“Chinar trees are ingrained in our culture. It’s like a part of our identity” says Irshad Ahmed from Kashmir. No wonder, the motif was everywhere — from embroidery patterns in his shawls to the name of his store at the ongoing Weaves exhibition.
Chinar Emporium is lined with traditional Kashida embroidered saris, kurtis, Kani and Pashmina shawls and stoles, both pure woollen and silk blends. “Kashida is our traditional needlework. It takes a lot of time and patience to finish a piece,” he says, showing me one.
A Kani stole, famous for its intricate design, takes around six months to complete while a shawl needs around 12 months. “It needs a lot of patience and dedication to do Kani weaving. The technique is difficult.” The wool used to make Pashmina shawls is procured from Kashmir and Ladakh. “It is collected from the neck of a goat. That’s why it’s so soft and warm,” he explains.
Ahmad took up weaving as a part of his family tradition. “My parents did this and now it is me.” He believes that he is bringing a part of their ancient tradition to the current generation. “I feel good. Staying close to my culture makes me happy.” The price range in his stall begins from ₹1500 and goes up to ₹15000.
Akhil Goot from Sameer Chikan, Lucknow, sells chikan-embroidered saris, palazzos, shawls, kurtas and suites in rayon, cotton and georgette. “It takes about a month for a chikan kurta to be made. Pastel colours are always a favourite.” He unfolds a deep red georgette kurta with intricate floral work. “This costs ₹1700 and is all hand embroidered. Look at the work,” he says. Here the price range is from ₹1500-3500
Another stall showcases an array of bedsheets in typical Rajasthani designs. It uses handblock prints in vegetable colours. “People like these. Kalamkari and indigo prints are evergreen hits,” says Dheeraj Kumar, who manages the stall. A beautiful green double bedsheet with the design of a royal parade caught my attention. “This is unique. See the prints — the elephants and the kings. It shows a part of our history.”
Saris abound at the Maa Manasa Handloom from West Bengal. Linen, Matka silk, muslin, Dhakai jamdani and Khadi saris in vibrant colours caught one’s attention.
The exhibition includes artisans from all over India and offers an insight into the the cultural and aesthetic specialities of different regions.
What When and where
The exhibition features handloom cotton and silk sarees, kurtas, suits, skirts, pants, shawls, bedsheets and home furnishings.
On today from 11.00 am to 9.00 pm at Suguna Kalyana Mandapam, Avanashi Road
Contact 9010878673 for more details
