FLO Bangalore, under the leadership of Chairperson Ms. Dekyi Yangtso Chawla, hosted a Tana Bana workshop to celebrate the National Handloom Day, in collaboration with The House of Angadi, who served as venue & hospitality partner. Hands in Handloom was a unique and hands-on celebration of India’s weaving heritage, organised to mark National Handloom Day.
Renowned textile designer, educator, and craft revivalist Dr. Hemlatha Jain, founder of Punarjeevana, led the session. She shared her journey of reviving Karnataka’s endangered weaves, such as Patteda Anchu and Gomi Teni, and spoke about their cultural, ecological, and artisanal significance.
Dr. Jain explained the Tana-Bana (warp and weft) and how each thread is a vessel of stories—carrying cultural narratives, traditional wisdom, and the skill of rural artisans. Members then tried their hand at basic weaving using wooden loom kits, gaining first-hand appreciation of the time, effort, and precision behind every handloom creation.
The highlight of the demonstration was Karnataka’s iconic Patteda Anchu weave, historically given as a ritual blessing to a bride during marriage ceremonies. Dr. Jain shared how Punarjeevana has reintroduced these heritage textiles into contemporary fashion while retaining their authenticity and zero-maintenance nature.
Key Objectives & Takeaways
- Create an immersive learning experience that connects members directly to the weaving process.
- Build awareness of Karnataka’s weaving heritage and its role in sustainable fashion.
- Inspire members to become advocates for handloom by making conscious fashion choices.
- Reinforce that preserving crafts is about making them live and thrive in modern wardrobes—not just reviving the past.
Members participated enthusiastically, many arriving in their favourite handloom weaves. The hands-on weaving activity created a deep sense of respect for the craft and the artisans who preserve it.
The session was organized under the National Initiative: Textile, Handloom & Handicraft, which empowers Indian women artisans by equipping them with market access and other necessary resources. Hands in Handloom session reminded participants that handloom is more than just fabric—it is a living heritage that supports sustainability and artisan livelihoods.