Orissa Ikat #OdishaGIs

Ikat is a process of tie-and-dye weaving. Orissa Ikat is locally called “Bandha”. 

Orissa Ikat fabrics on Cotton, Silk, Tussar and their combinations are handlooms made through a special tie and dye yarn technique - either in warp or in weft or in both warp and weft threads, so called Warp Ikat, Weft Ikat or Double Ikat. 

This weaving has been going on in Odisha for several centuries.

It has fine, sharp, artistic designs with elaborate and natural figures such as Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Fish, Lotus, Creeper, Conch etc. 

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 in Odia. 

Calligraphy is produced on Odisha Ikat which is evident from the "Gita Gobinda" written by poet Jayadeba.

Orissa Ikat has sarees and fabrics named Sambalpuri, Khandua etc. 

Apart from sarees and dress-materials, the available Orissa Ikat product categories are dupattas, stoles, bed-sheets, napkins, dhotis, lungis etc.

Orissa Ikat is the second Geographical Indication (GI) of Odisha, India. 
Orissa's new name is Odisha. Still this GI continues as "Orissa Ikat."

Type: Handicraft

GI Application# 22

Certificate Date: 2/6/2005

Ministry of Commerce & Industry organized an Exhibition of Geographical Indications (GI) at the GI Pavilion at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) at New Delhi in Nov 2018. I represented Odisha GIs at the GI Pavilion at IITF. You can read more about the #OdishaGIs here. 
Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.

Did you know about Geographical Indications (GI) and Orissa Ikat? Do share in the comments below.