Huge demand for Chanderi sarees in India

18 Sep '12

2 min read

The popularity and demand of Chanderi sarees, a textile heritage of central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, has risen in the last few years.

Chanderi sarees are known largely for their sheer texture, light weight and glossy transparency. These sarees are a result of expert traditional methods of hand weaving that have been developed over the centuries being passed down to later generations.

“The Geographical Indication certification assigned to Chanderi sarees two years ago has increased their popularity and demand in almost all the states and regions of India,” said Mr. Dilip Soni, Assistant Manager of Mrignayani in a chat with fibre2fashion.

Mrignayani, a unit of Madhya Pradesh Hastshilp Evam Hathkargha Vikas Nigam Limited, facilitates the wonderful creations of the master craftsmen of Chanderi to reach the true art lovers. It also provides certain free insurance schemes to the weavers for enrichment of their livelihood.

Speaking about the production and marketing of Chanderi sarees, he says, “There are 25,000 weavers in the village Chanderi, from where the fabric and the sarees got their name, who are engaged in the production of the fabric. There is huge demand for Chanderi sarees and the entire produce gets sold India itself.”

Mr. Soni also explains the design modification patterns that they are engaging in their products. He avers, “The weavers are experimenting with new styles of printings like batik, kalamkari, bagh, dabu, bagru, chauranga and block print. We have tied up with NIFT and NID for skill development, where the weavers are trained for new designs, color combinations and styles.”

“Besides sarees, Chanderi fabric is also being used for making dress materials and stoles. All the winners of the Commonwealth games were felicitated with Chanderi stoles,” he adds.

When quizzed about Mrignayani’s work, Mr. Soni says, “The story of Mrignayani is as diverse and fascinating as the art and creations of the state of Madhya Pradesh itself. With its countrywide network, Mrignayani provides the artists and craftsmen with efficient and profitable means of showcasing and marketing their products.”

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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