Nestled in the vibrant town of Pipili, Odisha, BeSureMart is your gateway to the finest handicrafts, where tradition meets artistic excellence. Pipili, a town with a rich cultural heritage, is renowned for its unique art form known as Chandua. This traditional applique art traces its roots back to the 12th century during the reign of Maharaja Birakshore of Puri. Legend has it that the Maharaja commissioned local artisans to craft special garments and stitched cloth offerings for Lord Jagannath. This royal decree led to the birth of an exquisite art culture that has flourished in Pipili ever since.
Located about 40 kilometers from Puri, Pipili may be small, but it is a treasure trove of artistic creativity. The town’s livelihood revolves around the sale of these handcrafted items, reflecting the diversity and richness of Indian artisanship. Originally, the skilled craftspeople of Pipili were known for creating umbrellas (chhattis) and canopies used in the grand Ratha Yatra, a festival dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Over time, their craft evolved, becoming an integral part of their daily lives and expanding into a wide array of decorative items.
The artisans of Pipili perfected the art of embroidery, crafting intricate designs using a variety of materials such as ribbons, glass, mirrors, paper, cotton cloth, velvet, and thread. These vibrant creations, which once served primarily ritualistic purposes, are now cherished as household items. The artistry captures the beauty of nature with motifs of flowers, birds, and intricate patterns, as well as narratives from Oriya history. This remarkable craftsmanship is showcased in an array of products, including lampshades, bedspreads, wall hangings, shamianas, purses, wallets, and sarees.
Despite its remote location, Pipili has emerged as a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from across the globe who are eager to witness this extraordinary craftsmanship firsthand. The town’s charm lies not just in its art, but in its community of artisans, many of whom operate from combined workspaces and shops where they both create and sell their products. Pipili’s streets, lined with both traditional kaccha and modern pakka houses, exude a sense of timelessness, suggesting that this art form has been nurtured here for generations.
A stroll through Pipili reveals houses adorned with vibrant murals and sculptures, a testament to the town’s artistic spirit. The shops, which open as early as 6:00 AM and remain bustling until 9:00 PM, are filled with a dazzling array of applique and embroidery items. Alongside these shops, you’ll find local sweet stores offering traditional Odia delicacies like Goja and Chhena Poda, adding to the town’s cultural allure.
Today, the influence of Pipili’s applique art extends far beyond its borders. It has found a place in weddings, shopping malls, and various consumer products, showcasing the enduring legacy of this unique craft. The artisans of Pipili continue to embrace their heritage, weaving folklore and mythology into their creations. This art form is deeply intertwined with Indian tradition and history, symbolizing a legacy that has withstood the test of time. Despite the challenges of modernity, Pipili’s applique art remains vibrant, celebrated for its unmatched beauty and cultural significance.
A testament to its grandeur, Pipili earned a place in the 2004 Limca Book of Records for creating the world’s largest thematic applique work—a 54-meter (177 ft) masterpiece that depicts India’s struggle for independence.
At BeSureMart.com, we are proud to bring you these timeless creations, crafted with love and dedication by the artisans of Pipili. Explore our collection and bring home a piece of India’s rich cultural heritage.
