Pipli

Pipli is a town and municipality in the Puri district of Odisha, India. It is situated on the route between Bhubaneswar and Puri and is best known for its traditional applique craft, commonly referred to as Pipli work.

The craft uses bright textile patches cut into shapes such as flowers, birds, and geometric motifs. Artisans lay the patches on a base fabric and sew them with running stitches or buttonhole stitches to create decorative patterns. After the applique, the pieces are mounted onto items such as banners, wall hangings, lanterns, and decorative umbrellas and canopies. The work typically employs locally available fabrics, threads, and natural dyes, though modern supplies and synthetic colors have become common in recent decades.

Pipli work is produced by artisan groups in and around the town, with families often passing skills through generations. The wares are a hallmark of Odia handicrafts and are popular with tourists and pilgrims visiting the coastal region, especially along the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor. The craft has benefited from government and non-government programs aimed at preserving traditional crafts, improving design, and expanding market access.

Historically, Pipli applique is tied to regional trade and temple festivals, reflecting a broader Odishan tradition of textile ornamentation. Today, Pipli continues to be a center for craft production and a symbol of local cultural heritage.