Sambalpuri Saree is a traditional handwoven Ikkat sari or saree (locally called shari) wherein the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving, produced in the Sambalpur and Dakhin Kosal region of Western Orissa, India.
Orissan Sambalpuri sarees are some of the most beautiful sarees in India. These Sambalpuri sarees are an unparalleled one. The sarees come in a variety of designs and colours to suit every taste and pocket.
Sambhalpuri sarees, with their richly woven borders and pallus are among the most popular Odissi sarees.
The ‘Bandha’ or tie-and-dye or double ikat from Sambhalpur and is one of the several variations of Sambhalpuris.
In the 1980s, the Sambalpuri sari became an international brand, thanks to substantial non-governmental support and the setting up of weavers' cooperatives. Late Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi became a sort of 'brand ambassador' of the Sambalpuri saree -- it was her favourite attire. Newsreaders on India's national television channel, Doordarshan, turned this saree into an unofficial uniform.
Fabric in Sambalpuri Saree: Sambalpuri fabrics have their original style of crafts known as Baandha.The Sambalpuri saris are made from fabric woven on a handloom, and are popular throughout India. Varieties of the Sambalpuri saris include Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Barpali, Bapta saris which have substantial demand. Most of them have been named after the places of their origin, and are popularly known as Pata. Paintings of the Tussar saris depicting Mathura Vijay, Raslila and Ayodhya Vijay owe their origin to Raghurajpur Patta Paintings.Sambalpuri textile is essentially handloom. It is fabricated using tie and dye method. The craftsman conceptualizes the design, draws it and according to the design, he colors the yarn, all by hand. It represents the life and gives a message "Your body may wear but they soul lives for ever". The fabrics once colored cannot be bleached. The fabric may get thin and gradually damage but the colour still does not fade. The fabric is both silk and cotton.
Design: Sambalpuri sarees are famous for their unique designs and for their beautiful, effulgent colors. Sambalpuri cotton sarees have a smooth finish and have a distinctly original border and pallu. Fish, conch shell and flower motifs are woven into the fabric. Sometimes floral and animal motifs are also used to decorate the borders and pallu. S lk Sambalpuri sarees from Orissa are also in single and double ikat. In contrast to the ikats of Gujarat, these sarees are sober in color and decorated with curved forms.
These sarees have an appealing form, workmanship, design and colour combination.