TALES 》 Bomkai sarees or Sonepuri Sarees

Immersed in traditional spun

A hint of tradition, one of the classy handloom saree from Odisha state called Bomkai sarees, these sarees are also called by Sonepuri sarees, produced in the village of Bomkai in Ganjam district, India. Bomkai sarees is named after the village Bomkai. The community who is involved in weaving these handloom sarees are 'Bhulia' community of Subarnapur district. GI tag is been provided for 'Bomkai Saree & Fabrics'. People here are very friendly, medium of communication here is Odia.

These graceful sarees are available in two mediums

• Bomkai cotton sarees
• Bomkai silk sarees or Sonepur silk saree

During rituals and ceremonies, bomkai sarees are traditionally worn by high-caste Brahmins and most loved and worn by Kathak dancers around the globe. The technique used to weave these beautiful sarees is called as 'Jala technique' and they use woven on a pit looms and their unique 'Bomkai' designs locally known as 'Bandha' design. and are created with three shuttle weaving technique.

The flatter of motifs
Motifs gives the defination to the saree, motifs are inspired by mythological characters as well, few noticed and inspired motifs are dalimba or pomegranate corns, elephant, karela known as bitter gourd, parrots, trees, the atasi flower, mayura or peacock, padma known as lotus flower, koincha known as tortoise, Konark temple motifs macchi the fly, kanthi phul, fishes, rui macchi known as carp-fish and kumbha are few motifs which are prominent.

The magnificent feature of Bomkai saree is threadwork ornament borders. The designs are influenced by roots of the Orissan culture, collections of local temple and tribal art. The pallu marked by intricate threadwork. This place is good at manufacturing of tie & dye and Bomkai designs in a saree and unique Bomkai patterns also known as crafted 'Bandha' style. It is required minimum of fifteen days or even more based on the distinctive designs, intricate work to weave one masterpiece saree, weaving of Bomkai sarees is time consuming and labour intensive. The designs are inspired from the caves of 'Khandagiri'.

Ecstasy of shopping
Apart from sarees these fabrics are available in varies forms such as dress materials, scarves, dhotis, towels, dress material, sarees, toles, shawls, mats, ties, mufflers furnishings, dupattas and are coloured in natural and vegetable dyes.