Katha Chitra — Hand Block Kalamkari Cotton Dress

This dress tells a story. Katha Chitra carries it on every panel.

Hand block printed in the Kalamkari tradition of Srikalahasti, this dress is not a pattern — it is a scene. Women dance, play instruments, pour offerings. Between them, large paisleys spiral outward like peacock tails, lotuses open at the neckline, and mythological creatures move across the sleeves. Every motif is drawn and printed by hand, in the centuries-old tradition of pen and block work on natural cotton.

The base is soft natural white cotton — the traditional ground for Kalamkari. The colours are bold and classic: deep blue, red, mustard yellow, black. The side panels are a soft blue-white cotton stripe, gathered into gentle pleats that open into a beautiful A-line flare. The sleeves carry their own panel — animals and mythological figures in blue Kalamkari.

The fit is relaxed and slightly shaped — a gathered waist that gives definition without constraint, opening into a free A-line below. Cotton inner lining for comfort and modesty. Wear it alone as a midi dress, or over slim trousers or churidars as a long kurta. It works for both.

Wear it to a cultural event, a Puja, an office with a personality — or anywhere that deserves cloth with a story.

Fabric & Craft

• Hand block Kalamkari on pure cotton — natural white with blue, red, mustard and black
• Figurative mythological narrative — women, dancers, musicians, animals, paisley and lotus motifs
• Distinct Kalamkari panel on sleeves — mythological figures and creatures
• Blue-white cotton stripe side panels — gathered for A-line volume
• Cotton inner lining — soft, comfortable, modest
• Each piece is hand blocked — variations in print placement are a mark of authentic Kalamkari

Silhouette & Details

• Relaxed A-line with gathered waist — slightly fitted top, flowing below
• Round keyhole neckline
• 3/4 sleeves with rolled cuff — different Kalamkari panel at sleeve
• Gathered stripe side panels
• Midi length — wearable as a dress or kurta
• Side slits for ease of movement

Styling Ideas

• Wear alone as a midi dress with flat sandals or block heels
• Layer over white or black slim churidars or trousers as a long kurta
• Silver or oxidised jewellery — the natural white ground earns warm metal tones
• A single cocktail ring and silver cuff is all it needs

Care

• Hand wash separately in cold water
• Kalamkari colours may bleed in the first few washes — always wash separately
• Do not soak
• Dry in shade, do not tumble dry
• Light iron on reverse side — the lining keeps it shape-safe

Size Guide (in inches)

Measurement	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL
Chest	36	38	40	42	44	46
Waist	32	34	36	38	40	42
Hip	38	40	42	44	46	48
Length	46	46	46	46	46	46

All measurements are approximate. For sizing help, reach out on WhatsApp or Instagram DM — we're happy to guide you.

Dispatch in 2-4 business days. Delivery timelines vary by location.

Gentle hand wash or dry clean recommended.

Returns accepted as per store policy. Contact support within the eligible return window.