Odisha’s Handloom Heritage Weaves Tradition into Future

Aug 25, 2026

Bhubaneswar [India], August (ANI): Odisha’s handloom is more than fabric — it is a centuries-old legacy woven into the state’s identity, culture and traditions. The state has nine GI-tagged handloom and textile varieties, including Sambalpuri Bandha, Bomkai, Khandua, Kotpad and Gopalpur Tussar, each reflecting distinctive weaving, tie-dyeing, natural-dye and regional design traditions. Clusters such as Tigiria in Cuttack, Bagjhapara and Khandapada continue to preserve these skills through generations. But Odisha is now taking this heritage from tradition to opportunity. Under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, the sector is gaining momentum through artisan welfare, skill development, technology, innovation, investment and market promotion. The Mukhyamantri Baristha Bunakar O Karigara Sahayata Yojana, launched in the state’s first Budget under the new government, received Rs. 2 crore for the welfare and growth of weavers and artisans. Odisha’s craftsmanship is also earning national recognition. Two Sant Kabir Awardees and three National Handloom Awardees from the state have been felicitated. The Sambalpuri saree featured in the 112th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, while four weavers were felicitated during National Handloom Day 2024 in Bhubaneswar. The Odisha Pavilion also won the Silver Award at IITF 2024 in New Delhi. Market access is expanding through Boyanika, with new sales centres at Bhubaneswar Airport and Brahmapur. Ambassadors and High Commissioners from 14 Southeast Asian countries visited Boyanika and purchased Odisha handloom fabrics. Today, young entrepreneurs, designers and artisans are combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, digital branding and e-commerce. Every thread carries Odisha’s heritage. Every loom carries a livelihood. And every new opportunity is weaving Odisha’s handloom into the future.