Vibrant sounds of handlooms fill air at Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad,where visitors gather to see intricate art of weaving. At heart of event,71-year-old Yadagiri deftly works his loom, crafting a pink Pochampally Ikat saree. For many,first time seeing meticulous process behind one of Telangana's cherished handloom traditions.
Yadagiri,a seasoned weaver from Bhongir in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district,has spent nearly six decades on this craft. “It takes us four days to weave one saree. After weaving,it goes for dyeing and finishing before ready for sale,” he said,skillfully guiding shuttle through threads . Saree on display will retail for around ₹9,000 . Price starts to make sense once you see labor involved .
Despite pride in tradition,Yadagiri worries about future . “My children became weavers,but grandchildren not interested. Tradition we took pride in is slowly dying,” he lamented. His concerns echo broader trend at ‘Thread Pochampally’ exhibition,where about 100 weavers display their creations,including sarees,dress materials,shirts.
Exhibition,showcasing natural dyes in Telangana,draws diverse crowd — young professionals,families. Among them,Kanika,a 32-year-old IT worker who moved to Hyderabad three years ago. “I first heard about Pochampally last year. Thought products were expensive. But after watching weavers today,I get how much effort goes into each piece,” she said.
At Bhagyalakshmi Sarees stall,Bhagyalakshmi from Pochampally notes this is her first time at exhibition dedicated solely to Pochampally Ikat. “Even with UNESCO recognition,many in Telangana still unaware of Pochampally and its importance. Exhibitions like this help people understand craft,appreciate weavers' work,” she stated.
Organized by Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district administration with CSR support,exhibition is both cultural showcase and commercial hit. In first three days,over 6,000 visitors came, sales topped ₹2.3 crore . As event continues,celebrates Pochampally weaving heritage but also highlights challenges facing this traditional craft…
