young artists while celebrating the spirit of the world-famous Rath Yatra festival.
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