Sambalpur: Sambalpuri Handicrafts at Risk; Market Flooded with Fake Prints

Sambalpur: The traditional craft of Sambalpuri handloom is facing a challenge as fake copies flood the market, causing anxiety among local workers and traders. Fake Sambalpuri garments, which copy the unique Bandhakala art, are now all over Sambalpur city, making it difficult for outsiders to distinguish between the real and fake ones.

Unlike authentic handcrafted Sambalpuri items, these fakes are simply printed and not manufactured with the same traditional care and skill. They appear similar from a distance, but up close, the absence of fine work is obvious. What’s surprising is that these fake clothes are way cheaper, about 80 to 90 percent less than the real ones.

Sambalpuri crafts have gained popularity not just in India, but also around the globe. However, the fame has attracted some companies from outside the state, which are producing and selling copies. Sambalpuri products are in high demand, particularly in the online market.

These fake designs, which include well-known names such as Saptapar and Pashapali, are being sold on Sambalpur’s streets. They might look like the real thing, but they are not. Genuine Sambalpuri kurtis, which ordinarily cost Rs.1500, are being copied and sold for just Rs.150. Even Sambalpuri shirts are being copied and sold for as low as Rs.120 to Rs.150.

Printed clothes are arriving from Surat.

Local traders say a particular company from Surat is supplying these fakes, and surprisingly, traders from different parts of Western Odisha and the local area are also involved. The annual sales of Sambalpuri cloth shops in Sambalpur city alone are estimated to be over Rs. 200 crores, playing a big role in the region’s economic growth.

Real weavers and traders of genuine Sambalpuri cloth are concerned about these fake fabrics. They are pleading with authorities to intervene and protect the heritage and future of this historic craft. The spread of these fake fabrics not only puts the craft at risk but also affects the livelihoods of those who depend on the real Sambalpuri industry. It is a call to action to prevent fraudulent products from taking over the market.