Muslim Artist Revives Jhoti Art, Celebrating Unity in Balasore

A vibrant celebration of traditional art unfolded in Balasore, Odisha, where young women, including Chandini Khatun, a Muslim artist from Baripada, showcased their skills in a jhoti painting competition. The event drew attention not only for its artistry but also for its powerful message of communal harmony, as participants created intricate designs honoring Hindu deities.

Gathering on Old Trunk Road, Chandini, along with numerous other artists, used white rice paste to depict the image of Maa Gajalakshmi, complete with lotus flowers and elephants. Spectators paused to admire her work, often unaware of her religious background, highlighting how cultural expression can transcend faith.

Reviving a Cultural Tradition

The annual jhoti competition, organized by the Utkaliya Jhoti Institute, aims to celebrate and rejuvenate Odisha’s traditional art form. Jhoti, or chita, is commonly drawn on walls and floors during important festivals, such as Makar Sankranti and the month of Margashira, to invoke divine blessings. However, the practice has diminished in recent years due to the rise of modern decorations like plastic stickers.

Chandini shared her personal journey with the art form, stating, “I never tried drawing Jhoti at home, but I was attracted to it as a child after seeing it in a neighbor’s house. I began participating in competitions during school and college, and my interest grew.” Her dedication culminated in her winning an award, presented by District Magistrate Suryavansi Mayur Vikas, which was met with enthusiastic applause from both organizers and attendees.

The festival’s organizer, Shilpi Keshu Das, emphasized the initiative’s goal to elevate Jhoti to national recognition within India’s folk-art landscape. “While Rangoli from Rajasthan and Kumkum from Kerala are well-known, Jhoti remains less recognized. This movement aims to revive and protect it,” he explained.

Unity Through Art

Chandini’s depiction of Gajalakshmi stood out among a variety of traditional and modern designs, showcasing the best of Odia artistry. Her message of inclusivity resonated deeply as she stated, “To keep jhoti art alive is everyone’s responsibility, irrespective of whether Hindus, Muslims, or Christians do it. Preserving tradition depends on all of us. Before religion, we are Indians first.”

According to Archana Nandi of the Utkal Jhoti Foundation, approximately 100 contestants participated in the event, which featured both traditional and modern categories. “We see Jhoti slowly disappearing from homes. This competition is an effort to keep it alive,” she remarked.

Another participant, Smita Panda, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Jhoti is ingrained in our culture and shows our respect for Maa Lakshmi. It is an integral part of our Laxmi Puja ritual. In fact, in every family, the art must pass down to generations.”

As the celebrations concluded, many participants and spectators acknowledged that while the rice paste designs may fade from the streets over time, the spirit of Chandini’s Jhoti would leave a lasting impression, reminding all that traditions thrive through unity and shared cultural identity.