National Handloom Day: From mathematics to friendship sarees, Subaranapur weavers weaving magic

Subarnapur district has earned a unique identity worldwide for its distinct handloom designs. From the mathematics saree donned by Bollywood star Vidya Balan to friendship sarees, the weavers in the western Odisha district have been weaving magic since ages.

And now, the district has hogged the headline again after its Mangasala saree bagged a national award. 

The saree has been designed by Arindra Meher from Sagarpalli. Earlier in 2017, he was awarded a state award for the design.

Sharing details about the saree, Meher said, “It took me four months to finish the weaving. My entire family was involved in the making of the masterpiece which displays ‘hatha’, ‘nari’, solar light and many more things. The saree costs Rs 30,000.”

“The saree earned me a state award first. But, I was delighted when it fetched a national award for me as well. I thank my teacher Prafulla Meher for this success,” Meher added.

“Bandha saree of Sonepur district has earned a good name across the globe. The concept of Managasala saree is to depict a weaver’s struggle, hardship and efforts for weaving a masterpiece,” Prafulla Meher said.

Notably, National Handloom Day is marked annually on August 7 as a tribute to the handloom-weaving community of India and to highlight the contribution of this sector to the socio-economic development of the country.

The date connects with the independence struggle when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Swadeshi Movement in 1905 to encourage indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.