Pipli, a small town about 40 kilometers from Puri, Odisha, is renowned for its Pipli appliqué technique, locally known as Chandua. This craft is deeply rooted in the rituals and traditions of Lord Jagannath and his siblings. Originally, Pipli craftsmen created canopies, banners, umbrellas, and fans for festivals in Puri’s famous temple. As the craft gained popularity among pilgrims, artisans began making a variety of decorative and utility items. Appliqué involves cutting colored cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers, and other motifs, then stitching them onto a piece of cloth. The town’s artisans, especially women, are intensely involved in the production of appliqué items, showcasing their skill and heritage. While machine stitching has become common, artisans take pride in their handcrafted achievements, seeing it as a pure way to preserve their art.