Odisha Ikat

Odisha ikat, called Bandha in Odia, is a resist-dyeing technique in which yarns are tied and dyed in the planned pattern before weaving, producing motifs with soft, blurred edges.

In Odia: ଓଡ଼ିଶା ବନ୍ଧ
Geographical Indication: Orissa Ikat, Khandua, Sambalpuri Bandha and Habaspuri handloom are all registered Geographical Indications (GI) of Odisha.

Navy Ikat Saree with Ivory Bandha Pallu, an example of Odisha Ikat

Where it comes from

Ikat is woven across Odisha: Sambalpuri and Pasapalli in the west, Khandua in Nuapatna and Maniabandha (Cuttack district), and Habaspuri in Kalahandi. Khandua silk has a special place in Puri, as it is traditionally offered to Lord Jagannath.

How it is made

In single ikat, either the warp or the weft is tie-dyed. In double ikat, both are, and the weaver aligns them thread by thread as the cloth is woven. Double ikat takes the most skill and time.

Signature motifs

Diamonds and latticesElephants and parrotsTemple bordersChevronsFlowers and buttis

How to spot a genuine Odisha Ikat

The pattern is visible on both faces of the fabric.

Motif edges are softly blurred, the signature of tie-dyed yarn.

Double ikat shows crisp alignment where warp and weft patterns meet.

When to wear it

Ikat moves easily between occasions: silk ikat sarees for celebrations, cotton ikat sarees and kurta sets for daily wear and travel.

Caring for it

Dry clean silk ikat. Hand wash cotton ikat in cold water, inside out, and dry in the shade.

Odisha Ikat pieces at Handloom Garden

Navy Ikat Saree with Ivory Bandha Pallu, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Black & Red Sambalpuri Bandha Saree, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Scarlet & Black Sambalpuri Temple Pallu Saree, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory & Red Ikat Saree with Floral Pallu, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory & Fuchsia Sambalpuri Ikat Saree, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Black & Ivory Ikat Saree with Crimson Pallu, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Black & Fuchsia Sambalpuri Saree with Bird Motifs, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Lime & Fuchsia Pasapalli Bridal Saree, Pasapalli saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Floral Saree with Red Ikat Pallu, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

White Pasapalli Rainbow Check Saree, Pasapalli saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Beige Ikat Saree with Elephant Motifs, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Azure & Marigold Ikat Saree, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Magenta Sambalpuri Saree with Ivory Motifs, Sambalpuri Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Yellow & Violet Ikat Saree, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Red Patola-Style Ikat Saree, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Ivory Floral Ikat Saree with Magenta Pallu, Odisha Ikat saree at Handloom Garden Puri

Sambalpuri Ikat

Navy Ikat Saree with Ivory Bandha Pallu

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Odisha Ikat: questions

What is Bandha in Odisha?

Bandha is the Odia name for ikat: the yarn is tied (bandha) and dyed before weaving, so the pattern is built into the thread itself.

What is Khandua and why is it linked to Puri?

Khandua is a single-ikat silk from Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district. It is traditionally offered to Lord Jagannath at the Puri temple, sometimes woven with verses from the Gita Govinda.

Are ikat kurtis available at Handloom Garden?

Yes. Handloom Garden has ikat kurtis, kurta sets with dupattas and ikat anarkali frocks alongside its ikat sarees.