Handlooms Of Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has an illustrious heritage of handloom-weaving. From generations, lakhs of handloom-weavers in Odisha have been weaving and producing rich works of art, upholding the exquisite tradition of the state.

Unique patterns and a mind-boggling range of colours and designs provide fascinating choices in cotton, silk and other materials. Silk and cotton are mingled and such 'Bapta' sarees are popular. Intricate designs are skillfully woven. The variety is to be seen to be believed. Many Odia weavers have won national awards for their works.

Handloom clusters are found in many places of Odisha viz. Bargarh, Barpali, Boudh, Berhampur, Nuapatna, Sonepur etc. Tussar products are woven in Fakirpur (Kendujhar), Gopalpur (Jajpur), Makidia (Balasore) and Nuapatna (Cuttack).

Odisha handlooms are loved all over the world.

Some handlooms of Odisha have earned the Geographical Indications (GI) tag namely-

Kotpad Handloom Fabrics - Tribal weavers of the Mirgan community weave this vegetable-dyed fabric in the Kotpad village of Koraput district. Kotpad was the first product from Odisha that received the GI.

Kotpad Saree

Khandua - Khandua is a type of Ikat saree. A special Khandua cloth with verses from 'Gita Gobinda' is worn by Lord Jagannath.


Sambalpuri Saree - Bichitrapuri, Sachipar etc are some sought-after Sambalpuri designs. The warp and the weft are tie-dyed in this traditional handwoven Ikat saree.

Sambalpuri Saree

Bomkai Saree -  First originating in the Ganjam district of Odisha, Bomkai sarees are now woven at Sonepur. The weaving patterns and designs of Bomkai sarees are unique.

Berhampur Pata (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda - Brahmapur i.e. Berhampur is called the 'Silk City' of India for its famous silk sarees with distinctive zari work border design. These sarees are draped to the deities- Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath at Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri.

Orissa Ikat - Odisha's 'Bandha' or 'Ikat' is made through a special tie and dye technique of the warp and weft threads.  Before weaving, the design is created on the loom. Its unique design makes this Ikat distinctive and special. The weavers weave many designs including text in various languages especially Odia.

"Swagatam" i.e. Welcome is woven in Odia (Notice the letters between the feet of the two horses)

Dhalapathara Parda & Fabrics - These are hand-spun using naturally-coloured thread in a village named Dhalapathara in Khurda district.

Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics - Gopalpur Tussar and Gheecha threads are woven into fabrics with a 'cut shuttle' technique forming 'foda kumbha' pattern in the weft direction.

Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics - The weaving, production and design is unique with its traditional patterns.


This post just lists a few of the Handlooms of Odisha. There are many other varieties of Odisha Handlooms...

Post for my second #atozchallenge. H for Handlooms. Odisha India Handlooms are loved all over the world!

My Theme is- "Odisha- The Soul of Incredible India".
Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India. Have you visited Odisha and India? 

I will be sharing some glimpses from Odisha. Do keep reading and discovering!