Weaving Magic

Even though a great deal of effort is being done to sustain the rich Indian heritage and culture; much more remains to be done. And while Indian handlooms are being celebrated and adopted the world over, the weavers in our country are in a pitiable state. The reasons are plenty – meagre income, middlemen cornering all profits and not enough takers in the market. With the next generation bidding adieu to weaving as a livelihood option – beautiful, hand woven sarees are going to be relics of the past.

Despite the fact that India has a long heritage of handloom weaving that is distinctly unique and largest in the world, it is only recently that the government started paying attention to the myriad hand-woven 'Made In India' fabrics. Several government and private entities are coming up with their own versions of hand-woven or handloom fabrics giving it a modern makeover to make it appealing to the present generation. Some are into manufacturing and selling these fabrics to newer market while others adopt innovative strategies to promote the ethnicity and the many facets of culturally rich India.

One such platform – devised by DLF Place Saket – is 'Weaves of India.' The month-long festival, which will go on until August 15, will showcase traditional fabrics from across the nation.

As you enter the mall, in the western court of the mall, you will get to see a unique installation, decorated by various accessories used in fabric-making. Spools of thread, measuring tapes, a button tower, are all exaggerated to create an ethnic ambience. Turn towards the eastern court and you will find a quirky point with turbaned rural balloons and colourful thread designs.

Beautiful and creative installations will take you to the main place where weavers from several states have set up stalls to display their products – from lavish looking carpets and rugs from Uttar Pradesh, camel leather bags from Rajasthan, Banarasi sarees weaved with zari and colourful resham, Assam silk scarves and sarees, to Punjabi suits and salwars – you will be left awe-struck with the authenticity and variety on offer. The plus point of this festival for many vendors is that they get a free space to sell their products.

A vendor at the Punjab stall, who has come from Dilli Haat to sell phulkari work, loves the environment at the mall. He says, "I hope such festivals are held more often. The customers here don't bargain, which is very refreshing, and we are being provided with all the facilities to make things easier."

Talking about the sale of camel leather bags, a vendor from Rajasthan stall exclaimed, "This is my first time of displaying my products in a mall. We are getting customers who understand the craft and there is a great demand. Because the event is promoting handicrafts, it is exciting to see people to come and see the collection."

As DLF Place Saket is trying to promote ethnic wear and the various fabrics of India – the premium brands in the clothing industry have also participated. While Ritu Kumar is offering three brands under one roof for its customers in DLF Place Saket, Anita Dongre – with the motive of promoting cottage industries – offers the best of Banaras silk, mal fabric, Khadi and hand-woven designer pieces. The good news is that these designer brands come at a price tag that is reasonable.

From installations, knowledge sharing zones to exhibition and sale kiosks, giveaways, souvenirs as well as regional entertainment, the mall promises myriad ways of reconnecting with our rich legacy and diversity through Indian weaves and ethnic wear.

With Teej and Raksha Bandhan falling in the month of July and August respectively, DLF Place Saket will be adorned with stalls and installations, drawing inspiration from these festivals. And days before Independence Day, the mall will be organising several functions and stalls to keep the fervour alive.