Location

Bomkai, Ganjam district (Eastern Odisha), and Sonepur (Western Odisha)

Both districts are GI tagged for Bomkai sarees and fabrics.

Weaving community

In ancient times, weavers from Ganjam district were originally employed to weave garments for nobility. During the Chauhan rule over Patna state (14th century), the practice also spread to Sonepur - where it still thrives today.

Textile features

While all Odisha’s textile communities have unique patterns that are synonymous with their creations, Bomkai is in a class of its own - using both extra warp/weft and bandha techniques to achieve distinct jala designs. Sarees use extra warp threads on the border - typically with temple motifs; while the body and pallu use extra weft designs. The elaborate pallus often have detailed narratives played out in silk and cotton.