Odisha (formerly Orissa) has a rich textile tradition rooted in its temple culture, tribal heritage, and master weavers. Its traditional dress is closely linked to its famous handloom weaving industry.
Odisha's handloom products (Sambalpuri, Ikat, Bomkai, Pattachitra) have GI (Geographical Indication) tags protecting their authenticity. Odisha contributes significantly to India's handloom export earnings.
Odisha has numerous tribal communities (Gonds, Kondhs, Santhals) who wear distinctive traditional dress with beaded jewellery, feathered headgear, and handwoven fabric with vibrant tribal motifs.
Ikat is a resist-dyeing technique where threads are tied and dyed before weaving. The pattern emerges as the pre-dyed threads are woven together โ creating the characteristic slightly blurred, geometric designs of Sambalpuri sarees.
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