Kotki sarees and Sambalpuri sarees are incredibly popular varieties of regional sarees in India. Many desi influencers have sung praises of Sambalpuri and Kotki sarees online so we figured we should do a blog post talking about the two. While both, Kotki and Sambalpuri originate from the land of Orissa, there are certain, clearly identifiable differences between the two sarees.

What is a Kotki Saree?

A Kotki saree goes by many names – Khandua and Maniabandi are two of the most well-known. These sarees are made from the highest quality silk or pure cotton yarn. Most Kotki sarees are made in red, orange, or yellow hues. The red tint is traditionally obtained from the sal tree. The art of Kotki has a strong cultural connection to Lord Jaganath. Motifs of Buddha, Nabagunjara (an animal native to Orissa), chakra, lotus, fish, and peacock are some of the most popular ones. Temple borders are also very popular in Kotki sarees.

What is a Sambalpuri Saree?

Sambalpuri sarees are most commonly found in red, black, and white, the original Odia colors. The hues here are significant since these are the colors of Lord Jaganath’s face. The saree features handwoven motifs like that of a conch shell, chakra, or flowers. Sambalpuri sarees can be found in cotton or silk, but what sets them apart from Kotki is the double ikat method used in the production process. Here the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed and then placed into a pattern for weaving.

Differences between a Kotki Saree and a Sambalpuri Saree

Cost

When you buy Kotki sarees online, you will notice that they are considerably less expensive compared to Sambalpuri. The prices are also greatly affected by the pattern and quality of yarn used. Since Sambalpuri sarees come with dense patterns and more elaborate designs, they end up being on the higher end of the price filter.

Weight

Sambalpuri sarees actually weigh more than their Kotki cousins. Sambalpuri weavers use 3-ply mulberry X 3-ply mulberry silk to manufacture the saree. This means the average 7 yards weigh 650 to 700 grams. Kotki Sarees, on the other hand, are made of 2-ply Bangalore silk X 3-ply Malda silk and weigh around 380 to 450 grams.

Manufacturing Time

Kotki saree can be manufactured from start to finish in about ten years. Sambalpuri sarees undergo a way more elaborate process. The tie-dye alone can take up to a couple of weeks. The complete Sambalpuri saree takes several weeks to be made from scratch.

Motifs

Sambalpuri sarees are more restrictive in their motifs. Usually, a Sambalpuri saree will have conch shell, chakra (wheel), or flower motifs. Katki sarees are more varied – the most popular motifs in the Katki art include an auspicious elephant, Nabagunjara, and flowers. Some other prevalent motifs are stars, temples, peacocks, temples, fish, and deer.

Origin

Sambalpuri sarees get their name from their place of origin, aka Sambalpur. Sometimes Sambalpuris are also produced in the Bargarh region of Orissa.

Buy Kotki and Sambalpuri Sarees Online at DDS Saree Collection

DDS Saree Collection features a massive line of Kotki and Sambalpuri sarees for its dear saree enthusiasts. Visit our online store today to find mesmerizing patterns and vibrant colors in both Kotki and Sambalpuri.