Odisha is an eastern state of India. It has a rich cultural heritage in its traditional clothing, deeply influenced by its history, geography, and tribal communities. Odisha’s traditional dresses are known for their simplicity, elegance, and vibrant handwoven textiles. Odisha's textiles are famous in India and abroad for Ikat fabric.
Below is an overview of the traditional dresses of Odisha:
- Traditional sarees worn by women
- Traditional clothes worn by male
- Traditional clothes of Tribal communities in Odisha
Traditional Sarees
Sarees are traditional clothes worn by women in Odisha. Odisha is well known for its different types of sarees like the Sambalpuri Silk Saree, Khandua Saree, and Berhampuri Saree.
1. Sambalpuri Saree
The Sambalpuri saree is perhaps Odisha's most famous traditional dress. These sarees are made using the Ikat technique, where the yarns are tie-dyed before weaving, creating intricate patterns and designs. They are typically made from cotton or silk and are also known as Sambalpuri Silk Sarees.
The sarees feature geometric patterns, and traditional motifs like the wheel, flower, and shell, and are known for their bright colors and contrasting borders.
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| Image: Sambalpuri saree |
2. Kataki Saree
Another famous saree from the state is the Kataki saree, originating from the city of Cuttack. These sarees are known for their intricate designs and use of silver and gold zari work. Kataki sarees are mostly made of fine natural fibers like cotton or silk.
In terms of designs, found on kataki sarees, include motifs inspired by temple architecture, animals, flowers, and more.
3. Pasapalli Saree
The Pasapalli saree, also made using the Ikat technique, is named after its distinctive pattern that resembles the squares of a chessboard (*pasa* means dice in Odia). These sarees feature alternating squares of contrasting colors, often black and white or red and white, with intricate borders.
4. Khandua Saree
The Khandua saree is a traditional handwoven silk saree, which is popular in the temple town of Puri. It is also referred to as "Kenduli Khandua," named after Kenduli village, and is often worn by temple priests or offered to Lord Jagannath.
For material, silk yarns are used with fine craftsmanship to weave Khandua sarees. The saree typically features motifs like elephants, lotus flowers, and texts in the ancient Odia script, with bright reds, oranges, and yellows being common.
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| Imgae: Khandua silk saree |
5. Bomkai Saree
The Bomkai saree, also called "Sonepuri saree," is another traditional Odisha saree originating from the Ganjam district. It blends traditional tribal art with Ikat weaving techniques. Available in cotton for everyday use and silk for special occasions.
It often includes beautiful tribal motifs like birds, fish, or flowers, and intricate borders with contrasting colors.
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| Image: Bomkai saree |
6. Pattachitra Saree
Pattachitra is a traditional painting style from Odisha, and this art has found its way into sarees as well. These sarees are adorned with hand-painted mythological stories and motifs inspired by the famous temple art of the state. Depicts scenes from the *Mahabharata*, *Ramayana*, or depictions of Lord Jagannath, Krishna, and other deities.
Odissi Dance Costume
The costume worn by Odissi dancers is another iconic traditional attire of Odisha. The sarees used for Odissi dance performances are typically from the Bomkai or Sambalpuri varieties. Bright and vibrant sarees are worn with special pleats in the front to allow for easy movement. The costume is complemented by silver jewelry and a special headpiece called "mukut."
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| Image: Odissi Dance costume | Source: https://www.rudrakshyafoundation.org/ |
Traditional Male Clothing and Dresses
Dhoti: The dhoti is the most common traditional wear for men in Odisha like other states in India. It is a long piece of cloth, usually white or cream, wrapped around the waist and legs.
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| Image: Dhoti and Kurta |
Kurta: Often worn with the dhoti, the kurta is a long, loose-fitting shirt that can be plain or embroidered.
Gamucha (Towel): A towel or shawl-like piece of cloth that is often draped over the shoulder or used as a turban.
Khandua Pata: The silk Khandua, typically worn by men, especially priests, or for special occasions, is tied in a similar way as a dhoti.
Tribal Traditional Dresses
Odisha is home to several indigenous tribes, each with their own unique traditional dresses that reflect their connection to nature and their cultural identity.
Women of the Santal tribe wear simple handwoven sarees, often without a blouse, while men wear dhotis and turbans. Their clothes are usually made from cotton and feature vibrant stripes or checks.
The women of the Dongria Kondh Tribe wear a unique draped attire called "Kapadaganda," which is a type of shawl that they wear around their bodies, along with heavy beadwork, metal jewelry, and nose rings. Men wear simple loincloths and wrap shawls.
Known for their minimalist clothing, the Bonda women wear short, handwoven skirts made of coarse cloth, called "ringa," and adorn themselves with heavy metal necklaces and headbands. The men wear loincloths, and both genders often sport elaborate bead jewelry.
Read the traditional dresses and costumes of other states and countries:
Traditional dresses of Rajasthan
Traditional sarees from various states of India