Temple carvings influence designs on Odisha’s handloom saris

The Ekamra

walks

of

Old Town

got a boost on Sunday. Professor Monika Aggarwal of National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) said how the temple carvings have influenced

saree

designs in the state. Mostly the Baandha design and tie and dye techniques have been influenced by these temples. “The young students of design, photography, art and architecture must try to understand the designs on the temple walls and know their patterns and motifs,” she said.

This week, Ekamra Walks Old Town circuit completed its 117th editions. The professor was among the 20-odd participants at the latest walk and enjoyed the guided tour that started from

Mukteswar temple

and concluded at

Ekamra Vana

on the bank of the sacred Bindusagar pond. The trail traced the path, which has various monuments lying dotting the Old Town.

The guide for the trip Satyaswaroop Mishra pointed out that the motifs on the temple walls can also be seen on temples in far-away places like

Cambodia

. “This shows that there could be great influence of Kalingan temple building style on this far eastern country,” said the guide.

In the afternoon, a

museum

walk was organised from the Odisha Crafts Museum, Kalabhoomi at Gandamunda area of the city. This is the 41st walk that has been providing deep insight into the craft tradition of the state, influenced from every sphere in life and all regions.

The participants had a unique experience of knowing the art and craft of Odisha and the rich heritage behind it. Lara Dalmia, a participant, said, “The museum is the place where we get to see the essence of the Odia culture. People like us, who live in the metros and visit the state often, realise the way our ancestors had shaped our culture.”