7 Best Odisha Handloom Sarees – Types, Pata Saree, Silk Saree, Cotton Saree
The Odisha handloom saree is a true masterpiece of craftsmanship and art. The sarees like Bomkai Saree, Ikat Saree, Kotpad Saree, Khandua Saree, and Habaspuri Saree are not just another piece of clothing, but they hold a rich cultural heritage that is intertwined with the lives of the people in the state of Odisha.
Odisha Handloom Sarees Overview
Odisha has a rich history of handloom weaving, and the Odisha handloom saree industry has been a significant source of livelihood for many families in the state. The sarees made in Odisha are known for their elegance and distinctive style and are usually made from either cotton or silk.
The intricate designs and patterns, including traditional motifs such as flowers, animals, and religious symbols, are what make these sarees so special.
The “Bandha” saree, one of the most famous types of Odisha handloom saree, is characterized by its bold colours and intricate tie-dye patterns.
Another unique aspect of these sarees is the use of the “extra weft” technique, which involves adding extra threads to the fabric to create intricate designs. This technique gives the sarees their rich appearance and makes each one unique.
The dyeing process is also an important aspect of Odisha handloom sarees. The sarees are dyed using natural dyes like indigo and madder, which not only give the fabric its rich colours but also help preserve it and prevent fading over time.
The handloom industry in Odisha has received a boost in recent years, with various initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving the traditional craft. The government has established handloom parks where visitors can see the handloom process in action and has also implemented schemes to provide financial support to handloom weavers.
Odisha Handloom Saree Types
The state of Odisha is known for its rich handloom tradition and intricate designs on sarees.
| Saree Name | Origin | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree | Ganjam district, Odisha | Tie-dye patterns using the ikat technique |
| Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree | Odisha | Tie-dye patterns using ikat technique |
| Kotpad Saree | Koraput district, Odisha | Unique designs, vibrant colors, natural dyes |
| Dhalapathar Saree | Odisha | Traditional motifs and patterns, natural dyes |
| Saptapar Saree/Pasapalli Saree | Bargarh district, Odisha | Traditional designs, special occasions |
| Khandua Saree | Nuapatna village, Odisha | Lightweight, delicate fabric, intricate designs |
| Habaspuri Saree | Kalahandi district, Odisha | Traditional designs, rich colors, natural dyes |
Here are details of the most popular types of Odisha handloom sarees:
- Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree: This saree is named after the Bomkai village in the Ganjam district of Odisha and is also known as the Sonepuri saree. It is one of the most popular Odisha handloom sarees and is known for its intricate designs and bright colours.
- Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree: This saree is also known as the Bandha saree and is characterized by its intricate tie-dye patterns. The saree is made using the ikat technique, which involves tying and dyeing the threads before weaving them into the fabric.
- Kotpad Saree: This saree is named after the Kotpad village in the Koraput district of Odisha and is known for its unique designs and vibrant colours. The saree is made using natural dyes and features intricate patterns and designs.
- Dhalapathar Saree: This saree is named after the Dhalapathar village in Odisha and is known for its traditional motifs and patterns. The saree is made using natural dyes and is a popular choice for special occasions.
- Saptapar Saree/Pasapalli Saree: This saree is named after the Saptapar village in the Bargarh district of Odisha and is also known as the Pasapalli saree. It is known for its traditional designs and is often used for special occasions.
- Khandua Saree: This saree is named after the Nuapatna village in Odisha and is known for its lightweight and delicate fabric. The saree is made using natural dyes and features intricate designs, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
- Habaspuri Saree: This saree is named after the Habaspur village in the Kalahandi district of Odisha and is known for its traditional designs and rich colours. The saree is made using natural dyes and is often used for special occasions.
Each of these Odisha handloom sarees is unique in its own way and reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic skills of the people of Odisha.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Bomkai Saree/Sonepuri Saree
Bomkai Saree, also known as Sonepuri Saree, is a beautiful and traditional handloom saree that hails from the Ganjam district of Odisha, India.
This stunning saree is known for its intricate designs, rich cultural heritage, and unique style making it one of the most popular Odisha handloom saree.
The Bomkai Saree is made from high-quality cotton or silk and features a range of intricate designs, including traditional motifs such as flowers, animals, and religious symbols.
The most striking feature of the Bomkai Saree is its beautiful and intricate border, which is often adorned with gold or silver threadwork, adding an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.
One of the unique aspects of the Bomkai Saree is the use of “extra weft” techniques, which involves adding extra threads to the fabric to create intricate designs. This technique gives the saree its distinctive, rich appearance and makes each one truly unique.
