Community weaving exhibition showcases local textiles

NT Bengaluru: The Community Weaving Exhibition, titled "Weave with Us," was held at Cubbon Park Metro Station on Saturday, featuring textile displays from designers and students. The event aimed to showcase local materials and raise awareness about traditional weaving practices. Saumya Singh, a material and textile designer, presented a unique theme called Brown Cotton Story: Kandu, highlighting naturally colored brown cotton grown by a small group of farmers in South Karnataka. Some handloom-finished fabric pieces were displayed as part of the exhibit.

Speaking with News Trail, she said, “This is short-staple organic cotton that is not widely cultivated anymore; only a few farmers grow it in South Karnataka. The cotton is spun and woven using a traditional Amber Charkha and then made into a final material. The central theme of the exhibition is to uplift local materials. Due to the fast fashion industry, people often forget about eco-friendly attire. As we move further away from traditional culture in the digital era, this should not happen. We should always remain connected to our roots." Another exhibition stall featured the Deccani Wool Story, showcasing wool from Deccani sheep used to make traditional blankets. These blankets, once worn during festive and marriage ceremonies, have seen a decline in interest over generations. Disha Upreti, a design researcher, explained, “The purpose of holding the exhibition here is to raise awareness about this natural wool, which is often overlooked in favor of synthetic fabrics.

As the Deccani wool tradition is dying out, the artisans who produce these materials are not receiving adequate economic support. Our goal is to give a voice to local crafts, ensuring these materials gain exposure and provide a fair income to the artisans who transform them into finished products." Other stalls included Jamakkalam handmade cotton carpets, showcased by Sangamithra, a student from the Srishti Manipal Institute of Art, Design, and Technology, who displayed traditional weaving tools. Stalls with eco-printed fabrics were also featured. The exhibition was held in collaboration with BMRCL.