Chandan — Handwoven Dongria Kondh Tribal Saree

Some sarees carry more than fabric. Chandan carries a mountain.

Woven by the Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha's Niyamgiri hills, this saree is a living piece of one of India's most distinctive tribal weaving traditions. The Dongria Kondh have woven their world into their cloth for generations — the sacred mountains, the forest, the geometry of their rituals — and you can see all of it in this pallu.

The body is soft sandalwood — a warm, earthy mauve with a gentle natural sheen and small scattered butti motifs in red and yellow. The border runs bold red with sharp black zigzag triangles — a Dongria Kondh signature, unmistakable to anyone who knows the tradition. And the pallu arrives in full colour: wide bands of teal, mustard, red and black, with bold tribal motifs — arched forms, geometric borders, layered patterns — ending in a dramatic row of long black tassels.

This is not a saree you buy. It is a saree you inherit.

Only one piece available.

Fabric & Craft

Handwoven by Dongria Kondh artisans — Niyamgiri hills, Odisha

Cotton-silk blend — soft body with a gentle natural sheen

Scattered red and yellow butti motifs on the body

Red border with black zigzag tribal motifs running the full length

Wide multicolour tribal pallu — teal, mustard, red and black with geometric motifs

Long black tassels at the pallu edge

Blouse piece included

Drape & Feel

Cotton-silk blend drapes with gentle structure and body

Holds pleats beautifully

Comfortable for extended wear

Light starch recommended for a crisp first drape

Styling Ideas

A bright contrast blouse brings the pallu to life — yellow, teal, or red

Silver oxidised jewellery — jhumkas, a simple necklace

Keep makeup and accessories restrained — the saree is the statement

Flat juttis or kolhapuris in tan or brown

Care

Dry clean recommended for the first wash

Do not wring — gently press and dry flat in shade

Light iron on reverse side

Hand wash separately in cold water. Dry in shade.

Each piece is woven by hand, so small irregularities in the weave, colour or print are part of the craft, not a defect.

Colours may look slightly different on screen. Natural dyes can bleed in the first few washes, so wash separately.

Free shipping on orders above ₹999 across India. Orders dispatch in 2–4 business days with tracked courier partners.

Returns are accepted as per our return policy and refunded as a credit note.