Abstract: In recent years bacteria have been drawing a tremendous attention due to their ability to treat waste water and thereby improve water quality. Hence, a study was undertaken to explore the nature of bacteria in order to exploit them as a tool in the bioremediation of dyehouse wastes. Effluent samples were collected from textile dyeing units and a Common Effluent-Treatment Plant (CETP) located in Tiruppur and Telungupalayam, Tamil Nadu. Totally 112 bacterial strains were obtained from Textile dyeing units and the CETP, based on their growth on nutrient agar medium supplemented with mixed azo dyes and their ability to decolorize mixed reactive azo dyes was studied. The effect of nutrient on decolorization revealed 0.5% of yeast extract was the best nitrogen source for up to 98% decolorization of mixed dye. Out of 112 strains 5 most effective strains were selected based on their decolorization of the dye up to 2700 mg L-1 through an acclimatization study. Optimum decolorization took place strictly under static conditions and pH and temperature were maintained constant at 7.0 and 30°C, respectively. The degradation product after decolorization was examined by TLC and FTIR.