prosperous saree of Odisha- Bomkai sarees

Bomkai Saree which is also known as appropriate Saree is a handloom Saree from Odisha, India. Originally it is produced by the villagers of Bomkai from the Ganjam district. lately, it is mainly produced by the Bhulia community of the subarnapur district. Bomkai is one of the unidentified geographical indications of India. 

The Bomkai cotton sari is so comfortable that it is habitually worn by women and the silk Saree is put on ceremonies and occasions. 

Origin and history 

The historical significance of Bomkai can be known by the fact that the traditional face of Odisha is Bomkai and the sonepuri is the embroidered cloth also a form of Bomkai that are first crafted in the southern coastal parts of Odisha. The fabric having the core of ensembles that originated on the shores. 

Since, 600 BC, locally known as ‘Bandha' Bomkai is one of the most highly thought of attires in Odisha while it is adored by the other part of India. 

Technique used

The looms used are fly shuttle pit loom and frame looms. To receive the solid border three shuttle techniques are used. The extra weft design in the body as well as pallu are woven with dobby or jacquard. 

In early times stars are dyed in the natural colors like leaves, roots, fruits, Vegetables, and much more. While on the arrival of synthetic dyes the artist uses artificial dyes as it is easy to use with few cost time and pricing and availability are in number in the market. 

Sources of Inspiration 

The motifs and designs portray folklore, mythology, and past incidence. However, Bomkai doesn’t ignore Nature also. 

Designs include environment are Karela, atasi flower, the kanthi phul, macchi ,rui macchi ( crap fish) kancha ( tortoise), padma ( lotus), mayura (peacock), and charai ( bird). The heart of the Bomkai Saree is in the border and pallaus. Few of the motifs are inspired by tribal art. 

Colors in the Saree are well affected by contrast. Sometimes you can have a double shade in a pallav, which gives a royal look. 

Varieties and innovation 

There are lots of varieties in the name of Bomkai and a few among them are sonepuri, pasapali, baspali and bapta sarees. 

The introduction of the zari work in its weaving is the most innovative. In this way, the Bomkai manages to please new customers as well as old customers. 

Rituals and facts

The weavers participate in the dance in the month of the Chaitra festival of Thakurani jatra. The male dancer who wears a red Saree represents Mata Durga while the black Saree represents Mata Kalila. 

The Saree is famous among Katha dancers around the globe. Bomkai seeks the major attraction in the textile market. Bomkai Saree worn in the wedding of Abhishek Bachhan – Aishwarya Rai is the talk of the town. 

Present scenario 

There are tears of shade in the eyes of the craftsman of Bomkai, though she is being one of the leaders of the textile. The unsteady financial income puts the question mark on the safeguard of artistry.

Though the government contributes, it is too less for their requirements. The authorities need to amend the systematic process of its production. This would change things around. The craftspeople should not be thrown into the darkness of suffering loss. The craft should not fade away in antiques, due to our lack of attention. 

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