The traditional handicrafts of Orissa express the culture and soul of the people who live in this wonderful land - the rich, proud and majestic glory of an ancient heritage, the love for bright color and drama, the happiness and pleasure of life, strength and determination, and attachment for the deep reaching roots.

About two thirds of the population of Orissa belong to tribal groups (the "forest-dwellers), and the spiritual and artistic power of their culture constitute an important element in the beautiful things produced by the craftspeople.

In this page you can see some examplesof the paintings, carvings, terracotta, metal work and dhokra, jewelry, ethnic fabrics and the traditional and ethnic embroidery that are characteristic of Orissa. Our NGO is also in contact with good craftspeople and helps them sell handicrafts at a fair and equitable price.

Our NGO also helps rural and tribal people with the production and distribution of incense sticks and other small environment-friendly cottage industry products, such as coconut husk fiber, grass and leaf, bamboo and cane items.

paintings

The famous patta citra, the paintings of Orissan style, are unique masterpieces painted with vegetal colors on a silk canvas prepared with resins and chalk.

Palm leaf etching work is also used to depict scenes of Vedic stories and characters, gods and goddesses, with a unique style and richness.

carving

Stone and wood carving is also another great tradition of Orissa, from the times of the masters who built and decorated the temples of Konarak, Bhubaneswar and Puri.

 ethnic fabrics

Orissa is famous for the textile materials with Sambalpuri designs, in cotton and silk.

applique embroidery

Another very famous handicrafts tradition of Orissa is the applique embroidery work by the artisans of Pipli.

The ancient technique, used to make the world famous pandal clothes, originated from the manufacturing of the royal umbrellas and pavillions offered to the King and to the Deities.

The typical applique embroidery work is used today to make beach umbrellas, bed spreads, bags, lampshades, cushions, dresses, and more....

embroidery

Fabulous designs of embroidery in exquisite Indian taste are also applied to a variety of fabrics.

 jewelry

The famous silver filigree of Cuttack is used expertly to make beautiful necklaces, earring,s rings, bangles, bracelets, anklets, and other beautiful objects.

incense

grass & leaf

The abundance of vegetal fibres produced in the region allows ample space for the creativity of Orissan people to produce useful and beautiful objects from very environment-friendly materials.

 bamboo & cane

The development of bamboo and cane crafts is an important factor in the campaign to fight deforestation and environment degradation.

  terracotta

dhokra

The famous dhokra artwork from Orissa is obtained with an expert coiling of bronze or brass wire.

T shirts!