Women Empowerment / Kotpad Handloom Weaves Livelihood for Women

Koraput, Aug 1: Kotpad handloom, famous for its traditional Mirigini sarees, is now empowering women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Once confined to household chores or struggling for jobs, women in Kotpad have stepped forward to revive and expand the handloom tradition.

Initially, weaving was dominated by men, with women assisting in ancillary tasks. Over time, women began weaving independently, leading to the formation of handloom societies in the region.

Also read: Madhuri Dixit Flaunts Odisha Handloom Heritage

Today, many young women undergo six-month training programs to master weaving skills. Ten women recently formed a self-help group (SHG) named Kotpad Cottage Industry SHG.

With a loan of ₹5 lakh from the State Bank of India, they started weaving sarees, dupattas, stoles, and dress materials.

The raw yarn comes from Bargarh and Coimbatore, while natural dyes are prepared locally using bark from the aal tree, cow dung, rice husk, and castor oil.

The women weave cotton and tussar fabrics, incorporating traditional motifs and designs. Each saree takes nearly a month to complete, and prices are fixed based on production costs and wages.

Their products are sold across Odisha and major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bhubaneswar. Online sales and participation in fairs such as Boyanika, Utkalika, and TDCC have further expanded their reach. Demand for Kotpad sarees has even reached international markets, though limited production capacity restricts supply.

The women say weaving not only provides income but also preserves their cultural heritage. Many young girls combine studies with weaving, earning while learning.

The SHG members expressed happiness that their craft is gaining recognition and helping them achieve financial independence. They believe that with better access to raw materials, more artisans in Kotpad can sustain this traditional profession.

Kotpad handloom has thus become a symbol of women’s empowerment, blending tradition with livelihood, and ensuring that the age-old weaving culture continues to thrive.