Details

The Bomkai saree has been originated from a small picturesque village called Bomkai in Ganjam district, 156 Km from Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

It is primarily produced by the Bhulia community of Subarnapur district. Fly shuttle pit looms as well as frame looms are used. 3 shuttle techniques are used to get a solid border effect, locally called “Muhojorha saree”. Extra warp design in border and extra weft design in body and pallu are woven with the help of dobby/jacquard/jala.

Though this sari is available in cotton and silk fabrics, the cotton adaptation of Bomkai sarees led to its popularity. Cotton yarns of 10s to 40s counts were used in earlier days. For regular wear, cotton Bomkai is favoured. However, at present, fine cotton yarns, mulberry silk, tussar silk, zari, etc are being used extensively. Traditionally, Bomkai sarees are distinct in their use of heavily plied cotton, with stylized floral and geometrical patterns in the borders and contrast colour border and pallu (muhojorha).

Generally, the colours are very bright like red, black, dark green, dark blue, white, etc. Designs have small dots within, which is not seen in other textiles. Body and pallu warp are joined to get a contrast colour effect. Bomkai is one of the major attractions in world fairs on fabrics, textiles, and attires. Bomkai sarees are a treasure to own.