Patara (caste)

Patra or Patara is a caste found in the Odisha State of India. They are a synonym of Ashwini & Kapudia community, both are same by culture and profession.Some of them are the sebak of Lord Jagannath. Traditionally silk weavers and they are petty traders inside and outside of the village. They trade in cotton and silk yarn, vermilion, and sacred threads meant for various rites and rituals. Many among the Brahmins also have patra as surname . They are also required to supply these materials to the village deity and also to the Hindu caste people of the village on various ceremonial such as religious occasions. Cast Symbols- Sri Mandira Dhwaja including Nilachakra. Cast God- Lord Balabhadra