Check out Sarakapatna’s vibrant ‘Hastatanta’ sarees

Dhenkanal district in Odisha is renowned for its scenic beauty and popular attractions like Joranda Mela and Kapilash temple. Nestled within this landscape is Sarakapatna, a village where every thread is woven with pride, preserving the age-old tradition of Hastatanta sarees.

Dhenkanal district is renowned for its scenic beauty and popular attractions like Joranda Mela and Kapilash temple. Nestled within this landscape is Sarakapatna, a village where every thread is woven with pride, preserving the age-old tradition of Hastatanta sarees.

Also Read | Weaving magic with skeins of thread

Family members, including women and elders, weave these sarees after receiving the Maniabandha Suta (weaving thread) from the district collector’s office. Typically, it takes around 3-4 days for the artists to produce a single saree.

Also Read | Weavers of Negamam face social, economic challenges

The artists devote special care and attention to the designs, which represent seasonal symbols or tales of rural folklore. These sarees are meticulously crafted with the finest handloom silk in their homes.

Also Read | Weavers keep Bastar’s pata saree tradition alive

The village faced hardship when their business was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Piles of sarees accumulated in every household’s storage without any customers in sight. Many families contemplated changing their professions, posing a concerning situation for the weaving community.

Also Read | Mising weavers intertwine technology with traditional skills

To address this, the Dhenkanal authorities stepped in and established a special scheme to provide financial assistance to senior and skilled handloom weavers.

The villagers received tanta (looms), machinery, and an additional loan of Rs 50,000 after verification. This monetary support offered much-needed relief and opened avenues for the artists to enhance their production.

Also Read | The warm homespun blanket of Gaddi tribe is going cold

The District Collector of Dhenkanal allocated a room in his office premises for the weavers to sell their products twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. In an era of rapid technological advancement, the village of Sarakapatna has preserved the charm of Hastatanta.

The weavers earn between Rs 1800 to 6000 for their sarees, depending on the variety. However, they provide a special discount to customers who make the journey to their village to purchase these traditional handloom sarees.

Also Read | Weaving a way out of destitution

The pure and rich quality of Hastatanta sarees has gained significant popularity and appeal among various sections of people in Odisha. The weavers of Sarakapatna aspire to showcase their tapestry on a global level, a dream that can only be fulfilled with constant support from the administration and the perseverance of these talented artists.

Also Read | Women weave plastic waste into utilitarian products