Paddy Craft: Hands Creating Figures with Paddy and Bamboo

24-Mar-2026

This photo shows the process of the ancient art form known as Paddy Craft in Kenduguda village of Nabarangpur district, Odisha. In this craft, paddy grains colored with turmeric water are placed between thin bamboo sticks and tied with thread to prepare them for creating different shapes and figures. This work is generally done by women at home, although men also play an important role in the craft. After finishing their agricultural work, men help shape the paddy fixed between two thin bamboo sticks into artistic forms. Through this craft, artisans create figures of Odisha’s revered deities such as Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra (Balarama), and sister Subhadra. They also make figures of Lord Ganesha and Radha-Krishna, which appear very beautiful and visually appealing.