Odisha Ikat, locally known as Bandha. It is a prestigious handloom silk tradition celebrated for its intricate tie-and-dye technique and vibrant designs.
PM Modi presents Odisha Ikkat to Indonesian Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented an Odisha Ikat handloom to Indonesian Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani during his visit to Indonesia. Odisha Ikat showcases the artistic excellence of local weavers while preserving the region’s heritage and storytelling traditions.
PM Modi showcased India’s rich cultural heritage and exceptional craftsmanship by presenting curated selection of gifts to leaders and dignitaries during his visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. From traditional textiles and tribal metal crafts to folk paintings, sporting memorabilia and handcrafted artefacts, each gift reflected a unique aspect of India’s diverse cultural traditions and craftsmanship.
Odisha Ikat, locally known as Bandha, is a prestigious handloom silk tradition celebrated for its intricate tie-and-dye technique and vibrant designs. Created by carefully tying and dyeing threads before weaving, the fabric features rich textures, identical patterns on both sides, and distinctive curvilinear motifs with soft, feathery edges. The craft is practised in major weaving centres such as Sambalpur, Nuapatna and Bargarh. Over the years, Odisha Ikat has become a symbol of the state’s cultural identity and exceptional craftsmanship.
President Prabowo Subianto received an Aipan Folk Art from Uttarakhand, a traditional repoussé silver plate, the rare Manohari Gold Tea from Assam, and a handcrafted Kashmiri papier-mâché bowl.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxem was presented with ‘Uttarakhandi Topi’ (Traditional Hill Topi). Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, was also gifted a tribal Dhokra boat craft by PM Modi.
The exchange of gifts came as India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across trade, maritime security, culture and heritage conservation.
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