The culturally rich state of Odisha, which is tucked away on India’s east coast, has long been praised for its rich history, historic temples, and varied customs. But Odisha’s distinct character goes far beyond its celebrations and architectural marvels; it also includes a vast array of magnificent goods that showcase the state’s extraordinary creative talent and workmanship. Odisha is home to a wide range of unique products that have received international recognition, including delicious cuisine, gorgeous silver filigree, and elaborate handloom fabrics and colorful handicrafts. A few of these products have even been awarded the coveted GI, or Geographical Indication Tag.
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Kotpad handloom
In 2005, the Kotpad fabric became the first product from Odisha to be awarded a GI tag. Only the Mirgan tribe in Odisha produces it. The Kotpad village in the Odisha district of Koraput serves as their hub. The cloth is well-known for its striking organic colors made from the aul tree and its distinctive designs, which incorporate customs from neighboring tribes in addition to the Mirgan tribe. The components also comprise a variety of Odisha’s natural elements, such as the sea and conch. The fabric used is usually Kotpad Tussar, and the product’s beauty and quality cannot be achieved elsewhere in the country.
Pipili applique work
The Odisha Pipili appliqué work originates from the Pipili village. Making elaborate decorations and luxurious items for the holy triad of Lord Jagannath, Bhalabadra, and Lady Subhadra at the Jagannath temple in Puri started as a custom. For the Jagannath Rath Yatra, pipili craftsmen were hired to create a range of cushions, umbrellas, and decorative coverings, including the enormous canvas that covers the Rath Yatra’s chariots. A 57-meter applique piece depicting India’s freedom fight was made in 2004 and won the title of largest applique work by the Limca book of records for the Pipili artisans. In 2008, it received the GI tag.
Kandhamal Haldi
Grown by the tribal farmers residing in the Kandhamal area of Odisha, the region is well-known for its rich and superior grade turmeric or haldi. Turmeric’s exceptional quality can be attributed to the tribe’s innately organic farming methods. It grows with little to no human intervention, yet some ceremonies and prayers are performed to give the turmeric its vivid yellow color. It’s a significant and distinctive industry that sustains thousands of tribal people. In 2019, the GI tag was applied to it.
Pattachitra Art of Odisha
Odisha’s Pattachitra art has its roots in a lovely tale of devotion. Legend has it that on Lord Jagannath’s birthday, which falls on the full moon day of the Jyeshta month, the deities of the Jagannath temple are bathed ritualistically. Then, for a fortnight, the gods get ill, preventing followers from seeing their adored master. Even at this time, devotees in Odisha created the Pattachitra art as a means of seeing and celebrating the sight of their Lord. This art form is known to have its center in the village of Raghurajpur, which is near Puri. Every household in this area is supposed to have at least one chitrakar, or “creator of the image.” It was awarded the GI tag in 2008.
Bomkai Saree
Odisha’s Bomkai Sarees are renowned for their thick, coarse, low count cotton fabric that is colored with incredibly vibrant hues. Bomkai sarees are known for their striking pallu and typically feature geometric or floral designs. Additionally, dot patterns are used a lot. The creation and style of the Bomkai saree are exclusive to the village of Bomkai in the Ganjam district of Odisha, where it originated. The Bomkai saree received the GI badge in 2009.
Rasagola
Following Odisha’s application for a GI tag, the renowned Rasagola—which was fought over by two states, West Bengal and Odisha—was given two separate GI tags: one for the “Bangla Rasogolla” in 2017 and another for the Odisha Rasagola in 2019. It may sound unusual, but there is a good reason why two tags in two very different places have been assigned GI tags. The Bengali rasagolla and the Odia rasagola are extremely different in terms of preparation method and flavor. The Odia rasagola originated as a prasad for Lord Jagannath.
The realm of Odisha’s distinctive GI-tagged goods provides an insight into the state’s exceptional workmanship and rich cultural legacy. From the laborious Pipili painting to the straightforward elegance of Kandhamal’s turmeric cultivation, these goods serve as brilliant representations of the talent, commitment, and inventiveness of the local populace. In addition to acknowledging the uniqueness of these goods, the Geographical Indication (GI) label guarantees their safety and fosters the development of local economies. Nevertheless, a lot of goods from all throughout the nation—not only from Odisha—are still waiting for proper acknowledgment. Hopefully, these will also be approved shortly in order to maintain the distinctive charm of native Indian goods.
