Trust me there are so many varieties of sarees which hails from Odisha once you take its name. It is the traditional Bomkai or the Ikat silk sarees or may be the soothing cotton sarees from the region of Cuttack. Well, Orissa has been broken our heart to provide the best handloom collection in India. Among all the lovely varieties of sarees available in Orissa - the name which shines like a glitter is Sambalpuri Silk. 

Though Sambalpur is known for various types of fabric and saree type, but the silk is undoubtedly one of the best. Whenever there is a Bahaghara (wedding is Odia), the bride always carries a fancy to ordinary Sambalpuri Silk with her to the in-laws house. 

However, these days the fake Sambalpuri Silk sarees has been taking a toll. You just need to stay alarm if you are shopping this traditional weave online. But how to know that you are purchasing the right kind of Sambalpuri silks? What are the parameters that you need to consider?

Well, I will like to highlight some of the red flags by which I choose the best quality Sambalpuri silk sarees for my patrons. Here I go, with the learnings I gained in time:

Red Flags to Know Before Buying Sambalpuri Silk Sarees Online

I guess this blog wont take too much of your time to read. Just a few glance and this will be over. After I read a news article which showed that Odisha's handloom are being tried by Vidya Balan and other celebs from Bollywood and South film industry, I think saree lovers are soon to add this drape to their wardrobe. 

So, for the drape lovers I know, here is a quick buying guide.

Vidya Balan In Sambalpuri Silk Saree for the movie Shakuntala Devi promotion

Are you ready to know or will still sulk seeing this amazing video of Vidya Balan in Sambalpuri Silk saree praising all the weavers? 

The Fabric Speaks a Lot

Guys, the general and traditional weave of Sambalpur is always having the handwoven ikat pattern where the warp and the weft are tie-dyed before weaving.

Look Into the GI Tag

Well, Sambalpuri silk sarees available online only should be brought checking the GI Tag. They are widely produced in 
Odisha’s Bargarh, Sonepur, Sambalpur, Balangir, and Boudh districts, it was given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010.

Motifs Carries a Landmark

The Sambalpuri silk saree available online should have the marks of their traditional motifs - if not then don't buy them. 

What are those traditional motifs?

- It includes shankha (shell), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower), which bear religious symbolism related to Lord Jagannath of Puri. Some other motifs are also used as well and they elaborate and reflect the rich heritage of Odisha.

Magenta and Green Color Sambalpuri Silk Saree

$199.00 USD

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Only Two Fabrics They Use

You will find the Sambalpuri sarees in only two fabrics - Cotton and Silk. Rest calling the designer, fusion or something cheaper on the price, is not the real Sambalpuri at all.

The Real Art Story Behind

The real Sambalpuri silk and cotton sarees reflecta true form of art and style of craft called Baandha, a weaving art believed to have migrated to Western Odisha along with the Bhulia (Meher) community of weavers who escaped from North India in 1192 AD after Mughals led to the fall of the Chauhan empire.

So that's all!

What makes you stop? Are you thinking that the purchase you made last time from the online store was it a real deal Sambalpuri Silk - hey, dear there is always a lesson to be learnt. So when you next buy the Sambalpuri silk saree online or gift someone - have this handy buying guide with you - or just memorise these five red-flags.

Author Bio:

Sumana Bhattacharya completed her Masters in Economics from the University of Calcutta & was working with the Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal to provide training to the teachers in Government Schools. She moved to USA in 2005 after getting married & is the mother of 2 kids. She is the one that drives IndyVogue every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Salute to her and her undying spirit.