White Tribal Kotpad Cotton Saree with Indigo Border & Heritage Checks

The Heritage of Koraput: A 3rd-Century Tribal Legacy

Experience the unrefined elegance of the Kotpad handloom, the very first textile from Odisha to receive the Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2005. Woven by the Mirgan community in the tribal heartlands of Koraput, these sarees are a living relic of ancient India. Each piece is crafted on traditional pit-looms set into the earth, where the weaver sits on the ground to maintain the perfect tension required for the thick, organic cotton yarns.

The Natural Dyeing Process: The Magic of Indigo

The striking blue borders and intricate checked patterns of this saree are achieved using Natural Indigo, derived from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant. Unlike synthetic blues, this "Blue Gold" is a substantive dye that adheres to the cotton through a complex, month-long fermentation process involving lime and jaggery.

The natural dyeing process is a labor-intensive cycle that spans 30 days. Before the first thread is dyed, the yarn undergoes a meticulous 15-day pre-treatment with castor oil, cow dung, and wood ash—a traditional technique that ensures the botanical pigments are lightfast and possess medicinal, skin-friendly properties that offer a natural cooling effect in humid climates.

Fabric & Feel: The Texture of Handspun Cotton

This variant is woven from 100% handspun cotton, specifically utilizing 80s and 100s count yarns to create the signature "coarse" texture that defines authentic Kotpad weavings. The saree body has a check pattern, a sophisticated geometric design that brings a modern minimalist appeal to a thousand-year-old craft. The fabric is exceptionally breathable and substantial, designed to soften with every wash while retaining its original botanical glow for decades.

The Artisanal Story: Livelihood in Every Thread

By choosing a Pasapali Kotpad saree, you are supporting a "race against time" craft that provides a sustainable lifestyle for tribal weaving clusters. Every purchase of the Neela-Chitra saree provides approximately 25 days of sustainable livelihood for a weaving family in Koraput. Each tribal motif—including the macha (fish) and donga (boat)—is hand-lifted using the extra-weft technique, ensuring no two pieces are ever identical.

Technical Specs 

Special Care Instructions

Natural botanical dyes are living pigments. To preserve the integrity of the indigo blue and white contrast, we strictly recommend Dry Cleaning only. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the colors from maturing prematurely.