ବୋମକାଇ
Bomkai · Ganjam · Coastal Odisha
Bomkai is ceremony. The gold-thread border — the neesha — runs the length of the pallu in a language older than its weavers can trace. Worn at weddings, passed to daughters.
Soak ten minutes in cold water with rock salt before the first wear. The colour will release; this is not a flaw, it is the dye finding rest.
Dry-clean for the first three washes. After, hand wash separately in cold water with mild soap. Never wring.
Dry in shade, folded once. Direct sun fades the natural dyes. Iron on the reverse side at low heat.
Wrap in soft muslin, refold along a different line every six months. Tuck dried neem leaves between folds.
