The traditional Sambalpuri Saree in its cotton and silk versions is a captivating fabric from the tribal belt of Odisha. Sambalpur in the state of Odisha, India, is famous for its Sambalpuri variety of cotton and silk sarees, using Ikkat patterns or the tie-dye method in their making. Cotton and mercerized cotton are used in making sambalpuri cotton saris.

1. Unnatisilks.com Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees Online Shopping
The Sambalpuri saree is a major tribute to the traditional handlooms of Orissa. Unique in the
making and exquisite in its designs, the Sambalpuri saree reflects an ancient handicraft called
BandhaKala.
Sambalpuri sarees are India’s heritage and a
contribution from the State of Orissa. These sarees
are famous for the ikkat style of weaving that once
used geometrical patterns and themes of flora and
fauna, but today include landscapes, nature, and
sometimes religious subjects as themes are also
hand painted on these handloom fabrics.
Shanka, chakra, or floral pattern motifs may be seen
on the base fabric, with designer colours and
patterns chosen to provide the traditionally woven
‘Bhulia Kapta’ saree, the modern look.
Ikkat is a technique which involves applying
bindings, which resist dye penetration to the
threads in pre-determined patterns, and then
dyeing the threads. These dyed threads are then
woven to produce the desired pattern. Within the
ikkat style are variants of single-ikkat and double-
ikkat.
Alternately the tie-die method of weaving and then
dyeing, known as ‘bandha kala’ is also used. Here the threads are first woven and the resist
bindings then applied to the fabric before dyeing it
There are varieties to the Sambalpuri with names given based on the place of their Sambalpuri
weaves. Bararh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Bolangir (district), Boudh (district) are locations that
weave the traditional Sambalpuris. Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Bapta are the variety names for
the different types of Sambalpuris.
Unnatisilks.com Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees Online Shopping
The Sambalpuri saree is a major tribute to the traditional handlooms of Orissa. Unique in the
making and exquisite in its designs, the Sambalpuri saree reflects an ancient handicraft called
BandhaKala.
Sambalpuri sarees are India’s heritage and a
contribution from the State of Orissa. These sarees
are famous for the ikkat style of weaving that once
used geometrical patterns and themes of flora and
fauna, but today include landscapes, nature, and
sometimes religious subjects as themes are also
hand painted on these handloom fabrics.
Shanka, chakra, or floral pattern motifs may be seen
on the base fabric, with designer colours and
patterns chosen to provide the traditionally woven
‘Bhulia Kapta’ saree, the modern look.
Ikkat is a technique which involves applying
bindings, which resist dye penetration to the
threads in pre-determined patterns, and then
dyeing the threads. These dyed threads are then
woven to produce the desired pattern. Within the
ikkat style are variants of single-ikkat and double-
ikkat.
Alternately the tie-die method of weaving and then
dyeing, known as ‘bandha kala’ is also used. Here the threads are first woven and the resist
bindings then applied to the fabric before dyeing it
There are varieties to the Sambalpuri with names given based on the place of their Sambalpuri
weaves. Bararh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Bolangir (district), Boudh (district) are locations that
weave the traditional Sambalpuris. Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Bapta are the variety names for
the different types of Sambalpuris.
Unnatisilks.com Sambalpuri Cotton Sarees Online Shopping
The Sambalpuri saree is a major tribute to the traditional handlooms of Orissa. Unique in the
making and exquisite in its designs, the Sambalpuri saree reflects an ancient handicraft called
BandhaKala.
Sambalpuri sarees are India’s heritage and a
contribution from the State of Orissa. These sarees
are famous for the ikkat style of weaving that once
used geometrical patterns and themes of flora and
fauna, but today include landscapes, nature, and
sometimes religious subjects as themes are also
hand painted on these handloom fabrics.
Shanka, chakra, or floral pattern motifs may be seen
on the base fabric, with designer colours and
patterns chosen to provide the traditionally woven
‘Bhulia Kapta’ saree, the modern look.
Ikkat is a technique which involves applying
bindings, which resist dye penetration to the
threads in pre-determined patterns, and then
dyeing the threads. These dyed threads are then
woven to produce the desired pattern. Within the
ikkat style are variants of single-ikkat and double-
ikkat.
Alternately the tie-die method of weaving and then
dyeing, known as ‘bandha kala’ is also used. Here the threads are first woven and the resist
bindings then applied to the fabric before dyeing it
There are varieties to the Sambalpuri with names given based on the place of their Sambalpuri
weaves. Bararh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Bolangir (district), Boudh (district) are locations that
weave the traditional Sambalpuris. Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Bapta are the variety names for
the different types of Sambalpuris.

2. The Sambalpuri Bomkai especially is a brilliant variant that appeals on account of its splendid
depictions of nature, flora and fauna on its fabrics. It is very much preferred for grand and
exclusive occasions such as religious functions, festivals and weddings.
Themes such as Krishna Raas Lila (Lord Krishna and his dance with the Gopis), Ayodhya Vijay
(Ram’s conquest of Ayodhya after felling the Demon King Raavan, chosen as subjects and finely
detailed using organic dyes on these
sarees have been so exquisite that they are a class apart.
Sambalpuri cotton sarees find preference for daily-wear as well as for casual occasions and
generally housewives and college-goers choose to wear them.
Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi used to wear the Sambalpuris in the 80s and brought it to the
nation’s gaze.
A fabric that had seen bad days the traditional ‘Bandhakala’, has recovered its lost glory and is
shining once more, thanks to the painstaking toil and devoted efforts of Sri Radheshyam
Meher, known for his invention of the handloom that first wove textiles of ninety inches width,
and a string of like-minded souls who followed.
Every year there are textile exhibitions in the state held in his honour.

3. Unnati Silks has its online website and offline
Stores, devoted to Indian ethnic Sarees and Salwar
Kameez materials that include the famous
Sambalpuri Sarees in Silk and Cotton. Displaying
300 plus traditional varieties at reasonable prices
and providing its customers dispatch within 24
hours, speedy and safe delivery through reputed
couriers, COD and free delivery for retail
customers, attractive terms for bulk customers and
international buyers, the Unnati shopping
experience is indeed a delightful one.