Solapith - Craft of Odisha

Solapith is an intricate and beautiful heritage craft of Odisha. 

It is one of the 50 approved crafts of the Government of Odisha. 

Solapith is linked with Odisha's Shree Jagannatha culture and traditions for centuries.

How wonderful deities look when they use their special Solapith head-dress that gracefully sways as they reach their Rathas!

Source

The beautiful Tahia is made and used every year at Puri as the Gods dress up for their annual procession. 

Awareness About The Art of Odisha

 Last year, OdiArt Museum of Odisha, India, had invited me as a judge of the fashion-cum-personality contest- Ms. Chilika and Mr. Chilika, held during the Shelduck Festival 2019. 

There were some Q&A rounds where the judges asked questions and the participants had to answer. 

The age of all the participants was less than 30 years.

I asked some questions, one of which was- "Name at least one art or handicraft of Odisha."

I was surprised to find that my question could not be answered by the contestant to whom it was directed. I tried giving hints, but still the young participant, who had completed high school, could not answer.

Pipli Applique Work #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia

Have you seen such applique work wall-hangings before?

Pipli Applique Work Image courtesy

This is the Pipli Applique Work, a handicraft of Odisha, India.

Pipli Applique Work has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2008, and can be found all over the world.
However, many are not aware of its place of origin.