Odisha’s Cotton handloom sarees are notable in the world for their quality and rich variety. The handloom sarees are so perfectly weaved which can make anyone look most elegant. The soft and breathable fabric has won hearts all over the world. These rich handloom sarees are worn by many celebrities, models, and politicians. The common people also drape themselves to make them feel beautiful and represent the culture through it. The variety of Odisha Handloom Saree comes in different fabrics, patterns and designs.

The Backstory of Cotton Handloom Saree

Odisha cotton handloom comes from the devotion to Lord Jagannath's culture. The story dates back to 600 BCE. Initially, four colours i.e. black, white, yellow and red and green were added later. Cotton handlooms of Odisha are from different districts of the state. From the north to the south of Odisha, there are different types of handloom. For the very first time, Jaydev (the great poet) offered his poem “GITA GOVINDA” to Lord Jagannath on the cotton fabrics. The poem was woven into the cotton fabric. This beautiful work attracted the King Of Puri who ordered many fabrics of Gita Govinda for rituals of the Lord. These intricate works show the distinctiveness and specialty of the handloom. Many of these cotton handlooms of Odisha are also GI tag holders.

Different Odisha Handlooms Cotton Saree

Sambalpuri Sarees originated in the Sambalpur district and is one of the finest cotton handlooms weaved in Odisha. The threads are first tie-dyed with natural colours which makes the saree unique. There are numerous types of Sambalpuri Cotton sarees available in the market.

Ikat Saree is an elaborate dying process done with silk or cotton fabrics. The result is a piece of cloth bathed and glittered in colourful patterns. Ikat is one of the oldest dyeing techniques for Odisha handloom sarees i.e. Ikat cotton handloom saree is in demand.

Kotpad Saree- This sarees are one most loved handloom sarees in Odisha. The unique cotton fabric of Odisha is known for its rich vegetable dyed reds, browns, and blacks with different and pretty motifs. This handloom saree of Odisha is woven in the tribal regions of southern Odisha by the Mirgan community.

Dongria Saree- This is a beautiful cotton handloom from the Dongria tribes of Odisha. There are beautiful geometric patterns on plain handwoven shawls which take a lot of effort. Little triangles on the cotton fabrics represent Niyamgiri Hills, the home of the primitive tribal group of Dongria Kondhs.

Odisha also has another cotton handloom from the Kondha weavers of Chicheguda in Kalahandi. Habaspuri is one of the major cotton-based textiles of Odisha with fish, flower and temple motifs. Bomkai is a cotton handloom fabric also called the ‘Sonepuri’ fabric. This cotton handloom saree is quite popular among fashionistas and one of the must-haves.

Odisha cotton handloom sarees primarily come in the mentioned handlooms. There are other Odisha handlooms that are available in both silk and cotton.

1. Pasapalli
2. Dolabedi
3. Khandua
4. Berhumpuri

Taking Care of Cotton handloom Sarees

• Make sure you soak the saree in normal water and table salt for the first wash to ensure that extra colour that could not be absorbed by the fabric bleeds out while locking the actual colour of the fabric. The extra colour which cannot be absorbed by the fabric will bleed away but there would be no change in saree colour.
• Avoid washing the dark coloured sarees with light ones together to prevent any remote chance of staining other garments.
• Use a mild detergent to wash your cotton sarees and always avoid using hot water to wash your cotton handloom sarees.
• Do not wring it hard rather hang it still the water flows out.
• Avoid direct sunlight and your cotton handloom saree in a shaded area.
• Cotton handloom sarees need steam ironed with the proper temperature setting meant for cotton.
• Store your cotton sarees in a dark and dry cupboard which has less moisture