Kotpad saree

I have previously worn this Kotpad saree here. I wore it in summers and sweated profusely. That day I decided to tuck it away and use it only for winters. Kotpad is a thick and coarse cotton saree. Today I sat with three gorgeous ladies with whom I spent a wonderful time laughing and chatting.

Kotpad is a saree that is on top of every handloom lover's must-have list. It is a rare revival weave of India. Kotpad sarees are an adaptation of tradition Kotpad shawls. The traditional and tribal Kotpad region of Odisha has been producing cotton dupatta shawls and sarees from regional cotton which is little thick. The dyes that are used in it are extracted from local roots. The dying of yarn takes 15- 30 days depending on the sunshine. These sarees are thick, heavy, earthy and coarse. It is a tribal weave and is known for its simplicity and elegance. They are super easy to maintain, to wear, to pleat and the best part is that they are perfectly suitable both for summers and harsh winters.

Kotpad Handloom is a vegetable Dyed Fabric woven by the tribal weavers of Kotapad Cotton Sarees with solid border and Pata Anchal, with typical Butis /Motives. The natural dye is manufactured out of the Aul Tree grown in this area.

The characteristics of natural dye colouring are derived from the AUL or madder dye (Morinda Citrifolia) extracted from the root of the Indian Madder tree. Since it is prepared out of natural resources which are non-toxic and hence non-harmful to the skin. Even though it is only a limited colour range, it is eco-friendly and shades developed are very pleasant. The powerful and vibrant colours ranging from deep maroon to dark brown depending on the age of the root bark and the proportion of the dye used and is obtained with the addition of harikari or sulphate of iron. These colours combined with the natural unbleached off-white colour of the yarn produce dramatic results. The fabric developed are very tedious and time-consuming process reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the tribal’s of Orissa, the motifs used on the fabric that is crab, fish, conch boat, axes, fan, bow, a temple which reflect the cross-cultural linkage of the area. These motifs are developed by the extra wefts. Solid border effect of the fabric is brought upon which pig by pig insertion of the thread by use of multi shuttle by the interlocking method. Kotpad is a small village in Koraput District of Odisha. Kotpad handloom is now gradually diminishing as it is difficult and not so cost-effective way of weaving. The weave has been given GI tag. These are premium organic sarees.