Sambalpuri Bandha Silk Textile

Sambalpuri Bandha (Ikat) work, or Sambalpuri work, involves tie-dyeing the warp and the weft before weaving. This distinctive art form is produced in Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh, and Sonepur Districts of Odisha. The traditional garments feature motifs like Sankha (conch shell), Chakra (wheel), and Phula (flower), deeply symbolic of Odia culture, with colors such as red, black, and white representing Odia culture, along with the color of the face of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha.

The traditional craftsmanship of ‘Bandhakala,’ or tie-dye art, reflected in intricate weaves, is also known as ‘Sambalpuri Ikat.’ This technique involves tie-dyeing threads before weaving, with the entire process taking several weeks. The Ikat sarees gained popularity outside Odisha in the 1980s and 1990s. The Bandha sarees were historically known as ‘Bhulia Kapta.’ Shri Radhashyam Meher played a pioneering role in advancing the skills of craftsmen and the quality of Sambalpuri textiles.

Odisha is a confluence of the Aryan, Dravidian, and Adivasi cultures, with most festivals, art, and cultural traditions in the state reflecting aspects of these diverse cultures. Sambalpur serves as the gateway to the enchanting western zone of Odisha, being the epicenter of a very high-profile and rich culture. Its art and culture encompass a unique blend of dance, music, handicrafts, beliefs, social values, and traditional practices.

Acknowledging Radhashyam Meher’s unparalleled contributions to the growth and popularity of Bandha art, the Ministry of Textiles of the Government of India has sponsored textile exhibitions coinciding with his birth anniversary. Sagarpalli, a large village in Sonepur district, hosts around 500 Bhulia families and is one of the largest weaving villages, known for Sambalpuri sarees. Other areas affluent with handloom weavers include Barpalli, Tarava, Bijepur, Patnagarh, and Bargarh.

The Department of Posts is pleased to issue a set of commemorative postage stamps on the Cultural Heritage of Western Odisha, acknowledging its rich culture and heritage, which positively influences the beliefs, traditions, and lifestyle of its people.