Pipili appliqué work lures curio lovers

Famous appliqué work of Orissa used for decorating deities is now widely being used by the masses to adorn their homes.

By Sarada Lahangir

Pipili (Orissa), Oct 5 : Famous appliqué work of Orissa used for decorating deities is now widely being used by the masses to adorn their homes.

Appliqué work is an inseparable part of the temple tradition in the state,nd its main centre of production is in and around Pipili.

Pipili is a premier handicrafts centre producing a fascinating range of appliqué products in an array of shapes and sizes and in brilliant hues which have become quite popular with foreigners as well.

"We receive lots of tourists from far and wide and the demand has grown for the last two to three months. This work involves more of hand labour than machine work. We get artists from as far as 20 to 25 kilometres to come here for hand stitching," said S.K.Rahim, an artisan.

Traditionally, the appliqué work by the artisans of Pipili is used as canopies during annual Chariot Festival in Puri.

"The handicraft known, as "Chandwa" is really beautiful to decorate at home. Lots of outsiders come here to buy these crafts," a Saroja Chowdhary, a tourist.

Over the past decade, even saris and assorted household linen are being lent the touch of appliqué art and their demand is on the rise.

To meet the increasing demands, the industries have been hiring many artisans as well as taking machines on lease for a speedy output.

"The material prepared here is in high demand outside. This work is exported to foreign countries too. These appliqué clothes are also used during the time of marriages, fairs and festivals," said Suresh Chand Panda, another artisan.

In recent years, the appliqué art novelties such as animals, birds, flowers, leaves and other decorative motifs have been used to add a dash of ethnicity to household lampshades, garden umbrellas and even handbags.

Apart from traditional designs, one can opt for designer appliqué products as well.

This traditional cottage industry has been the backbone of several families and hired artisans and many more have been inclined to take up appliqué work seeing the lucrative returns.

Pipili's appliqué work if properly promoted can find good world market.

ANI