Another important aspect of the Bomkai Saree is the dyeing process. The sarees are dyed using natural dyes, such as indigo and madder, which not only give the fabric its rich colours but also help to preserve the fabric and prevent fading over time.
The handloom industry in Odisha has been given a boost in recent years, with various initiatives aimed at promoting and preserving traditional crafts such as the Bomkai Saree.
The government has established handloom parks, where visitors can see the handloom process in action, and has also implemented schemes to provide financial support to handloom weavers.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Ikat Saree/Bandha Saree
Ikat saree or Bandha sarees from Sonepur, in the Western Odisha region, are woven with a unique and intricate design process that sets them apart from other Ikat sarees in India.
Prior to weaving, the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed in a process that has been famously referred to as “poetry on the loom.”
The resulting designs on these sarees are stunning and range from birds, animals, and Rudraksh beads to geometric patterns, dice, temple towers, and pinnacles.
In Nuapatna, a village in the Cuttack district, Ikat sarees are woven with Ikat yarn using hymns from the Gitagovinda, and these beautiful silk fabrics are used to adorn the idols at the Jagannath Temple every day.
Ikat sarees produced by Bhullas from Western Odisha are particularly sought after for their superior quality, both in terms of the fabric used and the patterns woven into them, including the intricate double Ikat designs which makes it one the unique Odisha handloom sarees.
These sarees are woven in various villages in the Bargarh and Sonepur districts, including Barapalli, Remunda, Jhiliminda, Mahalakata, Singhapali, Sonepur, Patabhadi, Sagarpali, Tarabha, Biramaharajpur, Subalaya, Kendupali, Jaganathpali, and Kamalapur.
The Cuttack district is also known for its Ikat sarees, which are crafted in the villages of Badamba, Nuapatna, Maniabadha, Narashinpur, and Tigiria.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Kotpad Saree
The Kotpad saree is a handwoven treasure from the tribal region of Koraput in Odisha, India. This saree is famous for its unique design and vibrant colours, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The Kotpad saree is not only a fashion statement but also a work of art, embodying the traditional techniques and skills passed down from generation to generation of handloom weavers.
The Kotpad saree is made from handspun cotton and features intricate designs, often incorporating geometric patterns and tribal motifs. The dyeing process is just as important as the weaving, with natural dyes used to give the fabric its rich, vibrant colours. The most famous colour of the Kotpad saree is a deep red, which is achieved using the madder root.
One of the most unique features of the Kotpad saree is the use of “extra warp” techniques, which involves adding extra threads to the fabric to create intricate designs.
This technique gives the saree its distinctive look and makes each piece truly unique. The result is a fabric that is rich, textured, and full of character, unlike any other saree you will find.
The Kotpad saree is a symbol of pride for the people of Koraput, and a source of livelihood for many families. The handloom industry is an important part of the region’s economy, and the government has taken steps to preserve and promote the traditional craft.
For example, the government has established handloom parks, where visitors can see the handloom process in action, and has implemented schemes to provide financial support to handloom weavers.
The Kotpas Sarees are one of the most in-demand Odisha Handloom Sarees.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Dhalapathar Saree
Dhalapathar sarees, also known as Kusumi Kapta, Kankana Pedi, Muktapunji, Nahati and Akata, are a traditional handloom saree made in the village of Dhalapathar in the Khurda district of Odisha.
They are woven by the skilled members of the Rangani community, who have passed down their techniques and knowledge through generations.
What sets Dhalapathar sarees apart from others is their unique wet ribbed texture, achieved without the use of dobby, jacquard or jaala. This makes each saree truly one-of-a-kind, as no two are exactly alike. The ribbed texture is created by the way the threads are woven together, adding depth and dimension to the fabric.
The Dhalapathar sarees are known for their simple yet elegant design, typically featuring solid colours with delicate border patterns. The border patterns are usually inspired by nature, with elements like leaves, flowers, and vines being common themes.
The sarees are typically made from cotton, which gives them a lightweight and comfortable feel, perfect for warm weather.
In addition to their beauty, Dhalapathar sarees are also known for their durability. The ribbed texture adds strength to the fabric, making it resistant to tearing and wear and tear. This makes them a great investment piece, as they will last for many years with proper care.
Despite their traditional origins, Dhalapathar sarees have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially as more people seek out unique and authentic handloom textiles. Today, they are considered a must-have for anyone who loves sarees and appreciates traditional craftsmanship.
