PANAJI
Twenty-one-year-old Sudarsh S Chari has set a world record by painting 54 traditional Goan paats in nine hours, showcasing the centuries-old Chitari art and carrying forward his family tradition.
A paat is a hand-painted wooden seat or platform on which the idol of Lord Ganesha is placed during Ganesh Chaturthi.
The tradition of decorating paats through Chitari art is believed to be around 300 years old.
Sudarsh learnt the craft from his father, Suhas Chari, who has practised it for over 40 years. After a year of practice, Sudarsh mastered the art. Though interested in fine arts, financial circumstances initially led him towards a conventional career, but his passion for Chitari art remained.
He often painted paats with his father, sometimes competing with him. After painting 40 paats in one sitting, he gained the confidence to attempt the world record.
Sudarsh credits Big Foot Goa founder Maendra Alvares for providing the opportunity and platform for the attempt, held at the Big Foot Goa Museum-Art Gallery from 9 am on October 3, 2026. More than 400 tourists witnessed it.
PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, Justice Gajendra Singh and his family, Madhya Pradesh High Court Judge Vijay Sardesai and Fatorda MLA were among those present.
Sudarsh hopes his achievement will inspire young people to take up paat painting and Chitari art and help preserve the unique Goan tradition for future generations.
