Five Sarees That Make Odisha Special
The word Sari or Saree is derived from the word “Sattika” which means attire of women. It was mentioned in the Jain and Buddhist scriptures. Eventually, women started wearing various types of sarees such as silk, cotton, tye-dye, Ikat, and many more. The history of sarees goes way back to 2800–1800 BC when something similar to a draped garment appeared in the Indus Valley Civilization. Around the 5th millennium BC, the journey of saree began in the Indian subcontinent with the cultivation of cotton. The weavers then started to use prevailing dyes like indigo, lac, red madder, and turmeric to create drapes of deep colours.
Rich in culture and history, the state of Odisha is said to have its own range of beautiful designer saree. Surrounded by ancient folklores, the opulent history of Odisha’s art has an association with a unique past — portraying the essence, technique, and textile that’s common in the region. No wonder, the sarees created in this part of India are loved by women all over the country.
Also known as Sonepuri Silk, Bomkai sarees from Ganjam is an exquisite handloom silk saree of Odisha. They are donned by women during sacred celebrations and ceremonies. The design comprises a fish that symbolically expresses success and prosperity. The appearance of the Bomkai sarees has got a tribal feel with a rusty flare to it.
Inspired from age-old mythical stories and folk tales, Patta from Behrampur is another integral part of the Odisha oeuvre which is marked by its unique Zari borders and temple designs. With its elaborate patterns and vivid colours, Khandua from Nuapatna and Cuttack are lustrous and radiant.
Sambalpuri from Sambalpur is recognized for having being worn by the erstwhile Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi herself. Characterized by traditional motifs of shell and wheel, it reflects the myriad elements of nature prevalent in the region. Kotpad from Koratpur has solid borders and attractive shades. This handloom silk saree is organically dyed and considered to be eco-friendly. Ikat from Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Boudh has also been called ‘poetry on the loom’, because of the meticulous and imaginative process of its design. It is a timeless representation of beauty and soul, suitable for all kinds of festivity.
Thus, Odisha abounds in enchanting tales of weavery and craftsmanship that have put the region on the global map of fine embroidery and textile — a place where womanhood is celebrated like nowhere else in the world.
