Applique and Patch Work of Odisha

An important and traditional craft in Odisha, practiced in and around the town of Bhubaneswar, this involved the making of enormous appliqué canopies for Lord Jagannath, and his sister Subhadra and brother Balbhadra during the Rath Yatra.

It involves the process of cutting coloured cloth into geometrical and figurative animal and floral motifs and stitching them onto a piece of cloth that can ultimately be converted to a product. The possibilities of usage of appliqué are endless — temple canopies, lamp shades garden umbrellas, handbags, kitchen accessories, and bed and table linen are made The village of Pipli, close to Bhubaneswar is the center for some beautiful appliqué work. Puri in Odisha is also known for its appliqué craft. The traditional appliqué products revolved around temple activities and festivals, and thus included large and highly-decorated umbrellas, tents, and pavilions.

Other centers for applique work in Odisha are Kanchana in Ganjam district and Cuttack district.