
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.
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 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. Silk 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.