Nestled in the heart of Kerala, Chendamangalam is a village steeped in the rich legacy of handloom weaving. This September, a new chapter begins with the launch of the Integrated Handloom Village project, aiming to breathe new life into this ancient craft. Despite modern challenges, Chendamangalam’s weavers continue to produce some of the finest handloom fabrics, and this project promises to showcase their artistry on a grand scale.
Chendamangalam’s Handloom Village Set To Launch In Kochi
The first phase of the much-awaited Integrated Handloom Village at Chendamangalam, near North Paravur, is expected to be commissioned in January 2024. The Handloom Village is meant to showcase the long handweaving history and traditions of Kerala. pic.twitter.com/w07RmdOD4m
— Great Kerala (@GreatKerala1) November 17, 2023
The Integrated Handloom Village project at Chendamangalam is an ambitious initiative. It is aimed at reviving and showcasing the rich handloom traditions of this historic region in Kerala. The first phase of this project is expected to launch in September this year. Approximately 90% of the main buildings will be completed, as per The Hindu reports.
The primary goal of the project is to highlight the indigenous weaving traditions of Chendamangalam. It is also known for its high-quality handloom products with intricate finishes. Despite a decline in the number of weavers, Chendamangalam still houses dozens of looms producing exquisite handloom fabrics. This project seeks to rejuvenate this traditional craft and bring it to a broader audience. Supported by the State Budget for 2022-23, the project received an allocation of ₹10 crore. According to The Hindu, the total cost of the complex projected at around ₹15 crore.
The complex will feature a space dedicated to showcasing and selling handloom products. It will also house a studio where customers can view existing designs or provide custom blueprints for bespoke handloom products.
The museum here will offer insights into the handloom tradition in Kerala, tracing its historical evolution. A demonstration centre has also been constructed to illustrate the process of handloom fabric production. It will also serve as an educational tool and boost the recognition of GI-tagged Chendamangalam handloom products.
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A New Era For Traditional Weaving
Weaving a legacy.
Chendamangalam in Ernakulam has been a well-known handloom centre since the 17th century, and the legacy of weaving the Kerala kasavu saree has been passed down the generations. Apart from the old traditional favourites, weavers in this GI tagged village create… pic.twitter.com/LaEdl3wtrN
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) December 21, 2023
Chendamangalam is renowned for its masterful handloom craftspersons and high-quality fabric production. The village is especially famous for the traditional Kerala attires it produces, such as the ‘set-mundu’ and kasavu sarees, as well as the everyday ‘thorthu’ (bath towel).
The handloom tradition in Chendamangalam dates back to the 17th century, originating from the Devang Chettiar community. The weaving process involves skillful techniques such as spinning thread from raw cotton or silk, weaving it into cloth on a handloom, and pounding it with wooden rods to arrange the thread layers.
The Integrated Handloom Village project is set to provide a significant boost to the local handloom industry. It will preserve traditional skills, promote tourism, and offer educational resources. It aims to create a sustainable future for the artisans of Chendamangalam and also ensure that their heritage continues to thrive in the modern age.
Cover Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism/Website and Great Kerala/X