Ganjapa

thumb|upright=1.3|Ganjapa cards thumb|"Atharangi Ganjapa" cards painted with traditional Pattachitra painting of Krishna in his [[Nabagunjara form]] Gånjåpā () are the traditional playing cards from the Indian state Odisha. It can also refer to the trick-taking card game that they are used for. It is played with circular shaped Pattachitra painted cards. Originated in the 16th century, Ganjaku is a recreational game for male members of the Odia society, primarily villagers, kings and their courtmen. Ganjapa is played as "Chārirångi" (cards of 4 colors), "Āṭhårångi" (cards of 8 colors), "Dåsårångi" (cards of 10 colors), "Bārårångi" (cards of 12 colors), "Chåudårångi" (cards of 14 colors) and "Sohåḷårångi" (cards of 16 colors). The variation of this game influenced by Persian card game Ganjifeh is known as "Mughal Ganjifa". The game is popular in Puri and Ganjam district of Odisha. As a result of the relative isolation of Odisha in the past, Ganjapa developed very differently from the Ganjifa found in the rest of India. Odisha has by far the largest community of Ganjifa players and manufacturers.

== Etymology == The Odia word Ganjapa is believed to be related to "Ganjifa" (originated from Persian word Ganjifeh) that was popular by the Mughal emperors.