About Kotpad Natural Dye Weaving Village
Kotpad Natural Dye Weaving Village is located in Kotpad town in Koraput district, Odisha. It is renowned for the GI-tagged Kotpad handloom textiles woven by the Mirgan community using natural dyes extracted from the roots of the aul tree. The village preserves a centuries-old pit-loom tradition producing sarees and fabrics with distinctive maroon and earthy tones, recognized for its sustainable, organic dyeing and weaving heritage.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a rural village setting with clusters of weaver households operating traditional pit-looms. You can observe the complete process of natural dye preparation from aul tree roots, yarn dyeing, and hand-weaving on wooden looms. Artisans demonstrate spinning, dyeing and weaving techniques, and display finished Kotpad sarees, stoles and fabrics available for purchase directly from weavers.
Key highlights
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GI-tagged Kotpad handloom fabrics dyed with natural aul tree root extract
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Traditional pit-loom weaving by the Mirgan community
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Distinctive natural maroon, brown and earthy tones without chemical dyes
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Opportunity to observe dyeing, drying and weaving processes in weaver homes
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Direct purchase of authentic handloom sarees and textiles from artisans
History of Kotpad Natural Dye Weaving Village
Kotpad weaving is a centuries-old tradition practiced by the Mirgan community of Kotpad. The craft uses organic, natural dyeing techniques passed down through generations, with dyes made from the roots of the Indian madder (aul) tree. Kotpad Handloom fabric received Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition for its unique natural-dye process and tribal weaving heritage.
Culture & Context
The village represents the cultural heritage of the Mirgan weavers and tribal communities of southern Odisha. Kotpad textiles are known for sustainable, eco-friendly production, natural dyes, and motifs inspired by nature and tribal art. The craft sustains local livelihoods and is an important example of Odisha's handloom heritage and slow textile tradition.
Route
| By air |
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