Handloom expos are a wonderful way to showcase the rich heritage and skill of our local artisans. The ongoing Handloom Expo at Central Cottage Industries Corporation, Janpath is one such exhibition that is attracting visitors in droves. Open till 19th March 2022 from 10:00am to 7:00pm, the expo provides a platform for artistic and cultural interchange between weavers and art patrons.
The handloom products
Products from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Jammu and Kashmir are for sale at the expo. Visitors are captivated by handloom fabrics, particularly the evergreen Silk Sarees. Other artistic weaver gems include, the Banarasi sarees, Tussa silk from Odisha, Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, Tant and Garuda silk from Bengal, Madhubani and Bhagalpuri textiles from Bihar -the list is endless.
Traditional dresses from the north eastern states, such as the ‘Mekhela Chador’ of Assam speak volumes about the beauty of Indian Handlooms. In fact, the Mekhela Chador is one of the main attractions and highlights of the expo.
The weaver’s views
According to Assam weaver Pranav, Mekhela Chador, a traditional sari is made exclusively with silk threads, while it is occasionally stitched with cotton threads and artificial fibers too. The sari’s unique designs are woven entirely by hand. The upper section of the saree is referred to as Chador, and the lower part is referred to as Mekhla.
Why are such expos important?
The handloom industry is one of a kind. This handloom expo’s main motto is to encourage visitors to wear the handlooms with pride and to adopt them in their daily lives. Also, such initiatives help promote the Indian weavers & textile artists by sustaining their livelihood & providing them with various marketing opportunities.
There is astounding richness that can tantamount to becoming almost magical and spiritual. Weavers are brilliant artists who use the canvas of the fabric to tell stories. However, the handloom industry also needs to be supported to become a commercially viable option, so that these artisans get their legitimate credit and due. Besides, handlooms are an integral part of the culture and social terrain of our country.
In our fast paced machinery world, handlooms are surviving, because they exude a rawness and beauty that is amiss in any other products.
Mix silk saree requirement