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Orissa Ikat, a GI tagged handicrafts product of Odisha

Photo: Atudu / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Handicrafts · Odisha

Orissa Ikat

GI Registered Odisha Handicrafts
GI numberGI-51
Typical price₹3,000 - ₹40,000
Verified cooperativesSambalpuri Bastralaya Co-op Society
StateOdisha

About Orissa Ikat

Orissa Ikat, also known as Odisha Ikat or bandha, is a textile in which the yarn is tie-dyed before weaving so that the pattern emerges on the loom. Cotton and silk saris, dupattas, stoles and home furnishings are woven this way in Odisha, particularly around Sambalpur, Bargarh, Nuapatna and Berhampur. The patterns have a characteristic soft blur, and motifs range from fish and flowers to temple borders.

Heritage and place

Ikat weaving in Odisha is linked to community traditions, with Sambalpuri, Nuapatna and Berhampur each developing distinct styles. Some patterns are tied to the Jagannath temple in Puri, where woven cloth is used for rituals. The GI protects Odisha's ikat as a regional craft and helps weavers compete against printed fabrics that only copy the look.

How it is made

Weavers first plan the design and mark it on bundles of yarn. Sections of yarn are tightly bound with thread to resist the dye, then dyed, and the process may be repeated for several colours. Once unwound, the yarn is set on the loom with painstaking care so the coloured segments align into a pattern. Where both warp and weft are tied, the technique is called double ikat and is especially difficult.

Registry record

Orissa Ikat is listed in this catalogue as GI-51, a Geographical Indication tagged product of Odisha in the handicrafts category. The name is legally protected: only producers within the notified region may sell under it. Confirm the entry in the official GI Journal before relying on it commercially.

◈ How to spot a fake Orissa Ikat

What to check

Look for softly feathered pattern edges, which come from the yarn shifting slightly during weaving. The design appears on both sides of the fabric, and the back is nearly as clear as the front. Printed imitations have sharp edges and a paler reverse. Ask whether the fabric is handloom and whether the ikat is single or double. Buy from weavers' societies, cooperatives and state emporia such as Sambalpuri and Utkalika outlets.

  • Look for hazy, feathered border lines where yarn was hand-tied before dyeing. Perfect lines mean it's screen-printed.

Price to expect

Genuine Orissa Ikat typically sells in the range of ₹3,000 - ₹40,000. Prices far below that range are a common sign of an imitation.

Where to buy

Look for authorised sellers such as Sambalpuri Bastralaya Co-op Society, or government emporia and cooperatives in Odisha.

Catalogue record

Catalogue record: GI-51 · Odisha · reviewed

Frequently asked questions

What is the GI registration number of Orissa Ikat?

This catalogue lists Orissa Ikat as GI-51. Registration numbers should be confirmed against the official GI Journal before commercial use.

Where is Orissa Ikat made?

Orissa Ikat is produced in Odisha, in the handicrafts category of this catalogue.

Can Orissa Ikat legally be made outside Odisha?

No. GI protection means only producers within the notified region of Odisha may legally sell goods under the name “Orissa Ikat”.

What does genuine Orissa Ikat cost?

Genuine Orissa Ikat typically sells in the range of ₹3,000 - ₹40,000. Prices far below this range are a common sign of an imitation.

How can I spot a fake Orissa Ikat?

Look for hazy, feathered border lines where yarn was hand-tied before dyeing. Perfect lines mean it's screen-printed.

Where should I buy genuine Orissa Ikat?

Look for authorised sellers such as Sambalpuri Bastralaya Co-op Society, or government emporia and cooperatives in Odisha.