Puri Applique Work

The root of the Puri applique work lies in the traditions and rituals related to Lord Jagannath. The applique work in Puri is mainly used during the procession of the three deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

The best form of applique work of Puri can be seen in the cloth cover of the three chariots during the Rath Yatra of Puri. During the Car Festival, the people of Puri decorate the gigantic wooden cars with the applique work. A color scheme of the applique work for the chariots is predetermined. The applique work for the chariot of Lord Jagannath, known as Nadighosha, consists of red and yellow colors. Bright green and red are used for the chariot of Balabhadra; whereas the color scheme of the applique work of the chariot of Subhadra includes black and bright red.

Some of the other items that are made using the applique patterns are:

• Chhati
• Jhalar
• Tarasa
• Sujnis
• Batua

Puri applique work implies the cutting of interesting pattern and stitching it artistically on a piece of cloth. It is interesting to note that the process of stitching the patterns varies from one design to the other. The stitching pattern is categorized under the following heads:

• Chikana
• Bakhia
• Ruching
• Button-hole
• Taropa
• Ganthi

Some of the important items on which the applique works at Puri are done include:

• Lamp shades
• Bed covers
• Letter pouches
• Garden umbrellas
• Shoulder shades
• Wall hangings
• Bed covers
• Pillow covers
• Ladies hand bags