Kotpad Sarees
These sarees are made using vegetable dyes from the aul tree, which is grown in the Koraput district of Odisha. They’re handwoven by the “Mirgan” community of tribal weavers, and they’re really special sarees made in the traditional handloom style.
Kotpad sarees are not only unique in their dyeing and weaving techniques, but they also symbolize the cultural heritage of the Mirgan community and their connection to the land. The dyes used in these sarees are extracted from the roots, leaves and fruits of the aul tree, and the colors range from red, orange, yellow and green to indigo and black.
Important Info : The dyes are not only eco-friendly, but they also have medicinal properties. The Mirgan community has been making these sarees for generations, and they’ve become a source of pride and identity for them. It’s also worth noting that the making of these sarees has become an important source of livelihood for the tribal weavers, and the demand for these sarees is increasing due to their uniqueness and eco-friendly nature.
Ever since I became aware of handlooms through different saree groups and knowledgeable Saristas, I have wanted to buy a genuine Kotpad. Someone said they were available at the annual Dastkar Mela and even though I did visit the fair, I never found them.
Finally lady luck smiled on me in November 2023. Ms. Mamatha Rai who has/is working hard for the revival of Udupi sarees shared the details of Dr. Anuradha Koraput. Dr. Anuradha runs “Folkweave” and sources Tribal Handloom sarees from Odisha. I bought this beautiful Kotpad from her.
Pongal Release !
As you can see I am yet to get the saree completed with pico and falls, but I didn’t want to wait. The saree that I bought in November 2023 was worn on Jan 15th, a Pongal release :). It’s beautiful heavy cotton with traditional red coloured motifs. There are just two colours – the base which is white or slightly off-white and the red in the borders and the motifs.
Am trying to showcase the Pallu in the picture above. Here is another picture where the Pallu is visible.
As always, I will urge every saree wearing lady to invest in Handlooms. It’s a dying art and we can’t let that happen. Buy hand woven sarees, they last for a really long time even as you use them regularly. The added bonus is you are helping a weaver earn his livelihood. So long as the weaver is able to earn his livelihood, he doesn’t migrate to a big city …. another less observed benefit of buying handlooms.
#ILoveHandloom #BharatKiNariInSari #SareeSwag