The Patta painting is an important aspect of Orissan painting which originated from the temple of Jagannath at Puri in the 12th century. This has grown and flourished with the spread of Jagannath temple under the patronage of Gangga kings, Suryavamsi Gajapatis and the kings of Bhoi dynasty. The Bhakti movement, which swept over Orissa in the 16th century was chiefly instrumental in popularising the theme of Radha and Krishna in Patta painting displayed two major themes; one, the temple of Jagannath, the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra and the second, Radha-Krishna and their Lilas (plays). But these themes are so few that rheas are not adequate for an evaluation of thematic development of Patta paintings.

The Pata painting was basically designed to popularise the cult of Jagannath through their sale to millions of pilgrims visiting Puri. The word Pata was significant relation with the material on which the painting is done and which is known as Patti or Patta.   

The Patta painting are also done on different media and on different formats. The most popular items are Ganjapa, Masks, Toys of Jagannath, Balabhdra, Subhadra and miniature of Jagannath temple. Although Ganjapa is a secular item, the element of religiosity has been   added with the  introduction of Dasavatara Ganjapa and the Ramayan Ganjapa.