Pipli Applique Work #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Have you seen such applique work wall-hangings before?

Pipli Applique Work Image courtesy

This is the Pipli Applique Work, a handicraft of Odisha, India.

Pipli Applique Work has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2008, and can be found all over the world.
However, many are not aware of its place of origin. 

Pipli Applique Work originated in Pipli, a village in the Puri district. It is situated on the Jagannath Trunk Road about 25 kilometres from Bhubaneswar and 35 kilometres from Puri town. 

Pipli Applique craft has a rich cultural heritage and association with the Shree Jagannath temple, Puri. 

Such decorative & ornamental cloth for Lord Jagannath and other deities have been made in Pipli, Puri and some other places for many centuries now. Such work produced in other places of Odisha  like Ganjam and Baudh districts among others, using the same techniques and designs are also called Pipli Applique Works. 

In 12th Century, when the Lord Jagannath Temple was built at Puri,  artisans from the ‘Darjee’ caste (stitching community) were appointed by the King (Gajapati) as sebakas (servitors) for the regular supply of applique products required for the day-to-day seba (rites and rituals in the temple) of Lord Jagannath.

Ceremonial or garden umbrellas, bags, bed-spreads, cushion-covers, Chandua (canopies), wall-hangings, lamp-shades etc. are made by fine needle-work craftsmanship, chain-stitch, and hemstitch. These artistically stitched works are also used for utility items like purses, bags, letter-holders, saree-bags etc.  

Pipli Applique Work lampshades - Pic Courtesy

Bright coloured cloth is cut and shaped in different designs from nature.  The contrasting colours like orange and blue, red and black, yellow, green and red etc. look attractive.  Traditional designs like Gods and Goddesses- Lord Jagannath, Lord Ganesh etc. and creative, artistic works are made. One can find animals like- elephant, fish, mythological creatures like Nabagunjara, peacock, parrot etc. and flowers like lotus and leaves like creepers, betel-leaf etc and other decorative motifs.

When malls of different cities and countries are decorating their space using this handicraft of Odisha, why should not Odisha too use these handicrafts in important public places all throughout? 

#SouthCityMall #Kolkata pretty sight.
Decked up with #Pipili #Odisha handicrafts colorful & bright!#DurgaPuja 2014:) pic.twitter.com/DCBhjn4Itj

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) September 29, 2014

Of course, presently these applique work lampshades can be seen during special occasions and events-

Pipli Applique Work is a #GI of Odisha #LetsTalkIP
Pipli lampshades are being used all over the world. But, people are not aware of origin.
Bhubaneswar gets decked up with these colourful crafts during events viz #Toshali Crafts Mela.#MondayBlogs #Monday https://t.co/ypuqyfl2d4 pic.twitter.com/fd9hiMCtTD

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) January 13, 2019

Requesting Odisha state Govt. to please support the artisans of Pipli.
Hardly had they recovered from the Cyclone Fani devastation, when they have to face Covid-19 lockdown issues...

From the past couple of years, the vehicles going to Puri no longer have to go via Pipli village as now there is a direct bypass road on the highway to Puri. This has caused a loss of income for the artisans. Pipli Applique Work articles make great souvenirs for gifting.

Have you bought any applique work umbrellas yet? Add Midas touch to your garden with #Pipli chandua umbrellas and lamp shades. Explore https://t.co/BzgiqzoZ3h#BuyAndSupport 🛍 #OTFeatures #handicraft@incredibleindia pic.twitter.com/8KKqwAUb8N

— Odisha Tourism (@odisha_tourism) March 12, 2019

Govt. can ensure must-visit of some tourists to this iconic heritage place. Vehicles need to stop and shop. Facilitation and purchase and sales of their products in the post Covid-19 world can make a huge difference in their lives and livelihood.
How about using these Pipli Applique Work in Govt. offices and in the Bhubaneswar airport? They lend an air of festivity and brilliance wherever they are used.

Please buy & gift GI products - Pic Courtesy

W For - Work

Pipli Applique Work
I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.

GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history etc. of a geographical location. 
Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.
This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI Tags of Odisha.
You can check out my other GI posts here.
My previous #AToZChallenge posts here.

Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.

Are you aware of the Geographical Indications of India? 
Had you heard about or seen "Pipli Applique Work"?

Please do share in the comments below.