Odisha’s handicrafts are a living testament to the state’s age-old artistry, reflecting the cultural depth and intricate skill of the region. Renowned for their variety and design, Odisha’s handlooms and handicrafts capture art lovers, each reflecting the history and soul of the land.
Previously, we discussed some of Odisha’s finest handicrafts that created a global mark. They received GI recognition, which makes our hearts beat with pride, and we celebrate our heritage joyously. In this blog, we will discuss our handlooms with GI recognition, which weave together the threads of Odisha’s culture and heritage.
Ikkat Sarees: Handwoven Shaan of Odisha
One of their kind, Ikkat sarees are known for their traditional shine and elegance. While Ikkat sarees are worn in other states as well, Odisha’s Ikkat has its specialty. Each work is carried out with precision and a meticulous approach. Positioning each thread is important for the weaving of Ikkat sarees. Now we understand that it takes a lot of hard work for the weavers to weave such beautiful sarees.
Often termed as ‘the Poetry on the Looms,’ Ikat handlooms and fabric exude an unmatched grace when woven by the weavers of Odisha. These sarees are worn by women during every occasion and festival. It received its GI tag in the year 2006.
Kotpad Sarees: Weaving Odisha’s Heritage
Weaving is a skill that requires patience and precision. When we talk about weaving, Odisha’s weavers never fail to impress. Odisha’s Kotpad sarees are made with the threads of Odisha’s integrity, beauty, and heritage. Woven by the Mirgan community of Odisha’s Koraput, these handloom sarees are a matter of pride for every Odia.
This fabric has a distinct identity and received a GI tag in 2005. The weavers incorporate organic colors that give a unique look to the sarees. They are extracted from vegetables, which makes these sarees long-lasting, durable, and graceful. On the top of it, the eye-catching motifs add to the look and the grace of the sarees.
Gopalpur Tussar Silk: A Handwoven Legacy to Preserve
Over 400 years old, Odisha is gifted with another handloom woven with devotion. The Tussar fabric of Gopalpur village in Jajpur is said to have an age-old connection with Sri Chaitanya. Widely loved and recognized by every handloom lover, it takes our heritage to greater heights.
These sarees are designed using the extra-weft technique by the weavers, who use hand-spun and hand-reeled yarns. What differentiates this saree is its rich texture, subtle sheen, and delicate drape. What makes these sarees more lovable is that they provide comfort and breathability even during the humid climate.
The silk is widely acclaimed and loved. Be it sarees, jackets, bags, shawls, etc., its charm is just out of this world. It received its GI tag in 2009.
Sambalpuri Fabric: Maa Samalei’s Blessing to Odisha
Originating from the land of Maa Samlei, these sarees carry an extravagant charm. Special tie-dye techniques and vibrant colors give them a different kind of glaze, coupled with intricate designs inspired by nature, our culture, and tradition. Numerous motifs like wheels, fish, leaves, conch, etc., also feature in red, black, and white.
Sambalpuri sarees are not only popular among the common people, but celebrities seem to go gaga over these as well. From politicians to Bollywood celebrities, Sambalpuri sarees seem to have become a fashion statement for many.
The handloom received the GI tag in 2012.
Habaspuri Silk Saree: The Handloom You Should Own
The list seems to get more and more interesting. Woven by the Bhulia community of Odisha, we have another well-known handloom called Habaspuri Silk.
Habaspuri fabric is one of the 14 geographical indications of Odisha. The sarees are woven using the ikat method, in which yarn is carefully tied and dyed before weaving. It was originally woven by the Kandha tribe during the 19th century. It is believed that each of the designs narrates a story. The motifs are inspired by nature, such as fish, flowers, and Kumbha (temple designs), which give the sarees an impeccable look.
For a brief period, the handloom was beginning to lose its significance until it was revived by Ugrasen Meher in Chicheguda. The handloom received its GI tag in 2012.
Berhampur Phoda Kumbha: A Handloom Of Your Dreams
Among all the ethnic handlooms we discussed, there comes another handloom, which has a special place in the heart of every handloom lover.
While all the handlooms had their specialty, the Berhampuri silk saree carries a distinct feature that has given it its own identity. It is known for its attractive kumbha design, particularly the Phoda (temple-type design), and the handlooms have acquired international acclaim. The weaving technique is said to have originated over 200 years ago in Berhampur, popularly known as the ‘Silk City of Odisha’. The sarees earned popularity and were exported to Southeast Asia and other countries through Gopalpur port.
The handloom received its GI tag in 2012.
Bomkai Saree & Fabrics: A Testament to Odisha’s Age-Old Craftsmanship
Known for its heavy-contrast borders and a heavy pallu, this unique saree originates in Ganjam. It received its GI tag in 2009.
The artisans incorporate elaborate designs, such as fish, tortoise, and temple designs. However, the Buty and the temple designs on the sarees are their most prominent features. Fish designs are also quite common on the sarees, as they are believed to be a symbol of success. The sarees are normally dyed to attain red, black, and white colors. Being one of the costliest sarees, owning a Bomkai saree is often considered a mark of richness and affluence.
Khandua Saree: Odisha’s Handwoven Gift to Nation
The last handloom featured on the list is the Khandua saree, and fabrics have their own identity in the world of handlooms.
Also referred to as the ‘Kataki,’ these sarees have their roots in Cuttack, and are woven by the communities of Maniabandha and Nuapatna. They are traditionally red, yellow, maroon, and cream. It would be interesting to know that these sarees share a close link with Lord Jagannath.
They also feature texts from Gita Gobinda, which gives them an edge over the other sarees. The handloom received a GI tag in the year 2010.
Which of these sarees do you like the most, and why? Let us know in the comment box below!
