Arts of Weaving celebrates National Handloom Day with tradition and a global vision

Odisha’s online handloom marketplace Arts of Weaving (AOW) marked National Handloom Day with a unique and captivating celebration, blending the state's traditional weaving heritage with innovative approaches to take it to a global audience.

This year, AOW introduced the use of AI models to showcase Odisha’s handloom products, enabling cost-effective and faster ways to present them internationally. The move has helped connect Odisha’s weavers with overseas customers, giving the state’s artisans a wider platform.

As part of the Handloom Day celebrations, AOW also undertook initiatives to promote Eri silk, also known as Ahimsa silk. Unlike traditional silk production, where silkworms are boiled alive, Eri silk is produced without harming the worms. The cocoons are used only after the moths complete their life cycle and emerge naturally.

This humane and non-violent process is being promoted as an ethical alternative to conventional silk, aiming to spread its message of compassion and sustainability to the world.

On the occasion of National Handloom Day, a special event was organized where the first 50 handloom-enthusiast customers were felicitated by AOW in recognition of their support. One of the co-founders of the organization, Dr Sujata Das, expressed her gratitude to the participants for their encouragement.

Sucheta Priyadarshini, Deputy Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations, who has played a significant role in promoting Odisha handlooms in collaboration with AOW, was also honoured with a Habaspuri saree from Kalahandi.

In her address, Priyadarshini highlighted the excellence and utility of Odisha’s handloom weaving tradition. She further remarked that, in today’s fast-paced life, the AOW website serves as an excellent platform for accessing Odisha’s handloom products.

In a short span of time, AOW has successfully built its own customer base and earned the trust of buyers by delivering a substantial range of Sambalpuri Ikat fabrics, Khandua, Kotpad, Berhampur silk, Gopalpur tussar, and Pattachitra sarees and dress materials.

On this occasion, the company showcased its range of Tussar and Kotpad blazers, jackets, and unique Bichitrapuri silk long jackets. To bring these products closer to customers, the company has also appointed in-house designers.

This year, AOW has focused on catering to the interests of the younger generation by emphasizing new fashion trends. Steps have been taken to make attractive outfits, blending traditional fabrics with modern designs available online.

On their website, Arts of Weaving has showcased a powerful fusion outfit featuring a women’s blazer made from Gopalpur Tussar silk and Kotpad cotton, paired with a light casual jacket. This combination has emerged as a preferred choice for young women entrepreneurs. Similarly, a long jacket crafted from Sambalpuri silk with intricate Ikat work has been recreated to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern appeal, offering an attractive look for women of all age groups.

Disha Das, founder of Arts of Weaving, who has pursued higher education in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the United States, said, “Our goal is to take Odisha’s silk and weaving heritage to the global stage. We are moving forward with a focus on technology, indigenous fabrics, and clothing designed with fresh ideas.”

For more details, Das advised connecting through Arts of Weaving’s social media platforms or visiting their website at artsofweaving.com.