Sivaganga:
In a big boost to a group of 650 weavers from Koviloor and Karaikudi in Sivaganga district under the Rajiv Gandhi Weavers’ Co-operative Society, the Union textile ministry has bestowed the ‘Indian Handloom Brand’ tag on Chettinad cotton saris, which would enable them to promote the material in the international market.
According to president of the society, S Palaniappan, when they (society members) attended the textile conference in Chennai last August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was impressed with their product. The textile committee authorities then asked the society to apply for the Indian Handloom Brand tag, which it did on September 28, last year. After the product was subjected to a series of testing, the society received an official communication from the textile ministry on January 6, about the tag.
Palaniappan said the society provides yarn to the weavers who spin the beautiful intricately designed saris in a hue of colours. “This is the traditional sari of the region, characterised by its silk-like texture and contrasting border and bodies colours, with intricate designs adorning the border,” he said.
The society has about 650 weavers, most of them women who are paid for their weaving, which they predominantly undertake in their homes. They comply with specifications of the textiles committee of 60 x60 (warp and weft) and also use permitted dyes. “The saris are suitable for both summer and winter, where the can keep the body warm or cool according to the climate,” said Palaniappan.
Women in Karaikudi region, especially the elderly, take pride in owning these saris, which form a major portion of their wardrobe, some of which are even passed on for generations. Devanai of Athangudi, 75, said that she owns a 60-year-old sari that was given to her by her mother, which is still in good condition and looks new.
“The colours of these saris never fade, and unlike other cotton saris, they will retain their 48-inch width even after umpteen number of machine or hand washes,” said Palaniappan. He says that the Kancheepuram silk from Tamil Nadu has also received the tag.
The ‘India Handloom Brand’ is an endorsement to quality of the handloom products right from its inception, that is raw material, processing, embellishments, design besides compliances of social and environment.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India /News Home> City> Madurai / by Padmini Sivarajan, TNN / February 07th, 2016