Khandua Silk Sarees

Pure silk Khandua patta handloom sarees from Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district, Odisha. This ikat silk was traditionally woven for Lord Jagannath of Puri. The collection is large, with sankha patterns, pasapalli checks, kathiphera, nabakothi, dongria borders, Odia varnamala designs and elephant, flower, parrot and lotus motifs, in black, red, magenta, pink, blue and green. For festivals and family functions.

Read the Khandua Silk Sarees buying guide

What is a Khandua silk saree?

Khandua is an ikat silk woven in Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district, Odisha. It is GI-tagged and also called Khandua patta. Like other Odisha ikat, the silk yarn is tie-dyed in sections before weaving, so the motifs appear as the cloth is woven. Khandua was traditionally woven for Lord Jagannath of Puri, and its classic motifs reflect that temple link: elephants, lions, kumbha (temple), flowers and lines from the Gita Govinda.

Popular designs in this collection

  • Sankha: conch patterns, in black, red, magenta and yellow, and cherry red and lemon yellow.
  • Pasapalli: the chessboard check inspired by the game of pasa, on the body or border.
  • Kathiphera and nabakothi: named Odisha designs, in red, magenta, green, black, and teal and black.
  • Dongria: dongria pattern and dongria borders, in black, maroon and black, and lemon yellow and black.
  • Odia varnamala: designs based on the Odia alphabet, in black and in red.
  • Figurative motifs: elephants and flowers, parrots and lotus, Goddess Laxmi, laxmipada and swastik designs.

You will also find sachipar, patli and palki pattern anchal designs, and simple two-tone pairs such as black and red, pink and green, and blue and white.

How to identify a genuine handloom Khandua saree

The pattern should show on both sides, because the yarn is dyed before weaving, and motif edges look slightly soft. A burning test on a single thread smells like burnt hair for pure silk. Small irregularities are a natural sign of a hand-operated loom.

When to wear it

Khandua silk suits festivals, pujas, family functions, office events and evening gatherings.

How to care for it

Dry clean only. Store wrapped in soft cotton or muslin, away from moisture, refold every few months and iron on low heat with a cloth in between.

Why buy from Chhunchi

Chhunchi handpicks each saree from weavers across India. Prepaid orders ship free, cash on delivery costs Rs.200, and delivery takes 5-7 working days. Damaged, defective or wrong items reported within 24 hours of delivery with an unboxing video are refunded.

Read more: Odisha handloom sarees: weaves and motifs guide, with a glossary of Khandua, Sambalpuri and Berhampuri motifs.

Khandua Silk Sarees: frequently asked questions

What is a Khandua silk saree?
A Khandua silk saree is an ikat silk woven in Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district, Odisha. It is GI-tagged, also called Khandua patta, and was traditionally woven for Lord Jagannath of Puri.
What is the connection between Khandua sarees and Lord Jagannath?
Khandua silk was traditionally woven for Lord Jagannath of Puri. Its classic motifs include elephants, lions, kumbha (temple), flowers and lines from the Gita Govinda.
What is the difference between Khandua and Sambalpuri silk?
Both are Odisha ikat silks. Khandua comes from Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district and is linked to Lord Jagannath, while Sambalpuri is woven in western Odisha around Sambalpur, Bargarh and Sonepur, with motifs like shankha, chakra, phula and pasapalli.
Is Khandua silk GI-tagged?
Yes. Khandua silk from Nuapatna and Maniabandha in Cuttack district, Odisha, is a GI-tagged weave.
How should I care for a Khandua patta saree?
A Khandua patta saree should be dry cleaned only. Store it wrapped in soft cotton or muslin, away from moisture, and iron on low heat with a cloth in between.