Location

Sambalpur, Sonepur, Bargarh, Barpali (Western Odisha)

Sambalpur and its surrounding districts have archaeological remnants that date back to prehistoric times. The city of Sambalpur is also known as ‘handloom city’, and is GI tagged for Sambalpuri bandha sarees and fabrics.

Weaving community

The population trace their roots back to antiquity. Weaving clusters predominantly consist of the Bhulia, Kosta Meher and Ganda communities. The motifs and techniques they use hint at their heritage and folklore.

Textile features

The Pasapalli weave hails from the district of Barpali. It is famous for its chequered pattern (typically in red and black) on the pallu of sarees, resembling the game of pasa - referenced in the Mahabharata.

Utkal Lakhmi is one of the more popular weaves from Odisha. The name is derived from the ancient kingdom of Utkala, meaning ‘land of arts and crafts’ - also mentioned in the Mahabharata; and the goddess of wealth and prosperity - Laxmi.