Viji Reddy’s Post

Saree Ka Sahitya : Episode 06 Assam : Mekhala Chador 🇮🇳 This is Saree Ka Sahitya, in which I’ll be sharing and promoting the different textiles, prints, history of different states of Bharat ❤️ Origin and Significance: It’s a traditional attire from Assam, a northeastern state of India, and symbolizes Assamese culture and identity, often worn during festivals, ceremonies, and special occasions. Components : Mekhla : A cylindrical skirt that wraps around the waist, typically tucked at the left side. Chador : A piece of cloth draped over the upper body, akin to a dupatta or shawl, styled over the shoulder. Materials : Commonly made from indigenous silks like Muga, Eri, and Pat, known for their durability and natural sheen. Designs and Motifs : Features intricate hand-woven designs. Motifs often include local symbols such as the jaapi (a traditional bamboo hat), rhinos, peacocks, and floral patterns. Craftsmanship :The making of a Mekhla Chador requires skilled craftsmanship. Weavers often pass down these techniques through generations, maintaining the authenticity and tradition of the craft. The Mekhla Chador is not just a piece of clothing but a wearable canvas that tells the story of Assamese heritage and artistry 🇮🇳 #sareekasahitya #assam #sarees #indiantextiles #textiles #heritage

Every thread has a story, every weave carries a legacy. This is more than just a rug, it’s a piece of art created by the skilled hands of our artisans in India. It starts with raw materials, transformed into something extraordinary through hours of dedication, patience, and passion. Each knot and pattern reflects generations of tradition, passed down with pride. What you see here isn’t just a product—it’s a livelihood for the artisans who pour their hearts into their craft. It’s sustainability in action, using eco-friendly materials to create something timeless. It’s a connection between the maker and the user, a reminder of the beauty in things made slowly and with care. By choosing handmade, you’re not just choosing a rug; you’re choosing heritage, ethics, and sustainability. Thank you for supporting craftsmanship that stands the test of time. #HandmadeStories #IndianArtisans #CraftedWithLove #SustainableDesign #TraditionMeetsModern

Reflections on the Dhalapathara Revival Project: A Journey of Commitment and Care As the Founder of Nirguna, I look back at the Dhalapathara revival project as one of the most challenging endeavours we’ve undertaken. It felt like caring for a critically ill patient in the ICU—on the brink of life, requiring attention and care beyond anything we had previously encountered. The journey shook Nirguna in many ways, testing our resilience and forcing us to embrace uncertainty with every step. We questioned the success of the project countless times, not knowing if it would ultimately work out. But, like Gandhiji's principles, which inspire so much of what Nirguna stands for, we believe in walking with the grassroots. His teachings remind us that small is beautiful and that not everything in life or work must be scalable. Some things, like this project, demand a commitment to the cause itself—a deep-rooted belief that the journey matters as much as the outcome. Even when the result isn't clear, or it isn't scalable in a traditional organizational sense, the work carries intrinsic value. It’s about nurturing a craft for the benefit of the community, even when the success of such an endeavour might be uncertain. Nirguna's approach has always been holistic, tied to the grassroots, and aligned with the belief that social enterprises must look beyond profit. We must be the custodians of traditions, even if they don’t fit into the framework of a scalable business model. The Dhalapathara revival project embodies this purpose, and I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me—both as a leader and as a human being committed to the power of community, culture, and craft. I invite you to reflect on these principles with me and support initiatives like Dhalapathara that, while fragile, are beautiful in their own right and vital to preserving our cultural heritage. Together, we can contribute to something greater—something that uplifts the grassroots while honouring the spirit of sustainability and social impact. Happy Gandhi Jayanti! #Nirguna #SocialEnterprise #HandloomRevival #GrassrootsLeadership #SmallIsBeautiful #GandhianPhilosophy #DhalapatharaRevival #Sustainability #CommunityImpact #IndianHandloom #CulturalHeritage

