India is a land well known for handlooms. Many states are famous for their age old handloom ventures. From dress materials to saris, the assortment of handloom is stunning. As a tribute to the fascinating local handloom, August 7 is annually celebrated as National Handloom Day since 2015.
Alongside bringing concerns around handlooms to light, the day likewise centres around the commitment of handloom to the financial progression of the country while boosting the pay of weavers.
From Madhya Pradesh’s Maheshwari handloom to Karnataka’s Ilkal texture, there are many destinations to add to your list of must-visit in local handlooms. Do ensure to visit and shop impeccable textiles when you travel next.
Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) for Maheshwari handloom
Home to India’s most extravagant handloom texture customs, Maheshwar is a modest community in the city of Khargone area in Madhya Pradesh. The historical backdrop of the texture traces back to the eighteenth century when its multifaceted plan turned into an enormous hit among the regal circle. This fine handloom today not just addresses Indian handlooms at a global market, it additionally advances the craftsmanship of Indian workers. Explorers visiting Maheshwar should get their hands on bright Maheshwari sarees.
Ilkal (Karnataka) for Ilkal handloom
Situated in the Bagalkot locale of Karnataka, Ilkal is an antiquated weaving place well known for its Ilkah handloom. Explorers visiting Ilkal will be interested in the itemizing of the saree that is made with a method called Tope Teni, where the pallu is weaved with the material of the saree. Ilkal saree additionally takes its name from the town of Ilkal, and the particular component of Ilkal sarees is the utilization of a type of weaving called Kasuti. The techniques used in Kasuti reflect images like carts, elephants, and lotuses weaved on Ilkal sarees.
Sualkuchi (Assam) for Golden Muga Silk
Settled on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra, Sualkuchi is well known for its exceptionally old legacy of weaving. Other than the pleasant tea cultivates, the incredible cloisters and flavorful nearby food, voyagers should visit the town of Sualkuchi and shop the exquisite Muga silk. This uncommon type of quintessential texture has acquired prominence and has been worn by women for quite a long time. The beautiful fabric is known for its outrageous strength and regular yellowish-brilliant colour. Legends have it that it was once just assembled for the women of the illustrious family. It is assumed to be pretty much as costly as purchasing gold.
Bishnupur (West Bengal) for Baluchari sarees
The name ‘Baluchari’ implies a sandy riverbank, indicating the origin points of the handloom to a small town called Baluchar settled on the banks of the river Bhagirathi. The handloom is known for its portrayals of legendary scenes on the pallu of the saree. Situated in West Bengal, Bishnupur is a humble community that is at present the solitary spot where one can discover authentic Baluchari sarees. While traveling to West Bengal and if interested in mementos, one can visit Bishnupur to add Baluchari saree to their assortment.
Patan (Gujarat) for Patola sarees Patola, a twofold ikat woven saree, means ‘Sovereign of Silk’ and is one of the best silk sarees created in Patan, known as the capital of Gujarat in bygone eras. The historical backdrop of the Patola sarees traces back to the twelfth century, where it is said that the handloom was created by the Salvi family who are presumed to have relocated to Gujarat to gain the support of the Solanki Rajputs, who used to dress in Patola silk themselves on unique events. The Patola saree is a significantly costly handloom, its uniqueness lies in its production strategy; it is today made exclusively by a small bunch of weavers in Patan.
Aashi is a working PR professional who enjoys a good amount of her free time reading, cooking, and taking care of her 2 dogs.