Women create a jhoti in Puri. Picture by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 7: Devotees across the state are creating traditional patterns of art on the floor to express their devotion to Lord Jagannath in the holy month of Kartik.

Created by the women of the family in front of the tulasi chaura, the tulsi plant that is worshipped in the household, the jhoti or design patterns illustrate different symbols on different days.

“Lots of colours are needed to make these patterns and each has a specific purpose. Natural elements such as leaves, flowers, burnt ashes of coconut shell and turmeric are used to create shades such as yellow, black, green, red, pink, white and blue,” said Uma Mohapatra, a homemaker.

The most common symbols in the jhoti are those of the props held in the four hands of Lord Vishnu — the conch, the wheel, the gada (mace) and the padma (lotus). Other symbols that are drawn as offerings to Goddess Lakshmi include a kajal box in black, combs of various colours, beaded garlands in yellow and black, multicoloured bangles and earrings.

“We first create outlines of the images that are drawn with white powder. Then these are filled with various colours,” said 75-year-old Nilamani Devi.

The drawings of Rai Damodar are made for 25 days of the month. During the last five days, these forms are replaced by the images of Laxmi and Narayan.

These drawings are particularly seen in Puri, where old women reside at various ashrams of the city in groups and follow the rituals associated with the month.