Bomkai sari or Bomkai Saree (also Sonepuri sari) is a

handloom saree Handloom saris are a traditional textile art of Bangladesh and India. The production of handloom saris are important for economic development in rural India. Completion of a single sari takes two to three days of work. Several regions have th ...

from

Odisha Odisha (English: , ), formerly Orissa ( the official name until 2011), is an Indian state located in Eastern India. It is the 8th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. The state has the third largest population of ...

India India, officially the Republic of India (Hindi: ), is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and the most populous democracy in the world. Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the so ...

. It is an origin of Bomkai village from Ganjam district, however later it is mainly produced by the

Bhulia Bhulia is an Indian Hindu caste originally from western Odisha but presently found throughout Odisha . The Bhulia have a high position with the weaver caste system. They have no sub castes. They are a weaver caste known primarily for their tie-dy ...

community of

Subarnapur district Subarnapur District, also called Sonepur District or Sonapur District, is an administrative district in western Odisha state in eastern India. The town of Sonepur is the district headquarters. Sonepur has a rich cultural heritage and is known a ...

. Bomkai is one of the identified Geographical Indications of India. Sonepur handloom sarees, Sonepuri paatas and silk sarees are popular items displayed at various fashion shows.

Description

Bomkai - Modern in Design with Traditional Tinge Bomkai cotton sarees are mostly accepted for habitual wear and the silk sari is put on ceremonies and sacred occasions. Most of the stylish

saree A sari (sometimes also saree or shari)The name of the garment in various Languages of South Asia, regional languages include: * as, শাৰী, xārī, translit-std=ISO * bn, শাড়ি, śāṛi, translit-std=ISO * gu, સાડી ...

are embodied with captivating color to give the gracious look to the woman wearing the

. The ancient belief is depicted in its border Mostly the design of fish is seen in the sari as it is believed to be a sign of success and affluence. The most charming part is its threadwork in the designs of the border and the palloo. The appearance of the saree is related to simplicity and has a tribal tinge in it. The sari is normally dyed to attain the red, black and white background colours. However, today you will find the sari in several designs and multiple colours while retaining their originality. The warps are suitably woven to produce multicoloured end piece. Some of the designs especially include- Lotus, Temple(Mandir), Square type of patterns, Tortoise, etc.

History

Bomkai sari was first originated in the village of Bomkai in Ganjam district of

. During the time of Ramai Dev the then ruler of Patna it was introduced in Sonepur.

Materials Used

Cotton yarns of 10s to 40s counts were used in earlier days. However, at present, fine cotton yarns (2/80, 2/100, 2/120s), mulberry silk, tussar silk, zari, etc. are being used extensively.

Technique

Fly shuttle pit looms as well as frame looms are used. 3 shuttle technique is used to get solid border effect, locally called as “Muhojorha saree”. Extra warp design in border and extra weft design in body and pallu are woven with the help of dobby/jacquard/jala.

Trivia

Aishwarya Rai Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ( Rai; born 1 November 1973) is an Indian actress who is primarily known for her work in Hindi and Tamil films. The winner of the Miss World 1994 pageant, she has established herself as one of the most popular celebritie ...

wore a kind of ''bomkai'' called "''Radhakunja''" during her wedding with

Abhishek Bachchan Abhishek Bachchan (born 5 February 1976) is an Indian actor and film producer known for his work in Hindi films. Part of the Bachchan family, he is the son of actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan and the grandson of poet Harivansh Rai Bach ...

. Three saris were designed by Chaturbhuj Meher at Sonepur.

Recognition

The world-famous Bomkai got a GI(Geographical Indication)Tag in 2009, means it is original only if made in Bomkai(Ganjam) and Sonepur.

References

External links

*https://www.urmiweaves.com/collections/bomkai-cotton
Deal inked with national brands to promote state products
{{Western Odisha Handloom sarees Odia culture Subarnapur district Geographical indications in Odisha