Sambalpur: Low-priced Fake Sambalpuri Sarees Dominating City Markets; Rs 7000 Sarees Selling for Rs 300, Issue Raised in Assembly

Sambalpur: Sambalpuri sarees, famous for their unique designs and high quality, are renowned in India and abroad. However, the popularity of these sarees may decline in the coming months due to the rise of fake Sambalpuri sarees. These imitations have flooded markets in Sambalpur city and other towns of Western Odisha, raising serious concerns among traders and craftsmen.

Fake Sarees Undermining the Market

Imitation Sambalpuri sarees, resembling the authentic designs, are available at shockingly low prices. Genuine Sambalpuri sarees, which cost no less than Rs. 7,000, are being replicated and sold for as low as Rs. 250-Rs. 300. This issue, recently discussed in the State Assembly, has sparked widespread debate across Odisha.

Local traders, like Sunil Meher from Sambalpur’s Badabazar area, are worried about this trend. Meher, who sells authentic Sambalpuri sarees, fears these fake sarees might tarnish the reputation of Sambalpuri handloom products outside Odisha. Tourists, unaware of the differences, often buy these imitations thinking they are genuine. Unfortunately, the colors of these fake sarees often fade after a single wash, creating a false perception about the quality of Sambalpuri sarees.

Tourists Misled by Counterfeits

Tourists visiting the famous Samaleswari temple in Sambalpur often purchase these fake sarees as souvenirs, unaware that they are machine-printed copies. Since they lack the intricate craftsmanship of the original, these sarees are misleading buyers. Local trader Shrikant Pujari mentions that traders from South India often take pictures of authentic Sambalpuri sarees and produce cheap printed versions for the market.

Authenticity and Copyright Challenges

The lack of copyright for Sambalpuri sarees has allowed unscrupulous businesses to copy the designs. While the genuine handwoven Sambalpuri sarees have gained national and international recognition, these imitations are diluting their hard-earned reputation.

Prashant Meher, a trader from Bargarh, filed the only official complaint about fake sarees in 2017. However, no substantial action has been taken to address the problem. Meanwhile, some traders are forced to stock these cheap imitations to cater to customers looking for low-cost alternatives.

Threat to Local Artisans

Sambalpuri sarees require meticulous craftsmanship, creativity, and months of labor to produce. However, machine-printed versions are dominating the market due to their affordability, leaving local weavers with diminishing profits. Artisans like Shesadev Meher express concerns that the growing market for fake sarees could eventually eliminate demand for authentic Sambalpuri sarees.

Urgent Need for Regulation

Cultural enthusiasts and traders are urging the government, especially the Handloom Department, to take strict measures to regulate the sale of fake sarees. Prohibiting the production and sale of these imitations will help preserve the heritage and craftsmanship of Sambalpuri sarees.

Without immediate action, the unique identity of Sambalpuri handlooms may fade, leaving both buyers and weavers at a loss.