Mehndi Tales

Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics from GI (Geographical Indications) document says that Tie & Dye weaving in western Odisha came into existence during 600 BC. In traditional handwoven ikat or baandha, one of warp/weft is tied and dyed prior to weaving (single ikat) or both warp and weft are tie-dyed before weaving (double ikat). Weavers are distributed in Bargarh, Boudh, Sonepur, Bolangir, Nuapada & Sambalpur & some parts of Dhenkanal, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda districts where Meher community reside. For weaving, traditional pit loom with throw/fly shuttle technique is used. Varieties are Sonepuri, Pasapali, Bomkai, Sachipar, Bichitrapuri, Bapta (Cotton & Silk mixed) etc, sarees. Maala Bandha Ghagara sarees are made in Bargarh district by very poor SC/ST weavers. They eke out a living by weaving these very simple, light-weight, humble, beautiful ikat sarees. Maala means necklace. Ghagara means dotted lines. As there are bunches of dotted lines between main thicker necklace-like lines all over the body of saree, so it is called Maala Bandha Ghagara. It comes in various colors, and this is a beautiful mehndi green color.