Salute the weavers of Karnataka
Handloom of Karnataka
Karnataka is famous for its Art and Culture as it is famous for its Heritage and also its famous cuisine. Amongst the art fraternity my vote goes to the weavers of Karnataka. This is because they have kept up the tradition from centuries and not allowed it to disintegrate. In fact the weaving community takes pride in their art and have preserved it from generations.
The weavers produce the ethnic beautiful nine yard sarees and blouse material at their looms and display the same. They are patronised by the die-hard fans and people who have vowed to wear nothing other than handloom. I would humbly say that I have committed to join this die-hard community and have decided to wear the fabric which is manufactured by the weavers and directly buy from them. The feel of the fabric is so good and it gives a very good feeling in your heart when you get the produce of the weavers directly to your home.
The vibrant designs and colour are very unique to Karnataka and this has a distinct place in our hearts. The ethnic hues give the fabric a unique place in our wardrobes and nothing can match this. The lady who can drape a saree with elegance will not need any accessory to enhance her beauty. Such is the mesmerising effect of the handloom saree. The nine yard beauties are accompanied by blouse pieces which are woven with double shaded hues and a border which has the motifs chosen carefully. The colour combination and design have been preserved from ages.
The weave is designed to have a warp and weft sometimes in the same colour or it may be a dual coloured one. The thread is also made from cotton which is also a local produce. The dyes which are used are all organic and harmless. They blend into the fabric effortlessly and the same sheen is maintained after many washes over the years.
Earlier the traditional patterns and motifs very preferred. Now the weavers have retained the quality of weave and fabric but are experimenting with the colour combinations and styles in the borders and pallus. More paisley shades and vibrant combinations are being woven. There are some colours which are very bold and striking and when worn, give the lady a complete transformation. The saree makes the wearer give a bold statement of power and attitude.
The saree gives the wearer a definite persona. It suits the homemaker very comfortably and also the power dresser too.
Now the weavers have made inroads into empowering themselves with power looms in order to cater to a wider section of the public. Power looms render more numbers and they are able to produce more in order to sell more. They have also adapted themselves to the current demand through the digital mode. The weavers are able to make a contact through their phones and also are ready with the different digital modes of payment, in order to sustain in the ever changing market.
During the current pandemic situation many weavers have joined hands and have been of immense support to each other by helping very needy families with food and shelter. Some of the weavers have been lucky to have had the opportunity to keep working continously as demand was there.
They have been able to reach out using the technology and support their families and help others too.
All the efforts of our traditional artists, craftsmen and weavers should not be allowed to go waste and we should not fall prey to the lure of the fabrics which are not being produced in our own country. By falling prey to the blitz and glitter of the market outside the country, we are letting down our own people.
Let us vow to support this particular art form and help these beautiful hands to sustain and keep creating works of art.
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