Chennai hosts Crafts Council of India’s Tari-the loom showcase on March 7 and 8

Crafts Council of India’s textile showcase Tari — the loom, will have 31 designers and weavers from across the country showcase a range of textiles, with a special focus on saris

The length and breadth of the country is home to a plethora of textiles; all indicative of a range of craftsmanship and skill. This has taken centrestage in the Crafts Council of India’s (CCI) showcases in Chennai over the last two decades.

Tari — the loom, the summer showcase this weekend organised by the CCI will have saris, kurtas, dupattas and yardage from looms across the country. The saris at this showcase include jamdani, brocade, patola, Chanderi and chikankari.

“Saris are the single most versatile piece of unstitched fabric. It is the mainstay of our handloom industry. As the late textile revivalist Martand Singh said, as long as that unstitched fabric remains in abundance and usage, all is well,” says Bela Mistry Khaleeli, vice chairperson, CCI. 

CCI, she says, has been interacting with artisans to revive and revitalise saris. “We aim to bring together a number of different weaves from across the country, and also promote it among younger people. The more people take to wearing saris, the more predominant it becomes,” she adds.

At Tari this year, 31 collections will be showcased by artisans with a focus on sustainability and the use of eco-friendly processes. Jeenu Panika, a young 25-year-old weaver and designer who dabbles in tribal weaves from Kotpad has a sari collection with unique woven motifs, natural colors and craftsmanship. Benaras saris created by award-winning weavers who have revived the jamdani style of weaving on Benaras saris will be the highlight of the brand Nilambari’s collection, and Unma by Sapna will have handcrafted tussar silk saris with designs inspired by tribal tattoo art crafted from natural fibres and hand spun yarn. Among the other designers and brands participating are Vimor, Nadiya Paar, Kosala, Rajni, Sankari Boutique, Woven Collections, and Erisri Ahimsa Silks.

The Tari showcase will be focussed on an amalgamation of India’s artisanal skills through summer centric textiles, says Jayasri Samyukta, executive committee member, CCI.

“People in Chennai love seeking out handmade, artisanal textiles. This is an opportunity for anyone who appreciates India’s indigenous crafts to meet the makers,” she says. Artisans, Jayasri says, always have something unique to share. “Interactions with them provide a valuable insight into their craft, and personal stories of the journey of how it came to be,” she adds.