Red Green Elephant Khandua
Khandua Facts from GI (Geographical Indications) Document: Origin of Khandua traces back to 12th Century AD and it is closely associated with Lord Jagannath Temple rituals at Puri, Odisha. Khandua is the Weave of the single largest cluster in Odisha at Nuapatna. Here, 10,000 weavers are present with approximately 6000 looms. The Weaves varieties are Nabarangi, Tarabali, Gitagobinda Bastra etc. Common Motifs are Star, temple, conch, rudrakshya, fish, chakra, lotus, swan, peacock, parrot, deer, elephant, horse, lion etc. Nature truly is the origin of all designs. Man is just an intelligent being, trying to decipher nature eternally and depicting it through various art. Here, it is the best of single ikat! Single ikat means one out of warp and weft is tied and dyed prior to weaving, giving curvilinear ikat patterns par excellence in the finished weave!
Traditional Odisha motifs like elephants, flowers and lions woven all over the body of this black saree make this an exceptional item. Add to it a charming maroon border, and you have the recipe to be your gorgeous best!
The elephant and lion khandua is amongst the oldest motif designs of Nuapatna and Maniabandha cluster. In Chaitra month when there is Chandan Jatra of Lord Jagannath, then a wonderful festival happens in Nuapatna village itself. Kids and adults pull these Khandua animal motifs made of wood and with wheels and parade in the morning and evening in colorful celebrations! The festival is centuries old as are the motifs. It gives us immense pride to make and present this khandua weave, filled with heritage of our Nuapatna weaving cluster!
Wear glory woven by hand with love and exclusivity and not mass-produced by a noisy powerloom machine! Make an ethical, informed choice and help our heritage live eternally!