World celebrates Odisha’s famed Ikat art
Bhubaneswar: From the state’s Krushi Bhawan — whose outer appearance draws inspiration from the tie-and-dye design of a Sambalpuri saree — featuring on international architecture journal ‘Dezeen’, to the popularity of Sambalpuri handloom masks, to actor Vidya Balan flaunting a ‘mathematical equation’ Sambalpuri saree while promoting her movie ‘Shakuntala Devi’, the region’s famous ikat art is trending both online and on the streets.
IAS officer Arabinda Padhee, who is now country director (India), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, said, “I feel elevated with pride seeing appreciation for Sambalpuri handwoven fabrics go beyond the boundaries of Odisha. Our culture is our best brand.”
The officer, who often sports Sambalpuri shirts, added, “I have always promoted spread of the heritage in my own little way: be it by wearing handloom or respecting the language, culture and traditions. The recent episodes of visibility of Sambalpuri ikat fabrics makes me immensely happy.”
The brickwork of Krushi Bhawan, built recently by the government, ‘wraps’ the upper floor to create a pattern reminiscent of the tie-and-dye art. The ikat design has been recreated using bricks of three different colours.
Sambalpuri handloom masks, too, have become a fashion statement. From Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Dharmendra Pradhan to governor Ganeshi Lal, many are flaunting Sambalpuri handloom masks. “We have distributed more than 12,000 masks by now,” said Sanjay Meher, who leads in making these breathable handloom masks.
Suresh Pujari, MP of Bargarh, one of the hubs of Sambalpuri handloom, said there was a plan to distribute Sambalpuri masks among parliamentarians once the monsoon session began. About one-third of the state’s 60,000 weavers hail from Bargarh.
Adding her weight to the visibility of the handloom fabric is Balan, who wore a black Sambalpuri ‘Sri Ganeet’ saree with mathematical equations woven over it while promoting her film. “I am thankful to all Sambalpuri artisans,” she had said in a video tweet.
The saree, woven in Sonepur district using mulberry silk from Bengaluru, was made by Bhagabat Meher. “It was a proud moment,” says Meher (39) who got Rs 55,000 as proceeds from the auction of the saree last week.
Others who have lent grace and prestige to the Sambalpuri saree include Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. “Growing up in a village of weavers is definitely a moment of pride for me,” said filmmaker Nilamadhab Panda.