Bomkai Cotton Day celebrated in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Feb 4: Odisha, the land of art and culture is world famous for its handloom and handicraft products since centuries. Even today, Odisha is considered as one of the major handloom concentrated states in India. Handloom products of Odisha are recognised all over the country and abroad for their highly artistic and intricate designs, colour combination and durability. Bomkai Silk and Bomkai Cotton sarees, Sambalpuri and Sonepuri Saree, Berhempuri Phoda Kumbha Saree, Tassar Saree, Scarf, double and single bedsheet are the famous handloom products of Odisha. Bomkai Cotton Sarees and dress materials are very famous in all over India for its excellent workmanship, design and colour combination. The Bomkai Handloom is originated from a small village called Bomkai in Patrapur, Tahsil of Ganjam district in Odisha. Originally it was woven with coarser cotton yarn. According to the place of its original creation, it is called as “Bomkai Handlooms”. The characteristic of this traditional Bomkai lies in stepping and shaft formula and regular motif remain the same in any composition. Uniqueness is that there is no fixed layout for the Anchal pannels developed by extra weft in various colours. Designs are composed of beautiful motifs including Karela(Bitter gourd), the Kanthiful (small flower), the Atasi Flower, Padma(Lotus), rui machha (carp fish), Koinchha(tortoise), mayur(Peacock) and Chadei (bird) in geometrical forms. The design of fish is seen in the saree as it is believed to be a sign of success and affluence. A row of kumbha are favourite border motifs of Bomkai Cotton Sarees. The Bomkai designs were developed with new ideas in the late 80’s and introduced in early 1990’s in the Sonepur handloom cluster. Since then, permutation and combination of designs involving tie & dye and Jalla designs etc. with Bomkai design are practising in the cluster. Later on, the body design was also developed to make the fabrics more attractive and zari were used in extra weft to add value to the fabrics. The weavers from Subarnapur, Boudh and Bolangir District are generally producing cotton sarees with ladies dress materials. The Bomkai cotton sarees produced by the weavers has a good demand among the handloom lovers. Bomkai fabrics is not confined to geometrical shape and size. Floral, dancing doll, chariot, trees, tortoise, fish, buta and creepers motifs combine with extra design at border with dobby and jalla are developed in Bomkai to give attractive look. The weavers producing Bomkai fabrics are generally selling their products through nearby Primary Weavers Cooperative Societies and SHGs, Master weavers and in local market. Leading handloom organisation like Boyanika, Utkalika, Serifed and Sambalpuri Bastralaya are also purchasing Bomkai cotton sarees and provide market support to the rural weavers producing Bomkai cotton sarees and dress materials. State as well as Central Govt. are providing Govt. assistance to the weavers for their socio-economic development.