Lilavati is an original Sambalpuri cotton saree woven in mercerized cotton, part of the authentic Sambalpuri handloom tradition — pink-ground with geometric diamond body patterns carrying fish, lotus, elephant and duck motifs rendered through the Bandha process.
The Craft Behind Lilavati
Lilavati is woven using Bandha, the double ikat technique practised by Bhulia weavers in Odisha. In this Bandhakala process, warp and weft threads are each resist-dyed by tying them precisely at calculated intervals before a single pass of the shuttle begins. When the threads interlace on the loom, motifs emerge simultaneously on both axes — alignment that cannot be corrected once weaving starts. Each Lilavati takes 10 to 15 days to complete on the handloom. This is a GI certified Sambalpuri saree, carrying the Sambalpuri Handloom geographical indication and the Government of India Handloom Mark.
Wearing Lilavati
Mercerized cotton gives Lilavati a softly lustrous surface with a firm, even drape that holds its shape through long hours of wear. The fabric is light enough to move freely yet substantial enough to pleat cleanly. The rudraksha border with ikat motifs frames the body, and the Jhoti pallu provides a considered finish. As a Sambalpuri saree for wedding rituals, the geometric diamond field reads with quiet ceremony. As a Sambalpuri saree for puja, the lotus and elephant motifs carry specific devotional resonance. As a Sambalpuri cotton saree for office, the pink-and-brown palette and structured weave maintain an understated composure throughout the day. The motifs are not printed or embroidered — they live inside the cloth itself, which changes how the saree sits and how the wearer carries it.
Lilavati is part of the Pasapali handloom Sambalpuri saree collection, sourced directly from Bhulia weavers of Odisha.
| Product Name | Lilavati |
|---|---|
| Saree Type | Sambalpuri Bandha |
| Tradition | Sambalpuri Handloom (GI Certified) |
| Weave | Handloom |
| Technique | Bandha (Double Ikat) |
| Material | Mercerized Cotton |
| Thread Count | Warp 120 / Weft 120 |
| Saree Length | 5.40 metres |
| Saree Breadth | 43 inches |
| Blouse | Yes (included) |
| Primary Colour | Pink |
| Secondary Colour | Brown |
| Body Design | Geometric Diamond pattern with fish, lotus, elephant and duck motifs |
| Border | Rudraksha border with ikat motifs in between |
| Pallu | Jhoti motif |
| Key Motifs | Fish, Lotus, Elephant, Duck, Rudraksha, Jhoti |
| Woven By | Bhulia weavers, Odisha |
| Weave Time | 10–15 days |
| GI Tag | Sambalpuri Handloom |
| Certification | Government of India Handloom Mark |
| Ideal For | Wedding, Puja, Office, Festive occasions |
Explore More Handloom Sarees
Lilavati is part of Pasapali's collection of Sambalpuri Handloom sarees from Odisha. Read the story behind the brand and the weavers who make them.