Barpali in Bargarh district has become synonymous with Odisha’s rich tie-and-dye handloom heritage, especially the celebrated Sambalpuri sarees. Known locally as Bandhakala, this detailed craft involves weaving intricate motifs on cotton and Tasar silk, a skill passed on across generations.

Barpali is not just a single town but a network of weaving villages within its block. As per the Bargarh Textile Office Deputy Director, nearly 2,000 handlooms are active across several nearby clusters within a 5-km stretch. Six cooperative societies currently support the weavers by providing yarn, facilities, and regular skill-building programmes. Panchanan Meher, Secretary of the Barpali Kosta Weavers’ Cooperative Society, noted that his family remains committed to improving weavers’ livelihoods and preserving the art.

The weavers here create a variety of products, including sarees, bedcovers, dress fabrics, lungis, and home furnishings, mainly from cotton with occasional use of silk. Barpali’s craftsmanship has gained both national and international acclaim, with 23 weavers receiving the National Handloom Award and seven honoured with the Sant Kabir Award. Veteran artisan Khetramohan Meher, a recipient of both honours, has dedicated almost 70 years for advancing Sambalpuri weaving.

He, along with other noted weavers like Surendra Meher, has played a key role in bringing the tradition to global attention. The Indian Institute of Handloom Technology further strengthens the sector by offering training and shaping skilled talent for Odisha’s handloom and textile industry.