Orissa: Handloom

The textiles of Orissa have an individuality of their own. Bold and unusual paterns, vibrant yet subtle blend of colours, unique tie and die effects and luxuriant texture characterizes them.

The typical varieties of Orissa sarees are Khanduas, Saktapada, taraballi and Bichitrapuri, to name a few, made both in cotton and silk.

Not only sarees, the weavers of Orissa delved into different and beautiful tie and die textiles, an intricate process of dyeing the yarn in segments, to produce the designed pattern on the loom while weaving. They have satisfied afficandos for centuries men and women with the most exacting standards in textiles.

Known as "Ikkat" each ingredient of this captivating process, are all collected from within Orissa.

The patterns, which range from the ones mentioned by Jyotisavara in the 14th century to the very latest in Bichitrapuri motifs, have won acclaim from textile and design specialists across the world.

Today, the proud descendants of those weavers present an equally striking range in the widest possible variety of material such as bed covers, table mats etc. You can ride with the fashion and maintain that cool feeling in the wealth of their fabrics.

Handlooms in Orissa today have ushered in exquisite fabrics, breathtaking in their range. Yet they are durable and economical. The mastery of the weavers has especially touched sylvan heights in tassar silk. The tassar cooperatives produe the finest quality yarn whose brilliance, glaze and texture is testified to by their popularity.

The dedication to detail from silkworm cultivation to silk weaving combine centuries of experience and modern known how, to create silk ties, stoles, and superb sarees that harmonise the delicate feel with a soothing blend of colours. Elegant and attractive, exquisite - but comfortable.
Places to Visit
Bhubaneshwar, Puri, Konark