Vastrabharana, the fund-raiser event of the Crafts Council of Karnataka, presents 56 weavers from all over India, showcasing their rare cotton weaves next week at Chitrakala Parishath
If you are wearing the heritage weaves of Karnataka - Illkal in its splendid natural dyes or Molakalmuru with traditional designs - you could attribute this to the efforts of the Crafts Council of Karnataka (CCK) that helped weavers add a creative touch to liven up its oeuvre.
A couple of workshops for weavers by CCK at Illkal sector (Bagalkot district) and Molakalmuru (Chitradurga district) helped the silk sector wake up to its former glory.
These are just two of the several weaves of Karnataka that CCK has taken upon for its design development projects.
The signature indigo colour that Illkal got with its natural dyeing processes introduced by the council made history nearly a decade ago.
This year,Vastrabharana, the fund-raiser event of CCK is celebrating its silver year. And the occasion will see 56 stalls at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath come together next week with master weavers from all over India.
“This year will be dedicated to the deft hands that have weaved artistic stories in their taana-baana (weft and warp) from interior villages to connect people from all walks of life. They are the unsung heroes and heroines whom we celebrate this 25th year,” says Bharati Govindraj, Chairperson of CCK.
Modest beginnings
Vastrabharana, the flagship event of CCK, had a modest beginning in Bengaluru. In a time when there were barely any exhibitions for handlooms, the first Vastrabharana was flagged off in the city in 1992.
Former chairperson, Pramila Prasad, developed a business acumen thanks to her mother-in-law, Ammani Iyengar. Prasad set up Vastrabharana as a fund-raising activity to generate income to run the organisation.
“This was the beginning of a long journey,”says Bharati. “Vimala Rangachar, the then chairperson, mentored us all the way. Today we are proud to have master weavers respond to our workshops and documentation calls. Their overwhelming enthusiasm to be part of our events is heartening.”
Vastrabharana underlines the fact that saris are our heritage, our attire.
“We have always made a point about this we would hate to see saris gradually fading away like the Japanese kimono, which is now relegated to museums, and occasionally worn at formal ceremonies,” says a spokesperson of CCK.
The CCK, a not-for- profit organisation, is dedicated to promoting crafts in the State. It started in 1967 with Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay as its founder patron and this year CCK is 50-year-old, marking yet another landmark for itself.
The Council has over 140 members who extend their support not only towards textiles but also the cause of weavers and their professional needs. Its focus is on documentation and having every aspect of the art for posterity.
The Council believes that events such as Vastrabharana is a source of income to take forward activities towards welfare schemes such as exhibitions, seminars, design development, workshops, pensions and medical benefits for needy crafts persons as well as for the core functioning of the CCK.
Talking about GST on hand woven textiles, Bharati says, “The GST is a temporary hitch, and we will see prices gradually getting regularised. Earlier too each State had its own Octroi.”
“The Central Government surely will be sensitive enough to look into the levy and bring in the necessary changes. So the marginal hike now should not matter as our weavers too have promised to be pragmatic and support GST.”
History repeats itself as Bharatanatya exponent, Vyjayanthimala Bali will inaugurate Vastrabharana on October 1, as she had inaugurated the first Vastrabharana 25 years ago.
Vastrabharana will be on from October 1 to October 5 from 10.30 am to 7:30 pm at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Kumara Krupa Road.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/art/deft-warps-and-wefts/article19751988.ece