Odisha’s handicrafts are a living testament to the state’s age-old artistry, reflecting the cultural depth and intricate skill of the region. Renowned for their variety and design, Odisha’s handlooms and handicrafts capture art lovers, each reflecting the history and soul of the land.
Previously, we discussed some of Odisha’s finest handicrafts that created a global mark. They received GI recognition, which makes our hearts beat with pride, and we celebrate our heritage joyously. In this blog, we will discuss our handlooms with GI recognition, which weave together the threads of Odisha’s culture and heritage.
Ikkat Sarees: Handwoven Shaan of Odisha
One of their kind, Ikkat sarees are known for their traditional shine and elegance. While Ikkat sarees are worn in other states as well, Odisha’s Ikkat has its specialty. Each work is carried out with precision and a meticulous approach. Positioning each thread is important for the weaving of Ikkat sarees. Now we understand that it takes a lot of hard work for the weavers to weave such beautiful sarees.
Often termed as ‘the Poetry on the Looms,’ Ikat handlooms and fabric exude an unmatched grace when woven by the weavers of Odisha. These sarees are worn by women during every occasion and festival. It received its GI tag in the year 2006.
Kotpad Sarees: Weaving Odisha’s Heritage
Weaving is a skill that requires patience and precision. When we talk about weaving, Odisha’s weavers never fail to impress. Odisha’s Kotpad sarees are made with the threads of Odisha’s integrity, beauty, and heritage. Woven by the Mirgan community of Odisha’s Koraput, these handloom sarees are a matter of pride for every Odia.
This fabric has a distinct identity and received a GI tag in 2005. The weavers incorporate organic colors that give a unique look to the sarees. They are extracted from vegetables, which makes these sarees long-lasting, durable, and graceful. On the top of it, the eye-catching motifs add to the look and the grace of the sarees.
Gopalpur Tussar Silk: A Handwoven Legacy to Preserve
Over 400 years old, Odisha is gifted with another handloom woven with devotion. The Tussar fabric of Gopalpur village in Jajpur is said to have an age-old connection with Sri Chaitanya. Widely loved and recognized by every handloom lover, it takes our heritage to greater heights.
These sarees are designed using the extra-weft technique by the weavers, who use hand-spun and hand-reeled yarns. What differentiates this saree is its rich texture, subtle sheen, and delicate drape. What makes these sarees more lovable is that they provide comfort and breathability even during the humid climate.
The silk is widely acclaimed and loved. Be it sarees, jackets, bags, shawls, etc., its charm is just out of this world. It received its GI tag in 2009.
Sambalpuri Fabric: Maa Samalei’s Blessing to Odisha
Originating from the land of Maa Samlei, these sarees carry an extravagant charm. Special tie-dye techniques and vibrant colors give them a different kind of glaze, coupled with intricate designs inspired by nature, our culture, and tradition. Numerous motifs like wheels, fish, leaves, conch, etc., also feature in red, black, and white.
Sambalpuri sarees are not only popular among the common people, but celebrities seem to go gaga over these as well. From politicians to Bollywood celebrities, Sambalpuri sarees seem to have become a fashion statement for many.
The handloom received the GI tag in 2012.
Habaspuri Silk Saree: The Handloom You Should Own
The list seems to get more and more interesting. Woven by the Bhulia community of Odisha, we have another well-known handloom called Habaspuri Silk.
Habaspuri fabric is one of the 14 geographical indications of Odisha. The sarees are woven using the ikat method, in which yarn is carefully tied and dyed before weaving. It was originally woven by the Kandha tribe during the 19th century. It is believed that each of the designs narrates a story. The motifs are inspired by nature, such as fish, flowers, and Kumbha (temple designs), which give the sarees an impeccable look.
For a brief period, the handloom was beginning to lose its significance until it was revived by Ugrasen Meher in Chicheguda. The handloom received its GI tag in 2012.
Berhampur Phoda Kumbha: A Handloom Of Your Dreams
Among all the ethnic handlooms we discussed, there comes another handloom, which has a special place in the heart of every handloom lover.
While all the handlooms had their specialty, the Berhampuri silk saree carries a distinct feature that has given it its own identity. It is known for its attractive kumbha design, particularly the Phoda (temple-type design), and the handlooms have acquired international acclaim. The weaving technique is said to have originated over 200 years ago in Berhampur, popularly known as the ‘Silk City of Odisha’. The sarees earned popularity and were exported to Southeast Asia and other countries through Gopalpur port.
The handloom received its GI tag in 2012.
Bomkai Saree & Fabrics: A Testament to Odisha’s Age-Old Craftsmanship
Known for its heavy-contrast borders and a heavy pallu, this unique saree originates in Ganjam. It received its GI tag in 2009.
The artisans incorporate elaborate designs, such as fish, tortoise, and temple designs. However, the Buty and the temple designs on the sarees are their most prominent features. Fish designs are also quite common on the sarees, as they are believed to be a symbol of success. The sarees are normally dyed to attain red, black, and white colors. Being one of the costliest sarees, owning a Bomkai saree is often considered a mark of richness and affluence.
Khandua Saree: Odisha’s Handwoven Gift to Nation
The last handloom featured on the list is the Khandua saree, and fabrics have their own identity in the world of handlooms.
Also referred to as the ‘Kataki,’ these sarees have their roots in Cuttack, and are woven by the communities of Maniabandha and Nuapatna. They are traditionally red, yellow, maroon, and cream. It would be interesting to know that these sarees share a close link with Lord Jagannath.
They also feature texts from Gita Gobinda, which gives them an edge over the other sarees. The handloom received a GI tag in the year 2010.
Which of these sarees do you like the most, and why? Let us know in the comment box below!
