5 reasons why saris of Odisha will always be unparalled.

Odisha, yes Odisha not Orissa is one of the 29 states of India, located in eastern 

India. It is surrounded by the states of 

West Bengal to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhatisgarh to the west and north-west, and 

Andhra Pradesh to the south. The state itself boasts of various achievements. May it be renowned faces, quirky food, notable sights or distinctive wear. Being a proud Odia, I have lots of memories and love for the state, the food, the well known monuments. So is my love for the traditional wear of the state. Here are a few of the wear I have always loved.

• The Odissi Costume

The Odissi dancers are colorfully dressed with makeup and jewellery. The saree worn by dancers is generally made up of bright colored local silk with traditional prints. The jewellery is made up of silver worn on arms, neck, wrists, ankles and waists. It also includes a headwear worn on tied up hair resembling a temple spire and decorated with a Seenthi. The makeup includes eyes ringed with kajal and palms and soles painted with Alta.

Modern Odissi male performers wear dhoti â€“ a broadcloth tied around waist, pleated for movement, and tucked between legs; usually extends to knee or lower. Upper body is bare chested, and a long thin folded translucent sheet wrapping over one shoulder and usually tucked below a wide belt.

• Sambalpuri Saree

It is a traditional handwoven saree wherein the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving. These are known for their incorporation of traditional motifs like shell, wheel, flower, all of which have deep symbolism, but the highpoint of these sarees is the traditional craftsmanship of the 'Bandhakala'. This saree is essential part for the traditional Sambalpuri folk dance, which is a class in itself. 

• Khandua Saree

These are traditionally woven sarees worn by women during wedding. A special type of the saree is worn by 

Lord Jagannath. It is offered to Jagannath as lower cloth. It is weaved in

Cuttack, Odisha. It is traditionally red or orange with intricate prints such as elephants, peacocks, flowers in it.

• Bomkai Saree

It is a handloom sari of Odisha. It is woven in Ganjam district. It is an outcome of Ikat and embroidery interwoven into each other. These have contrasting borders with natural or tribal inspired art on them.

• Pasapali Saree

These are handloom saris weaved mainly in the Bargarh district of Odisha.  The name Pasapali is derived from pasa using Chess board. These saris have intricate check patterns of contrast colors resembling the chess boards which gives it such name.

With such elegant and aesthetic drapes, the saris of Odisha do stand unprecendented.