Dyeing to know more? India and Sri Lanka may be separated by the Palk Strait, but these same shallow waters also ensured that their histories intertwined through trade. From the bustling shores of the Coromandel Coast in India, vibrant textiles made their way to Sri Lanka, not just as commodities, but as carriers of culture, faith, and artistic endeavour. Within the Sri Lankan context, Indian symbols take on new meanings, getting localised and gently weaving themselves into the fabric of local traditions and customs. These painstakingly hand-printed and hand-painted textiles have been known by many names over the centuries. The Dutch called them “Sarasse”, the British referred to them as “Chintz.” Painted in the striking chay reds and ferrous black, they reveal sheer artistry and delicate craftsmanship that captivated people across the world. But in Sri Lanka, these vivid designs weren’t just decorative; they were symbols of prestige, tradition as well as the everyday. Whether you are fascinated by history, drawn to myths and legends, or a lover of textile craftsmanship, MAP’s upcoming exhibition curated by Yash Sanhotra “Chay Reds, Ferrous Black” offers an evocative look into the ties that have bound India and Sri Lanka together for generations. This is more than an exhibition—it is an invitation to rediscover a shared heritage, one thread at a time. 🔗 Read more about the upcoming exhibition here https://lnkd.in/gvibMCzR 🎞️ Detail of Palampore, 19th Century, Cotton, Natural Dyes, Negapatam (presentent day Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu) or Sri Lanka, TXT.04806 #MAPBangalore #ArtMuseum #BangaloreEvents #BangaloreMuseum #ThingsToDoBangalore #Exhibition #UpcomingEvents #Dyes #Textiles #History #Trade #SriLanka

A kurta that reflects authentic Indian style, heritage and the "Make in India" initiative. Authentic Indian Style: Choose a kurta with traditional designs such as intricate embroidery, block prints, or patterns like paisley and floral motifs. Make in India: Support local artisans and manufacturers by opting for kurtas that are proudly made in India. Many brands and boutiques focus on showcasing Indian craftsmanship and using local materials. Style Tips: A classic kurta can be paired with churidar, salwar, or even jeans for a modern twist. Sustainability: If you’re environmentally conscious, look for brands that focus on sustainable practices and ethical production. #kurta #makeinindia #traditionallook #whatsinmytrunk

"Happy National Handloom Day! 🌟 Celebrating the artistry and tradition of Indian handlooms. Every thread tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship. Let’s support our artisans and embrace the beauty of handmade textiles. #NationalHandloomDay #HandloomLove #ArtisanCrafts #CulturalHeritage #WeaveOfIndia"

🔍 𝗔 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗿’𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀: 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀  🧵As part of the 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 with Calcutta Business School , we visited 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘂𝗿, 𝗡𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮 a town celebrated for its 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲. This visit allowed us to witness the artistry and evolution of loom technology, each representing a unique aspect of craftsmanship and innovation. 💡 Types of Looms We Observed 🧵 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗺 Operated entirely by hand, these looms are the backbone of traditional weaving. Each saree takes 4 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 to weave, showcasing the weaver’s skill and patience. Manual handlooms create sarees that carry the essence of authenticity and intricate detailing. 🔧 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗺 These looms combine manual effort with mechanical components to ease the weaving process. They reduce the production time to 3 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 per saree, striking a balance between tradition and efficiency. Semi-automatic looms help artisans adapt to growing demand while preserving the handwoven charm. ⚙️ 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗺 (𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗺) A leap into modern technology, these looms can produce two sarees simultaneously in just 2 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀. Equipped with a 𝗣𝗼𝗸𝗮-𝗬𝗼𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺, they ensure error-free production, enhancing precision and productivity. While these looms cater to larger-scale production, they also reflect the weaving industry’s adaptation to modern times. 🌟 𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Santipur’s looms represent the journey of weaving from tradition to modernity. Each type plays a vital role in the ecosystem, blending artistry with technology. It was inspiring to see how the weavers embrace innovation while staying rooted in their rich cultural heritage. This visit was a powerful reminder of the dedication and skill behind every saree. Let’s continue to appreciate and celebrate these timeless crafts. #RuralImmersion #CalcuttaBusinessSchool #SantipurLooms #ManualHandloom #SemiAutomaticLoom #FullyAutomaticLoom #PokaYoke #HandwovenSarees #WeavingTradition #InnovationInWeaving 💪👗🌾

