National Handloom Day - Swadeshi is Uber-chic!
Greetings on the 7th National Handloom Day!
India celebrates August 7th as the National Handloom Day in honour of those who make the handloom community of our country – the artisans, weavers and craftsmen, who weave magic with their amazing workmanship. This day is dedicated to India's rich and diverse cultural heritage represented by the handlooms and weaves belonging to the various Indian states.
National Handloom Day also commemorates the commencement of Swadeshi Movement which began on the same day in the year 1905, to promote use of country made goods, as a part of India’s freedom movement. It was a massive 'Make in India' campaign of that time, that brought about rapid emergence of cotton mills, handloom weaving units and gave a major boost to the cottage industry in India.
Indian Handloom - Symbol of History, Culture and Identity
The Swadeshi movement proved to be a significant milestone in India’s journey from forceful occupation to freedom. It symbolized India’s assertion to be self-reliant that could not be ignored. From then to now, India's handloom space has grown manifold. The government has taken many steps toward supporting artisans and traditional handloom. Sant Kabir and Shilp Guru are the two prestigious annual awards that are conferred upon the artisans in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards keeping India's handloom heritage in good health.
After agriculture, handloom sector is the largest unorganized sector of the Indian economy providing employment to around 43 lakh weavers from rural and semi-urban areas. Amongst them about 77% of the weavers and allied workers are women. (Source: Ministry of Textiles)
Many programs launched by the government under the Digital India campaign together with formation of artisan self-help groups (SHG's), Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojna, organizing of craft bazaars contribute towards nurturing the handloom sector. Many NGO's, institutions like NIFT, NID and prominent fashion houses across the country are tying up with craftsmen community, and artisan clusters to make traditional Indian textiles more available and appealing for today's youth. Many milestones have been reached and yet it’s a long road ahead with much still to be achieved.
Kaanchi - a cog in the wheel
It has been amazing to see the admiration Indian handloom enjoys the world over. The idea to launch Kaanchi, originated primarily from a desire to support artisans, who face hardships due to a variety of issues – lack of access to technology, lack of fair price for products, rural infrastructural challenges and so on.
The more recent addition has been the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic that has taken away basic sustenance from many artisans facing movement restrictions due to lockdowns. Economic pressure could force skilled craftsmen to shift to other means of livelihood. We at Kaanchi Crafts are working closely with artisans based in rural or semi-urban setups. Additionally, it is a humble endeavour to infuse life into the select precious & treasured hand crafted art forms that would otherwise silently slide into oblivion.
Kaanchi offers an authentic digital e-commerce platform to showcase India's rich and vibrant, handicrafts. It is our endeavour to directly communicate with the artisan and weaver community across India with appreciation for the tradition and history behind their craft, their lifestyle & family composition. It is inspirational to discover how they approach the process of keeping the traditional craft alive amidst a dynamic economic scenario and evolving buyer preferences.
Finest Indian handicrafts & handloom products
India boasts of an amalgamation of diverse fabrics, patterns, weaving styles that make its handloom products unique. Our vision is to showcase India's handcrafted products from all the 28 Indian states. Our current focus is select categories of Indian handloom with a strong artisan connect in 6 states - Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand & West Bengal.
Be it the fascinating Kantha stitch of West Bengal, the exquisite Chikankari of Uttar Pradesh or the rustic Tangaliya weaving of Gujarat, each style exudes grace and adds to the design diversity. The uniqueness in the weaves of these regions finds its origins in the cultural influences, history, climate & life experiences of its native people.
1. Hand Embroidered
Kantha Stitch from West Bengal - one of the oldest forms of embroidery, Kantha embroidery was traditionally made by rural women as a means to recycle old sarees, torn clothes and make something useful out of it. Due to its versatility, today Kantha has found a place in almost every wardrobe. Kantha stoles, dupattas, sarees, cushion covers with folk art and bright floral motifs are widely appreciated.
Phool Patti ka Kaam/ Applique work from Uttar Pradesh - an old and traditional form of applique style hand embroidery done by women artisans of Northern India. It dates back to the Mughal period. As the name suggests, this craft involves creating delicate floral and leaf shape patterns using organdy fabric and then stitching them on to the base fabric of cotton, kota doria, tussar silk or chanderi. It can be best described as a delicate form of craft, known for its fine aesthetics and subtlety.
Chikankari from Uttar Pradesh - is another ancient form of hand embroidery that is believed to have originated during the Mughal period. It is one of its kind of hand embroidery with 32 distinct types of stitches. Chikankari is a timeless art and has ruled the fashion scene for generations. The more intricate the pattern, the more exquisite it looks. It is a much admired form of hand craft not just in India but worldwide.
2. Hand Woven
Tangaliya weaving also called [dana weaving or dana work] from Gujarat - an indigenous craft of handloom weaving that is around 700 years old. Dotted geometric patterns make Tangaliya weaving unique. Till date this form of weaving is being carried out in a pit loom inside a weavers home without using electricity, powered by human hands.
Bhujodi weaving from Gujarat - a 500 year old craft from a small village located on the outskirts of city of Bhuj. The highlight of the weave is the fine geometrical motifs arranged aesthetically on naturally dyed fabric of fine cotton or wool. The intricate patterns are weaved by hands, as they go between the threads of warp [taana] and weft [bana]. With time new explorations are being done by the Vankars [the weavers, in traditional parlance], using other fabrics like kala cotton, silk and linen but the motifs used are still largely traditional and ancient.
3. Hand Block
Ajrakh hand block prints from Gujarat - a unique art form of using natural dyes on the fabric. This craft includes 16 steps in total to get the final fabric in place. Its earthy in its appeal, patterns are intricate, natural colour combinations and the texture add to the fabric. Everything about Ajrakh connects you to the nature mainly because of the ingredients that are used in its making process. From wild indigo to tamarind seeds, pomegranate bark, camel dung and a lot other natural ingredients are used to make this earthy fabric.
4. Hand Painted
Madhubani craft from Bihar; an art form beyond words. When you talk to an artist about their craft, the sheer joy and pride for this craft is palpable in their voice. A craft style that depicts India's history, tradition and culture beautifully on one canvas.
5. Hand Knitted
Woollen Hand-knitted products from Uttarakhand - an amazing array of beautifully designed cowls, finger-less gloves, yoga socks, mug cosies and infant wear in myriad hues. Hand made with care and packed with the warmth of grandma's love.
6. Hand Crafted
Hand-crafted Lac Jewellery from Rajasthan - traditional and ethnic yet timeless collection of bright and colourful earrings and necklace sets made by skilled craftsmen. These fashion accessories are made using lac, a natural resin. The residue is extracted, cleaned and processed before it is finally available to the craftsmen for making jewellery.
As one discovers the wonder of India's traditional weaving, one cannot help but bow down to the commitment of the generations of artisans who have kept the heritage alive, defying all odds. Each time you buy a Kaanchi product, you contribute toward uplifting the lives of traditional artisans who painstakingly handcraft these exquisite products.
May the world discover India’s treasure trove and may there be ever-lasting prosperity for the artisans - the weavers, craftsmen and their families.
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