Pipili

Pipili is a small town in Odisha located on the main road between Bhubaneswar and Puri. The town is filled with shops and homes where artisans create colorful hand-stitched fabric designs and decorative items.

The appliqué craft of Pipili started in the 12th century under the Ganga rulers, who supported artisans to create fabrics for the Jagannath temple. Over hundreds of years, this work evolved from religious service into a local trade that continues to blend tradition with everyday life today.

Pipili is known for its appliqué craft called Chandua Kala, where colored fabric pieces are stitched onto cotton cloth to create decorative designs. This craft tradition is woven into daily life here, passed down from parents to children through family workshops and homes.

The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is mild and artisans work in open studios. The town is easily reached by car or bus from Bhubaneswar or Puri along National Highway 316.

During the Rath Yatra festival, large appliqué canopies are used to cover the sacred temple chariots. This is one of the few places in India where an entire craft tradition arose from ancient spiritual practices and remains connected to them today.