Gujarat: Kutch village preserves 500-year-old handloom legacy, shawls gain global recognition

Gandhinagar, Aug 23 (AHN) Bhujodi, a village in Gujarat's Kutch district, has carved a distinct identity for itself as the locally made traditional handloom shawls are finding acceptance and recognition in global markets.

The handloom weaving art form, dating back to about 500 years, remains alive and kicking as the local artisans have continued the age-old custom.

Artisans handle the entire process manually, from spinning the yarn to creating shawls, sarees, and 'dupattas' featuring innovative designs on handlooms.

The art form has passed down through generations and is also flourishing due to state government initiatives such as exhibitions, marketing support, and promotional efforts.

A handloom artisan named Vishram Valji Vankar told AHN that weaving has long been a tradition in Bhujodi village.

"Our fellow Vankars—also known as Meghwals—carry out this weaving work, a craft that has been practiced since the time of our forefathers," he said.

Another artisan Shyamjibhai Vankar admired the government's support in keeping the craft alive.

"The government invited us to exhibitions in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata for design and marketing purposes, which helped us immensely. Furthermore, these exhibitions have greatly expanded our market reach."

While all handloom products from Bhujodi have found global markets, the Kutchhi shawl has found special prominence and recognition.

Crafted on handlooms using raw wool, Pashmina, or black cotton dyed with natural colours, the Kutchhi shawl has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Produced through active participation of 350 artisans and women in Bhujodi, these handloom products are exported to more than 18 countries, including the US, Japan, and Germany.

National Award-winning weaver Gabhubhai Vankar said, "We received the GI tag in 2010. Our distinctive Kutchhi shawl was granted the GI tag to prevent the duplication of our traditional weaving craft."

Another handloom artisan Arjunbhai Vankar mentioned that they received significant encouragement in their weaving work.

Nareshbhai Patel, Gujarat's Minister for Khadi, Cottage, and Rural Industries, told the media, "My department is working tirelessly in this direction. Arrangements are being made to ensure they gain access to increasing employment and earning opportunities in the near future. A few days ago, I inaugurated a showroom in Ahmedabad; I was truly amazed when I saw the handloom items displayed there."

Weavers from Bhujodi have won more than 50 national and international awards for their unique handloom artistry.

The demand for Bhujodi's handloom products is steadily rising due to the exhibition of local goods at events like the Rann Utsav in Kutch and handloom fairs across the country and abroad, alongside growing online sales avenues.