Bhubaneswar: A 17-day Khadi Haat, being organised by the Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board at the Khadi Bhandar here, has become a cynosure of aficionados of the traditional fabric. Weavers from around the state are displaying their products at the haat.
Bhagawan Tosha a weaver from Nuapatna specialises in Tussar sarees. “It normally takes 6 days to weave a saree and but it takes 8 days to produce a Tussar silk saree. These sarees come in prices between Rs 900 and Rs 1,000. We cater to both the middle-class and the elite. During this Hockey World Cup women are coming to buy various khadi sarees. Khadi Haat is an encouragement for weavers.”
Bhramara from Jajpur, another weaver at the haat, says: “Kantia or Tussar are popular among buyers. In winters they are the hottest selling clothing.” Bishnupada Sahoo, who echoed Bhramara, believes khadi should empower the poor as Gandhiji had envisaged. His stall showcases shawls and chaadars made of khadi.
Radhanath Pradhan, who represents the Utkal Khadi Mandal, Kedar Lane, had some history of the Khadi Bhandar to share: “Gopabandhu Das, Rama Devi and such other legendary people initiated Khadi in Odisha and this particular place belongs to Utkal Khadi Mandal. After Independence this place was given to the Government which turned it into a Khadi outlet.”
He, however, believes the government needs to supervise and check non-khadi products being sold at the outlet. “Our PM should also take initiative to make Khadi the national wardrobe once again,” he added.
The fare at the haat ranges from handkerchief to shirts and kurtas to Mania Bandha saree, Baulapata, Sambalpuri and Thana.
Tulasi Dei, a homemaker and resident of Patia, said: “Khadi is our national product and it offers enough warmth in winters. I am here with my daughter for our winter shopping.”
V Ramani a plus-two student of Maharshi College, said: “I am here to buy Sambalpuri Thana which can be worn with my college uniform and I am getting it directly from the weavers, which ensures great quality and affordable price.”
Besides the merchandise buyers are also attracted to the Charkha and a demonstration of how cotton thread is produced from raw fibre. A set of hand looms has also been exhibited at the haat. “We are expecting foreign tourists and some players during this exhibition and hope to see more buyers,” an official of the Khadi Board said.