Why We Must Support the Handloom Industry

Contribution of Handloom Industry

In these days of energy crisis and global warming, it is more sensible to  encourage the eco-friendly handloom industry rather than textile mills and power looms that are energy and infrastructure intensive.  

Using Handloom fabrics can help in reducing Global Warming

Handloom is a highly comfortable fabric that is most suitable for Indian weather conditions. 

By supporting Handloom we will also preserve the rich textile heritage and art of India.

This Industry can generate and sustain employment for millions of people, with no additional need for infrastructure or extra energy. Indian Handloom provides livelihood for 12 million people and is the second largest employment provider after agriculture in India.

handloom cotton sarees weaving

Journey of Handloom Industry

The origin of weaving in India dates back more than 5000 years; a fragment of faded pink madder-dyed cloth was found in Indus Valley excavations. And in Roman times Indian cottons and silks were exported in massive quantities.

The trend continued for centuries until industrialisation and demand for cheap mass-produced goods meant weaving skills were almost lost until a timely revival in ethnic and ethical products.

Handloom Industry Today

In the unlikeliest places, tucked behind cow sheds in villages and down dusty roads in small towns seemingly in the middle of nowhere, India’s ancient tradition of hand-woven textiles hangs by a thread.

You will find weavers sitting in shaded mud veranda at a simple wooden loom constructed in a variety of ingenious ways his legs dangling in a pit below. The rhythmic clanking of bamboo and chiming of metal rings is absolutely timeless.

Read about Handloom – A Timeless Tradition.

Weaver weaving handloom saree

Handloom – Labour of Love

Weaving is an great combination of creativity, focus, patience and concentration. In olden days the weavers use to change the designs and patterns on the go i.e. while weaving. This needs clarity of thought.

Though after the introduction of jacquard technique,  weaving has become simpler and multiple fabrics with same details can be produced but it is still a very complex process. Weaving, thus, is much beyond making something and selling it.  

Handloom and You

“What one wears is our emotions and thoughts” a passionate weaver once told us. He would sing while weaving, littering each fabric with his lyrics. Isn’t this a beautiful thought?

The handloom fabrics have special warmth as the weaver has made it with lots of hope and love. Next time you buy a handloom not just wear it but feel it. Buy handloom sarees online.

Handloom and Our Nation

Handloom employs 43 lakh* people in India.

It’s the second biggest income generating source in India. What would happen to our economy if so many people would become jobless. Rather than empowering them with new skills why not harness their existing skills, skills that is so unique and indigenous to India. This way we keep people employed, let them do what they are good at and would love to do and turn the society to a happier place.

handloom industry in india

Handloom and Our World

Today world is facing constant challenge of generating more power to fulfil ever  increasing needs for energy. This has lead to emission of excessive greenhouse gases which is causing irreversible impact on our environment.

In this oil guzzling race, handloom is a clear winner as all a handloom needs is mechanical power of the weaver to weave the fabric. People who wear handloom chooses a better environment for them and the generations to come.

So next time, you chose handloom over powerloom feel the pride because you are not just making the weaver richer but also are contributing to a better environment, a brighter future, a happier nation and a beautiful world.

handwoven saree

References: http://handlooms.nic.in/writereaddata/2486.pdf*

6 Comments Add yours

  1. I read your blog, it’s an excellent blog. It tells us about the benefits and other details about handloom sarees and silk sarees. I recommend this blog to anyone who needs to know more about handloom sarees and silk sarees. If you are looking for Handloom sarees online, do visit Only Paithani.

    1. Chinmaya Upahar says:

      Thanks for your kind words. Glad you found the blog informative and interesting.

  2. Abrar says:

    Thank you for these valuable words. It’s about the support handloom industry. I have learned many things from your blog and from the handloom studio.

  3. niketan says:

    “Thank you for this valuable words. I have learned many things from the your blog and from the handloom studio.https://thehandloomstudio.com/

    1. Chinmaya Upahar says:

      Hi! We are so glad you found the blog useful. Thanks for letting us know.

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