Ethnic Wear in Dharwad

इलकल

Ilkal sarees are GI-tagged handloom textiles from the town of Ilkal in Karnataka's Bagalkot district, practised by the Devanga and Momins weaver communities. Recognisable by their distinctive art silk or cotton body with a contrasting silk border in red (tope teni) or other traditional colours, Ilkal sarees feature the characteristic Kasuti embroidery motifs on the pallu. The unique technique involves joining the contrasting border (called kondi) to the body during weaving in a technique called khun join — the only such tradition in India.

कसूती

Kasuti is Karnataka's traditional hand embroidery tradition, practised by women of the Lingayat community across northern Karnataka. The embroidery uses four distinct stitches — gavanti (double running), murgi (step or zigzag), negi (darning), and menthi (cross stitch) — all worked in a single colour thread on cotton fabric, creating geometric and figurative patterns including temple chariots (rathas), palanquins, and religious symbols. Kasuti is the definitive embroidery on Ilkal sarees and is also worked on blouses and home textiles.

मैसूर सिल्क

Mysore Silk sarees are GI-tagged pure silk textiles produced by the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) and registered weavers in Mysuru, Karnataka. Renowned for their distinctive softness, natural lustre, and use of pure gold Zari borders, Mysore Silk sarees have been produced under royal Wodeyar patronage since the 19th century. Unlike heavier South Indian silks, Mysore Silk has a lighter, more fluid drape. The characteristic colours include deep jewel tones and the creamy ivory that shows off the Zari border to maximum effect.

लम्बाणी

Lambani embroidery is the vibrant tribal textile art of the Banjara (Lambani) nomadic community, now primarily settled in the Sandur region of Karnataka's Bellary district. Characterised by its exuberant combination of colourful chain stitch embroidery, mirror work, and patchwork on cotton fabric, Lambani work creates a rich, densely decorated textile surface that reflects the Banjara community's nomadic aesthetic of layered colour and texture. Lambani artisans create blouses, bags, wall hangings, and garments that have achieved global recognition for their bold visual impact.