Exhibition showcases rich textile heritage of India

From vegetable dyed Ajrakh sarees, to intricate Gujarat weaves, from brocade and Banarasi woven fabrics to Odisha ikats, a wide range of traditional weaves from across the country were showcased at a textile exhibition here.
An initiative of Delhi Crafts Council to provide marketing assistance to skilled weavers and printers, 'Kairi 2017- an exhibition of textiles' had on display an array of weaving styles and patterns including tie and dye, khadi, ajrakh, bagru and dabu prints, laaheriya, ikats and weaves in sarees, dupattas and fabrics.
While participating weavers were charged a nominal fee for setting up their stalls, Kamayani Jalani from Delhi Crafts Council said that the major aim of the show remained the upliftment of such artisans.

"There is no denying the fact that powerloom is cheaper than the handloom. But, we wanted to promote the handloom weavers and printers and did not charge them anything, but a nominal fee to cover the expenses of holding the exhibition. Therefore, the products were way cheaper than their prices in the market," she said.
While a yard of cloth ranged somewhere between Rs 200 and 1,000 per meter depending on the fabric, sarees were priced between Rs 600 and Rs 60,000.
The show also exhibited tribal weaves from remote regions like Bastar in Chhattisgarh, besides the widely popular South Indian weaves and Jaipur prints.

Anu, one of the visitors at the exhibition said while bling was gradually becoming passe and traditional wear was catching up as fashionable wear, it still had "miles to go" to become popular with the younger generation.

"Youngsters are largely attracted towards the bling. But, such exhibitions not only benefit weavers economically but also help in introducing the traditional weaves of our country to younger people.
"It is also great that now designers are associating themselves with the Indian textile heritage, which inturn is helping weavers earn recognition," she said.
The exhibition came to a close yesterday.