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Bomkai Art – Where Simplicity meets Extravagance Odisha is considered as one of the major handloom concentrated states in India and it’s handloom products are recognized all over the country and abroad for their highly artistic and intricate designs, color combination and durability even today. Bomkai Silk Sarees and dress materials are very famous in all over India for its excellent workmanship, design and color combination. The handloom originated from a small village called Bomkai in Patrapur Tahsil of Ganjam district and originally it was woven with coarser cotton yarn. The characteristic of this traditional Bomkai lies in stepping and shaft formula and regular motif remains the same in any composition. The uniqueness is that there is no fixed layout for the Anchal panels developed by extra weft in various colors. The Bhulia community of Sonepur district primarily produced this kind of embroidered saree. It originated during the time of the then ruler of Patna Ramai Dev. Such Bomkai sarees come with buti and temple borders. Woven on a pit loom, Bomkai, which is also known as Sonepuri, is an extraordinary fabric that results from the confluence of two extremely popular components of the Orissa textile industry. In its simplest, Bomkai can be explained as an extra weft technique on a pit loom. It is an outcome of Ikat and embroidery interwoven into each other. The borders are often in contrasting colors and the pallus marked by intricate threadwork. The motifs on the Bomkai are inspired from nature and tribal art, giving the saree a fascinating look that makes it perfect for aristocracy. Bomkai sarees are available in cotton and silk fabrics.

Kali\'s fierce appearances have been the subject of extensive descriptions in several earlier and modern works. Though her fierce form is filled with awe- inspiring symbols, their real meaning is not what it first appears…

"...The word Tantra itself is derived from the verbal root tan, meaning to \'weave\'...Often the mother is shown in a posture with both legs around the father\'s waist...refer to the union of a lotus and vajra..."

"In Indian art generally, possibly because of its predominantly religious character, the symbolic level is always the more important. The depicted surface-reality always very strongly implies some general statement. For instance, the animals and plants of the Buddhist frescoes are not just animals and plants but symbols of the whole of creation, a statement that it is animated, that it feels and suffers."

What is the symbolism of Ganesha\'s elephant head? Why does Ganesha ride on a mouse? What is the spiritual significance of Lord Ganesha? How was Ganesha especially devoted towards his mother Parvati? What are the different symbols Ganesha holds in his hands? These are some of the questions this article answers.