What you see here is adda, an “adda” allows the fabric to stretch while embroidering. Zari or Jari involves weaving thin metallic threads onto silk textiles. The beautiful art of Zari originated in the village of ‘Zari’ in Persia (present-day Iran). Around 1700-1100 BC, Persians brought this exquisite craft to India. During the Mughal period, especially under Emperor Akbar’s rule, Zari work flourished and adorned the attire of nobility. Once worn by royalty, Zari embroidery now faces a different fate. The shimmer that once captivated hearts is gradually dimming. Why? Because of: 1. Changing fashion trends 2. Maintenance challenges: Zari threads, especially those made of real gold and silver, require delicate care. 3. Cost and accessibility: Genuine zari threads are expensive due to the precious metals involved. This is why lakhs of karigars who have been in this business for decades are now unable to earn a decent living. Zari work is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of India, symbolizing more than just artistic expression. It is a reflection of heritage, a connection to the country's regal past, and a celebration of craftsmanship passed down through generations. Through our collections, we always try to preserve traditions by working with skilled karigars and giving our collection a hint of history. When was the last time you wore something which had the original Zari work in it? Let us know in the comments. #zari #zaricraftsmanship

The 500-Year-Old Weaving Secret of Pochampally’s Double Ikkat The Double Ikkat saree is a beautiful reflection of Pochampally’s signature style. What makes this art form stand out is the precise use of geometric patterns and a few predominant colors—often shades like red, black, and white. While Pochampally’s Double Ikkat is known for its structured designs and sharp geometry, other forms of Ikkat, such as those from Odisha and Gujarat, bring their own beauty to the table, often embracing more fluid or organic patterns. Each region’s Ikkat has its own charm and mastery, with distinct approaches to design and color. In the case of Pochampally’s Double Ikkat, the intricate process starts with hand-dyeing both the warp and weft threads. Each thread is meticulously colored to match the design, and if even a small detail goes wrong, the entire pattern can be altered. This precision is what makes the Double Ikkat so special—a labor of love that requires time, patience, and a deep understanding of the craft. Other Ikkats, with their own variations in technique, showcase equally rich traditions, each carrying forward the spirit of craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Pochampally’s Double Ikkat is not just a symbol of tradition but also a unique expression of artistry. While it holds a special place in the world of handlooms, it stands as one among many remarkable forms of Ikkat, each with its own legacy and story. PS:* What’s fascinating about Ikkat is how diverse it is across India. Whether it’s the bold geometry of Pochampally or the more fluid patterns from Odisha and Gujarat, each Ikkat tells its own tale. The Double Ikkat just happens to be one of those stories, woven with love, precision, and centuries of tradition. #PochampallyDoubleIkkat #IkkatArtistry #TimelessElegance #IndianCraftsmanship #WearYourLegacy #500YearSecret #TraditionInStyle #HandwovenArt #GeometricDesigns #HeritageInThreads

Banarasi sarees are not just garments; they are a legacy inherited from the enchanting city of Varanasi. At Kalindi Silks, our commitment is unwavering: quality first, design second. Yet, as our diverse clientele has evolved, so have their tastes. In response to the growing demand for unique designs beyond traditional paisleys, we proudly introduced: 👉 Flower Motifs 👉 Buti Jaal 👉 Aada 👉 Peacock Designs The transformation is remarkable. When our customers adorn themselves in these exquisite designs, they don’t just wear a saree—they embrace a statement. They feel unique, confident, and ready to stand out in a crowd. After all, when you wear something truly one-of-a-kind, you’ll be addressed as a “queen,” not just another face in the crowd. In our latest post, we delve into the intricate designs that enrich the legacy of Banarasi sarees. These motifs are not just beautiful; they are stories woven into fabric, celebrating artistry and culture. 🌟 Curious to learn more about the stories behind our creations, or the intersection of business and fashion? Follow Vardhak Gujrati for insights into the world of sarees, entrepreneurship, and beyond! #BanarasiSarees #FashionInnovation #Entrepreneurship #CulturalHeritage #B2B #VardhakGujrati #SareeStories #QualityCraftsmanship #UniqueDesigns #StandOutInStyle Link is here: https://lnkd.in/dYZ9bZdF