The handloom cluster of Nuapatna in Cuttack district of Orissa owes its origin to 12th century AD and produces exquisite Khandua Sarees. Popular folklore indicates that Jaydev, the great poet of Orissa, desired to offer his creation to Lord Jagannath through “IKAT” designs on fabric and prepared the same  in his birthplace “Kenduli” and this is how Khandua Sarees originated.   Since then, Khandua Sarees with fascinating motifs and designs, rich colours and fine textures have been produced by the artisans from generation to generation. Popularly known as Bandha or Ikat, the uniqueness of the product lies on tie & dye work practiced by  weavers to create distinct motifs with varied colours on the product affiliated to Lord Jagannath culture. Yellow coloured Ikat fabric for Lord Jagannath symbolizes salvation, green for Balabhadra symbolizes life and red for Subhadra signifies power. Even motifs such as temple border, lotus, conch and wheel signify the affinity with the reigning deity.