Ganjapa, originating from Persian culture, became part of Indian tradition in the 16th century. It showcased hand-painted cards and indigenous playing styles. Sadly, this once popular game now suffers from a decline in its artistic heritage.
Odisha boasts the largest community of Ganjapa card players and manufacturers in India. This card game gained popularity in the districts of Gajapati, Ganjam, and Puri along the state’s east coast. The cards possess a distinctive design, often circular and adorned with Pattachitra art, a renowned Indian Folk Art celebrated for its intricate depictions of mythological narratives and folktales.
Ganjapa cards primarily feature symbolic representations of Hindu deities, dancers, and motifs from Hindu mythology, with the ‘dashavatar’ theme, portraying the ten primary avatars of Vishnu, as being particularly popular.
Regrettably, this artistic form of card gaming is gradually fading away. What was once enjoyed in large groups across villages now finds few enthusiasts among the younger generations, with only a handful of elderly men still indulging in the game.
Consequently, the number of artists producing these cards has also dwindled. One notable artist is Banamali Mohapatra, a recipient of the National Award in 1981 and the Shilpi Guru Award in 2014.
However, while the cards have gained popularity as decorative pieces, their traditional use as a card game has diminished.
Also Read | This colourful card game from Odisha is art
Aishwarya Mohanty is an independent journalist based in Odisha. She reports on the intersection of gender, social justice, rural issues and the environment. She is also a Rural Media Fellow powered by Youth Hub.
Edited by: Novita Singh
