Kantha is popular in West Bengal, India. Worn by Bengali women, it is known for its delicate embroidery. Kantha is really the name for the method itself, rather than the sari. Any garment or cloth with kantha embroidery (which forms or outlines decorative motifs with a running stitch) is a kantha garment. Kantha stitching is also used to make simple quilts. Women in Bengal typically use old saris and cloth and layer them with kantha stitch to make a light blanket or throw or bedspread, especially for children.

The quilts are also called "Ralli" (or rilli) derived from the local word ralanna meaning to mix or connect. Ralli quilts were often collected as a status of wealth and used for daughters’ dowries in marriage.