TALES 》 Pasapali Cotton Sarees

64 squares in a saree game?

Inspired by Game of Thrones this season, what a way to start, chuckles! Their black and white squares that resembles a chess board, oh yeah I am talking about Pasapali handloom sarees, from Bargarh district of Odisha, the name Pasapali is derived from pasa or gambling games using chess board, these gorgeous sarees have intricate checks patterns of contrast colors resembling the chess boards which gives it such name and traditional square design. Its a feast for any saree connoisseur to have one. Masterpieces sarees are woven in the regions of Barpali, Sonepur and Baunshri. The word 'Pasapalli' is derived from the word 'Pasa' which means board game with four clear parts much like Ludo, Chess or even Pachisi is a ancient Indian board game, the name denotes the main theme of the Pasapali sarees.

Pasapali sarees are traditionally handwoven, the process involving tie and dye knotting sections of the yarns and then dipping them in desired colors following one at a time, this will produce multi colors tones and finally weaving starts one this is done. The warp and weft is tie-dyed before weaving in traditional handwoven Ikat sarees of Pasapali sarees. This saree have a usually decorative pallu(falling edge of the saree) with varies patterns such as flowers known as phulla, wheels known as chakra, animals, birds, geometrical patterns, temple deigns, sankha known as conch these are few traditional designs which are seen in pallu area. The borders have traditional patterns carries with gold and silver threads. The uniqueness of this saree is chess board like patterns in the entire body with colors such as black, white and red squares. The ancient weaving style called 'Baandhakala' its too versatile, new patterns, designs and multiple colors can be created and very intricate method is done manually.

Varieties of the Sambalpuri sarees include Pasapali sarees, sonepuri sarees, bomkai sarees, barpali sarees and bapta sarees thus its one of the varieties of Sambalpuri sarees, these beautiful woven ladies are available in

• Pasapalli cotton sarees
• Pasapalli silk sarees

Fabric care for Pasapali cotton sarees
Do check out for specific care instructions on the garment tag once you purchase and follow the instructions carefully, it addition to it, here are certain guidelines

• First few washes its better to give for dry wash
• If washing at home than, wash with cold water with mild detergent
• Once wash cycle is done, dry the fabric in shade to prevent the color from fading
• Do not wring or squeeze the fabric
• Keep changing the folds of stored sarees once in a while to ensure that the fabric doesn’t tear from the creases
• One can steam press and iron the fabric, in a medium-low heat
• Lastly, do not bleach the fabric