Innovating Tradition: Presented by DELHI CRAFTS COUNCIL ‘Sarees of India 2016’ showcases handcrafted sarees from across India

Sonal Mansingh inaugurates the 3-day exhibition

Shahid Junaid from Varanasi awarded Sutkar Samman 2016

October 13, 2016, New Delhi: From the Ikat sarees of Hyderabad to the Ajrakh prints of Varanasi, the rich ensemble of India’s favorite drape is on full display at the ‘Sarees of India 2016’ exhibition organized by the Delhi Crafts Council in the national capital.

‘Sarees of India: Innovating Tradition’, a three-day exhibition, was inaugurated today by eminent classical dancer Sonal Mansingh at the Aga Khan Hall, Bhagwan Das Road. The exhibition has brought together a carefully curated collection of handcrafted sarees from across the country. 

Organized by the Delhi Crafts Council [DCC], the annual exhibition focuses on highlighting innovative new techniques and designs that infuse new life into traditional techniques, prints and weaves.

Inaugurating the event, Sonal Mansingh lauded the contributions of India’s traditional weavers towards keeping alive a rich multitude of designs, patterns, and weaving skills. Citing the example of the ongoing Amazon India Fashion Week where almost two thirds of the fashion wear being showcased were sarees in different moulds, she said saree will always be a popular dress and will continue to evolve. She also said that weaving is an integral part our culture.

On the opening day of the event, Shahid Junaid, a weaver from the lineage of a renowned family of traditional weavers of Varanasi was awarded the SUTKAR SAMMAN 2016. The Council presents this award to honor a weaver for the excellence of his skills and to his commitment to continuing the rich tradition of handloom weaving of his region. This award seeks to celebrate India’s rich textile heritage and honor excellence in traditional weaving skills while encouraging commitment towards the continuity of the craft.

The enterprise run by Shahid -- the Haji Munna Creation – is named after his forefathers. Haji Munna Creations has had a long tradition of working with cotton sarees woven with Mughal buta patterns and borders. With time this family started working with silk as well. Junaid’s specialty is working with pastel shades and he is committed to reviving old Mughal motifs. His most recent work is called the "Ektaara" -- a heavy Banarasi saree with traditional designs -- has been awarded the National Award of Handloom in the year 2015. He claims that young innovative minds armed with modern techniques in handloom weaving will not only infuse fresh vibes into India’s saree industry but will also boost the economy.

“Through this annual exhibition, it is the endeavour of the Delhi Crafts Council to bring the SAREE back into focus and provide a platform for the many unnoticed craftsmen of our country to showcase their talent and products. This year DCC is showcasing collections of 21 participants working with different Indian weaves and printing techniques. India has a rich diversity of such techniques and it is our endeavour to bring these exciting developments before the discerning audience of Delhi,” says KamayaniJalan, member in charge of Sarees of India and Vice President DCC.

The exhibitors of 2016 are -

Aavaran from Udaipur with a range of sarees in natural indigo.

Jyothi Reddy from Hyderabad with her subtle and intricate Ikat sarees in Eri Silk.Junaid from Ajrakhpur, Bhuj, with vegetable dyed Ajrakh sarees.

Bailou brings an eclectic range of sarees created by the weavers of West Bengal with interesting textures. Bright and bold hues define this collection by Bappaditya. 

Karomi brings its unique collection of hand-woven and hand-block printed sarees designed by Sarita & Sarika

Suleiman Khatri will come with a range of traditional Bandhani sarees in a variety of hues.

Vriksh brings exquisite Odisha weaves in the Bomkaiand Sambalpuri tradition, painstakingly revived designer Gunjan Jain.

Weaver’s Studio Kolkata makes its debut at the Sareeexhibition with an interesting mix of Bengal weaves and prints. 

Pracheen from Mumbai will present their unique rendering in their signature vegetable dyed prints.  

Anuradha Kuli, a weaver from Assam who works with natural dyes, has been responsible for reviving the old traditional motifs of the Mising and Miri tribes. This year she was selected to present her sarees at Mumbai as part of India Fashion Week 2016. 

Pradeep Pillai comes with his timeless Tussars from Bihar and silk Venkatgiri of Andhra Pradesh. 

Santosh Saha comes with bespoke cotton Jamdanis. 

Srinath from Hyderabad will be exhibiting unusual Ikats from Telengana and Andhra Pradesh

Taan Baan will be showcasing its collection in cotton and silks from Maharashtra, South India, and the much awaited handspun yarn Khadi sarees.

Village Art will be displaying their range of Bhagalpuri Silks

Sundari Silks, also makes their debut at this exhibitionwith their wide range of South Indian Weaves. 

Shivangi Kasliwal will be showcasing her well knownBanaras sarees.

Studio Akaaro and Eka, will be exhibiting an exciting range of sarees in contemporary designs using traditional techniques.

Delhi Crafts Council

Delhi Crafts Council is a registered, voluntary non-profit organization working for the promotion and development of traditional artisans and craft skills in a contemporary environment. Sustainable livelihood is the Council’s first priority, in a sector recognized as the second largest source of employment in India after agriculture. This is supported by emphasis on marketing, design, identification of and support to young talent as well as sensitive intervention for the revival of languishing crafts.