Samba Dasami

'Samba Dashami' is one among the unique rituals observed on the 10th day during the 'Shukla Paksha' or waxing phase of moon in the month of 'Pausha' (December – January). This festival is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun) mainly observed in Odisha.

Legend or 'Samba Dasami Brata Katha' says that 'Samba', the son of Lord Sri Krishna, was affected by leprosy. He performed a severe penance for Lord Surya and was cured. On this day, mothers perform Surya Pooja (worshiping the sun) to please Lord Surya and to keep their children healthy. The female head of the family sees Lord Sun through the bowl of turmeric water and offer all the cuisine to the God. She reads the legend of 'Samba Dasami Brata Katha' and prays for the well-being of the whole family members. To be scientific, sun is the source of the energy and to honour the Sun, this festival is being widely celebrated in different parts of Odisha.

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Muslin Fabric

This gossamer light muslin fabric has found mention in the writings of many visitors to India, even as far back as the 3rd century B.C. A great deal of muslin was produced in and exported from Bengal. Dacca was the main region where cotton was cultivated due to the high humidity of the region, which prevented the delicate thread from breaking on contact with the air. The cotton spun was very white since the Brahmaputra and the Ganges Rivers have bleaching properties. The chikan workers in Bengal used this fine muslin for embroidery.

Stitches in Chikankari

Double-Star Earring, Peacock Feather's Eye, Sidhual, Makra, Mandarzi, Bulbulchashm, Tajmahal, Phooljali, Phanda, Dhoom, Gol, murri, Janjeera, Keel, Kangan, Bakhia, Dhania Patti, lambi Murri, Kapkapi, Karan Phool, Bijli, Ghaspatti, Rozan, Meharki, Kaj, Chameli, Chane ki Patti, Balda, Jora, Pachni, Tapchim Kauri, Hathkati and Daraj of various types.