Rangwali Picchora

This traditional odhani holds a special place for the women of Kumaon. Worn during almost all auspicious occasions, the Picchora measures roughly 8 feet in length and about 4 feet across. The yellow coloured base was traditionally made by soaking a white cloth in a semi-viscous paste, made with turmeric (signifying purity). Once the cloth was dry, a group of women would use individually wrapped coins in cloth, dip them in red colour-made traditionally with dried and crushed rose petals or deep orange colour made with Tesu (Flame of the Forest) flower-and would then create a dot design on the cloth. The centre was usually a swastika symbol, signifying auspiciousness and good fortune.

Contributed By :

Bandana Joshi