Chandua, Odisha’s signature appliqué textile art, is more than decorative craft. It is ritual, memory, and identity sewn into fabric. Originating in the temple town of Pipili, Chandua has long been associated with sacred festivals, especially the Rath Yatra in Puri, where enormous appliqué canopies, banners, and coverings are crafted to adorn the chariots of Lord Jagannath and his siblings.

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The art form involves meticulously cutting colorful pieces of cloth, often shaped like flowers, suns, animals, and divine eyes—and stitching them onto contrasting fabric backgrounds. The result is bold, geometric, and deeply symbolic. Elephants stand for power, spirals for time, and the “Chakra” wheel symbolizes protection and spiritual journey.

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For generations, Chandua has been passed down through families, mostly by women who learned from their mothers and grandmothers, sewing by hand with quiet devotion. Each stitch carries not only technique but tradition. While modern versions of chandua now appear in fashion, home décor, and exhibitions, the essence remains: a living, breathing connection to Odisha’s visual storytelling.

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Chandua is not just sewn, it is preserved, adapted, and celebrated. In every canopy or wall hanging, you’ll find a language that goes beyond the visual. It’s a reminder that art can be sacred, even in the everyday.

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