Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of Odisha has launched a plan to revive the original Bomkai weaving tradition in Ganjam district

¨     The Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department of Odisha has launched a plan to revive the original Bomkai weaving tradition in Ganjam district.

¨     The project is titled “Revival of Extinct Products (Cotton Bomkai Saree)”.

¨     It was approved by the state government in the previous financial year.

¨     Bomkai weaving is a traditional handloom practice of cotton sarees from Odisha.

¨     The tradition is associated with Bomkai village in Ganjam district.

¨     It is also linked to Subarnapur, another important centre of Bomkai weaving.

¨     Bomkai sarees are recognised under India’s Geographical Indications (GI) Act.

¨     The revival plan includes documentation of traditional designs, motifs, and colour patterns.

¨     It aims to preserve the original weaving techniques and heritage.

¨     Training will be provided to new-generation artisans in traditional weaving methods.

¨     A five-day training programme was conducted in Bomkai village in coordination with the Handloom Cluster Development State Agency.

¨     The programme also documented current weaving practices and challenges faced by weavers.

¨     As of 23 May 2026, only two weaving families in Bomkai village were continuing the original tradition.

¨     These families belong to Keshav Nayak and Sushant Kumar Nayak.

¨     The initiative aims to involve weavers from nearby villages in Ganjam district.

¨     The project is important due to the shortage of young artisans in the village.