Jaipur, August 06, 2020.

Handloom is a vital part of the Indian culture and heritage, with a journey that can be traced over 2000 years in this country. The exquisite designs that the artisans exhibit through their craftsmanship and handiworkare a testament to their efforts and distinct creativity. This sector forms a crucial part of the rural fabric of our nation and employs over seven million families, second only to agriculture. 

This National Handloom Day, let’s celebrate unique and creative artisans from India’s more remote geographies, who, under Tata Trusts’ Antaran initiative have been empowered with the knowledge and education to not only contribute to this sector but also safeguard their own economic well-being.

1.       Artisan Entrepreneur from Maniabandha, Odisha 

BIKAS MAHAPATRA – KHIMRI

Bikas comes from a family of percussionists – he took his lessons in percussion from his maternal grandfather. While his father was a percussionist and a weaver, his mother brought himup bypracticingbadha (tying) work. He completed his education until 10^th standard and started working at an early age of 12 years. At the age of 19, he moved to Surat to work in a textile company, however, he couldn’t leave his mother alone which is when he returned home  and learnt how to weave. Bikas now specializes in tye-dyeing as well as weaving.

Ikat Yardages and sarees, that are a specialty from Maniabandha, a small village in Orissa, exuberate contemporary motifs with refreshing palette of cool colours best suited for summers.

Sarees & Yardages handwoven by Bikas

To buy these intricately woven handloom products please contactBikas:
9658185365 / 7008839015

AKULA CHARAN NANDI – TRIRATNA HANDLOOM

Akulalearnt the art of weaving from his mother. He lost his father, who was also a weaver, at the early age of eight. Post that, his mothertook complete responsibility of their family – including his five sisters and a brother.

In 1995, he completed his graduation and planned to join the blind school as a teacher. Unfortunately,he couldn't get the position. In 1999, his house caught fire and he ended up losinghis loom and many of hisproducts. Amidst all these ups and downs, owing to Antaran’s initiatives,Akula is now standing on his feet. 

Sarees& Yardages handwoven by Akula

To buy these intricately woven handloom products please contactAkula:
+91 9583316045

Artisan Entrepreneurs from Gopalpur, Odisha

BABULI – BABULI HANDLOOM

In order to support his family monetarily, Babuli, at a very young agewas initiated into his family tradition and occupation of weaving. He soon learntdesign and yarn dyeing skills from his father, which is now his specialty. He co-creates with professional designers and his products were showcased at theLakme Fashion Week in 2018.

The traditional Kumbha bandha (temple tie and dye) dupattas and stoles boast of the intricate butis (tiny motifs) woven on the products by artisan.

Stoles & Yardages handwoven by Babuli

To buy these intricately woven handloom products please contactBabuli:
+91 9937479900               

2.       Artisan Entrepreneur from Kamrup, Assam

DIPIKA KAKATI – PONI HANDLOOM

In order to support her family, Dipika began weaving commercially for low wages at an early age. Being a landless weaver, she did not have the privilege of education and was married young.After losing her home and loom in a flood, she built a temporary home and supported her family by weaving on a rented loom. She struggled hardwith low wages before she came to know of Antaran. She has since learnt about designs and markets by joining classes held at the Incubation & Design Centre at Bhagwatipara. In no time, her abilities bloomed and she established herself as an independent entrepreneur.

Assam is famous for its extra-weft weaves, where the motif is embossed on the woven cloth – these motifs draw inspiration from rich Assamese tradition, folklore and legends and this is where her expertise lies 

Sarees &Stoles handwoven by Dipika

To buy these intricately woven handloom products please contactDipika:
+91 6002100858/ +91 94766 32531

VEKUVOLU DOZO

VekuvoluDozo is a young loin loom weaver from Nagaland. She learnt weaving from her mother when she was very young.Due to financial constraints, she couldn’t pursue her degree in college after she completed her 12^th standard at the age of 19.

Soon after, she got married to a missionary in Uttar Pradesh and in the absence of her husband, she struggled alot for the livelihood of her family. In 2019, soon after undergoing training workshop and support from Antaran, she started weaving and began to earn a living through it. Today, she has 4 full time weavers and 5 other part time weavers who work for her.

Lion loom is one of the most primitive forms of weaving. Each strand of yarn is handpicked to form beautiful geometric patterns, using designs that are rooted in tradition, culture and mythology. 

Cushion covers & table runners handwoven by Vekuvolu