Is Bomkai another variation of Sambhalpuri? Know

If you are just fed up with the weary jargon of ‘heritage’, then Bomkai saree could have been just your thing. Because its appearance bled the elegance of a government brochure or high society boutique, but it is very lightweight and mostly in budget. 

To understand a Bomkai Saree, you must keenly observe what this earthy masterpiece possesses.

In the red soil of Odisha, this indistinguishable magic is woven just like ‘Sambhalpuri’. Bomkai is one of the variations of Sambhalpuri.

The weaving technique and the look and feel are as divine as a sambhalpuri silk. But what actually makes it different from Ikkat, Koraput or Pictorial saree is that it is woven in the extra weft technique. 

The traditional tie and dye method does not apply to produce the Bomkai Sambhalpuri saree.

Know how you can identify the authentic traditional Bomkai saree

Bomkai is also considered the storyteller’s perchment. 

But, you must be wondering where this storytelling happens from? I mean, Bomkai saree from which state?

Here is your answer.

The Bomkai village of the Ganjam district near the Mahandi river, Odisha, is considered the hub of the authentic manufacturer of the Bomkai silk saree.

Now, Bomkai cotton sarees are also made on the cotton fibre base, giving the saree a tropical-friendly vibe. 

 In the crowd of the mundane silk, Bomkai hits different for its woven technique. No, mechanical surgery, just the pure Jala technique, was done manually to create the temple-designed border and the pallu.

In a classic Bomkai, you won’t find any floral motif.  Instead, you will get the flora and fauna of the Odia village yard.

Apart from this motif, we can also see the bitter gourd, Machli (fish), and peacock motifs, which resemble the common life of an ordinary Indian. That's why Bomkai is also called the celebration of the ordinary.

What exactly made the Bomkai saree special from any other silk?

In every Bomkai, a special type of geometric representation is done, which looks like a temple spire. 

So Bomkai is also the marriage of something sacred with something profane, just like life itself.

The colour combination of Bomkai is what makes it more unique. The shrinking violets with black borders, or the maroon red with a grey border -this unique colour combination is what makes it more attractive.

Interestingly, the Bomkai has a bit of a mythological backbone too. It has a history of being the traditional attire for Lord Jagannath. Even today, the devdasi or the Guti pua also wear Bomkai sarees while performing oddisi dance.

Can I tell you something really secret about this saree?

The original Bomkais were always made of cotton. The silk transition happened later, catering to the vanities of the urban elite, but the soul of the Bomkai always remains in the thread-work.

.FAQs

1.  Is Bomkai saree available online?

Yes, Bomkai saree is now available on various e-commerce websites. 

2. What is the Bomkai saree price?

The bomkai saree starts from 5k and goes up to 50-60k, based on colours and handwork.

3. Did the Bomkai saree got GI tag?

Yes, it got. The Bomkai village of the Ganjam district, from where the Bomkai saree was born, has now got the prestigious GI tag from the Government of India

4. How can you get the best Bomkai saree Odisha?

If you search on Google with the phrase  Bomkai saree design, you will get to know about the best Bomkai saree stores in India.