Odisha’s traditional handwoven Sambalpuri saree is seeing dark days with fake ones flooding the market.
According to reports, fake Sambalpuri saree from Gujarat and Rajasthan are flooding the market under various brands like ‘Bharat Vijay Sarees’ and ‘Anuraag’.
While an authentic saree costs around Rs. 3000 and above, the fake ones are being sold as cheap as Rs. 300-400, informed National Award winning weaver Ramkrushna Meher.
10 things about Odisha’s famous Sambalpuri saree:
1. Sambalpuri saree (locally known as Sambalpuri sadhi) is a traditional handwoven ikat where the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving. The distinct style is known as ‘Bandhakala’.
2. Widely produced in Odisha’s Bargarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts, it was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010.
3. Sambalpuri sarees are marked for their traditional motifs like shankha (shell), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower), which bear religious symbolism related to Lord Jagannath of Puri. Besides, the other motifs that are used in these sarees reflect the rich heritage of Odisha.
4. Sambalpuri sarees are available in cotton and silk.
5. Late Prime Minister India Gandhi was so fond of Sambhalpuri sarees that she flaunted it at almost all public events. It was she who made the saree popular outside Odisha.
6. Sambhalpuri sarees are available in wide varieties like Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Barpali, and Bapta. They are mostly named after their places of origin.
7. Sambalpuri fabrics reflect an original style of craft called Baandha, an.art believed to have migrated to Western Odisha along with the Bhulia (Meher) community who escaped from North India in 1192 AD after Mughals led to the fall of the Chouhan empire.
8. It was Radhashyam Meher, who brought historical improvements in the quality of the textile and craftsmanship, which is responsible for the popularity of Sambhalpuri sarees today.
9. The most expensive variety is Sambalpuri Pata saree that is woven in super fine yarn with high quality cotton and has a distinct bright look. These sarees give the look of silk.
10. Due to the popularity of Sambhalpuri fabric, the textile is now used not just for making sarees but also home furnishing (bed sheets/curtains/pillow cover), dress materials for both men and women, handkerchief, gifting and wall hanging.
PIC CREDIT: http://www.odishasareestore.com