Dhalapathar Saree is a very popular Odisha handloom saree in India and Outside India.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Saptapar Saree/Pasapalli Saree
The Pasapalli or Saptapar Saree is known for its intricate check patterns that resemble the boxes of a chess board, hence the name. This exquisite piece of Indian craftsmanship is woven in the villages of Sonepur, Barpali, and Baunsri located in Western Odisha.
The Pasapalli sarees are woven with a combination of materials such as silk threads, cotton threads, Tussar, and a mixture of silk and Tussar. The body of the saree features chess board-like patterns that are a hallmark of the Pasapalli or Saptapar Saree, while the pallu is often made with golden colour threads.
What sets the Pasapalli sarees apart is the intricate and beautiful border that is a highlight of each piece. These sarees are a true representation of the exquisite craftsmanship and talent of the weavers in Western Odisha.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a day out, the Pasapalli Saree or Saptapar Saree is the perfect choice for a timeless and elegant look.
Pasapalli Saree is one of the most popular Odisha handloom sarees.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Khandua Saree
The Khandua Saree is a true treasure of Odisha, a state renowned for its rich cultural heritage and traditional textiles. Handwoven with precision and skill by the weavers of Nuapatna in the Cuttack district, this saree is a celebration of the rich art and craftsmanship of the region.
With its roots dating back to the 12th century, the Khandua Saree is a testament to the longevity and resilience of Odisha’s cultural traditions.
Crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, the Khandua Saree is a true work of art. The saree is woven on traditional wooden looms, using only the finest quality cotton yarn.
This ensures that the saree is not only aesthetically stunning but also lightweight and easy to wear, making it the perfect choice for modern women who want to look stylish and feel comfortable.
What sets the Khandua Saree apart from other traditional sarees is its intricate and delicate designs, which are inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Odisha. From the classic and sophisticated chessboard patterns to the intricate and ornate depictions of Lord Jagannath, the Khandua Saree is a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
And with its lightweight and easy-to-wear style, it is the perfect choice for women of all ages and sizes, who want to embrace their cultural roots while staying ahead of the fashion curve.
So if you are looking for a truly unique and authentic saree that speaks to your cultural heritage and showcases your personal style, look no further than the Khandua Saree, the pride of Odisha.
Khandua Saree is one of the most popular Odisha handloom saree among the young generation.
Odisha Handloom Sarees – Habaspuri Saree
The Habaspuri handloom is a traditional weaving method that takes its name from the village of Habaspur in Kalahandi district, Odisha.
The Habaspuri sarees are expertly crafted by hand in the village of Chicheguda, showcasing the exceptional skills and artistic talent of the weavers in this region.
The Habaspuri sarees feature intricate designs that pay homage to the rich cultural heritage of the Kandha tribe, with motifs such as temples (Kumbha), fish, and flowers woven into the fabric. The history of the Habaspuri handloom dates back to the 19th century when it was first developed in Habaspur village.
However, with the decline of dynasty rule, this traditional weaving method became lost and nearly forgotten.
Fortunately, master weaver Ugrasen Meher was able to revive the Habaspuri handloom in Chicheguda, and despite the fact that there are now only a few weavers left in the village, the art form lives on, with each Habaspuri saree produced being a truly unique and special piece.
Habaspuri Saree is one of the culture-rich Odisha handloom sarees.
FAQs on Odisha Handloom Sarees
What are Odisha handloom sarees?
Odisha handloom sarees are traditional Indian sarees that are hand-woven in the state of Odisha. They are known for their intricate designs, unique patterns, and use of high-quality materials.
What materials are used to make Odisha handloom sarees?
Odisha handloom sarees are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, silk, and tussar. Some sarees also feature metallic threads and embellishments.
What are the different types of Odisha handloom sarees?
Some popular types of Odisha handloom sarees include Ikat, Bandha, Pasapalli, Khandua, and Habaspuri. Each type has its own unique design, patterns, and weaving techniques.
How are Odisha handloom sarees made?
Odisha handloom sarees are made by hand using traditional wooden looms. The process of weaving an Odisha handloom saree typically involves preparing the yarn, tying the threads to create the desired patterns, and weaving the fabric on the loom.
What makes Odisha handloom sarees unique?
Odisha handloom sarees are unique because of their intricate designs, unique patterns, and use of high-quality materials. They are also made by hand using traditional weaving techniques, which gives them a special, authentic feel.
Where can I buy Odisha handloom sarees?
You can buy Odisha handloom sarees from various places, including handloom shops, online shops, and street markets. Some popular places to buy handloom sarees in Odisha include the cities of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Sambalpur.
