The Odisha government has recognised Dandasahi as a craft village, where art is an integral part of every household. In line with the village's artistic heritage, Bibuh Maharana's family has been dedicated to the craft of Pattachitra art for generations. Pattachitras are cloth-based scrolls that vividly depict mythological narratives and folktales, but for Bibuh, it all begins with colour.

"When our customers visit us," says Bibuh, "they first select a painting they wish to purchase primarily based on its colour. Their choice is guided by the colour that resonates with them on a personal level. Only after that, they evaluate the painting's craftsmanship and intricate details.”

Traditionally, Pattachitra artists like Bibuh used seven colours, each prepared painstakingly from natural pigments. White was born from the delicate sea-shells, crushed into fine powder. Black emerged from the soot and smoke of Diya lamps that burned for days. The colours yellow, brown, and red were extracted from the bountiful mountains. These five colours, mixed together, created the seven vibrant hues used in the paintings. Bibuh reminisces about a rare stone that once brought blue colour to life but was later banned. These powdered colours were blended with Heartwood (Katha) tree gum, forming vivid pastes that adorned the canvas of Pattachitra cloth.

Today, artists have a vast selection of colours at their disposal through manufactured paints, spanning thousands in number.  Nevertheless, Bibuh retains a deep affection for traditional hues, convinced that these traditional pigments possess a distinctive allure.

But colour is more than just tradition; it's a language that speaks to the soul. Bibuh Maharana passionately believes in the power of colour to shape our emotional states. "Picture this," he says, "you're back home after a grueling day in the scorching heat. If your eyes fall upon calming colours like the natural shades of green in your living space, it can bring you a deep sense of serenity. Conversely, when you're in a joyful state of mind, bright and lively colours in your home can amplify your sense of happiness."

In the world of Pattachitra art, colour is not merely a visual element; it is a vibrant language that resonates with the essence of our being. Bibuh encourages us to appreciate the richness of emotions that colours bring to our lives.