As I walked in wearing my beautiful bengal taant a dear friend asked before even a hello - “what kind of handloom it is, I read your blog and learned about Ikat, this is not the Ikat that I know” and right there I thought one good thing came out of my writing. She is curious and aware.. that is my real celebration of handloom day.
I wore a beautiful Ikat on Friday and wrote about a weaver’s family. That handloom day had to be meaningful in its own way. On Friday I had a zoom call with my local saree friends and after the call 3 of those friends stayed with me to take another step towards meaningful celebration. I needed that help as I logged in on another video call with Chandana, the master weaver’s daughter I had written about in an earlier blog. I knew I wanted to do something for her or may be for me.
I had been texting her and have had two phone conversations but this was our first live conversation. She wanted me to see the saree I wanted to buy, and I am so glad I did. The pictures didn’t do justice to the beauty of the piece.
A young, beautiful and smiling girl came on screen and said namaste to 4 of us. She impressed us with her smile and knowledge and patience. I had written about Telia Rumal earlier. Finally I did make up my mind to get one and get it over with. When we started the call, it was supposed to be a quick in and out call, but us four saree crazy friends and that poor girl didn’t even notice how late it was. Ashish ended up sleeping in the living room because I was too busy shopping in my bedroom. I wanted to buy one Telia Rumal and check the box but I ended up buying 3 silks and two cottons and two other friends got two cotton Ikats from her. Another friend enquired about business and sales and checked on Chandana’s education. After two hours we were content, happy and proud with 7 sarees, and a happy girl. I bought a blue Telia and she called me next morning to show a traditional red/black and white Telia. I was so going back and forth and then called my sister. She really knows me well, she just said - “Telia Rumal will never speak to you because it’s too busy a saree for your taste, so just buy the traditional one with the idea of a “must have” thing you always had in your mind”. Not for the love but for the logic and she sealed the deal. I cancelled the blue and bought the black base Ikat for the “appreciation for the fine work of 12 motif Telia Rumal”
Chandana was happy that we helped the weavers families but I told her that knowing her made me a better person. Her dedication, enthusiasm and determination to continue her father’s legacy is something that will inspire me for a long time. She is teaching me not to give up, fight for what you love and above all do it with a smile and kindness.
Today, please join me in wishing Chandana best in her endeavors .
My previous post on her -
https://jayapandey.blogspot.com/2020/08/handloom-day-my-tribute-to-daughter.html
My Bengal Taant, A middle school friend who lives in Calcutta now is my shopper.
Thank you Soma
Happy Chandana
Follow her on Srinath Fabrics on FB and Insta.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007433416402
Edem Srinath was a master weaver from Koyyalagudem village in Yadadri , AP. He died of cancer two years ago, his 17 yrs old daughter is going to school and taking care of business, looms and weavers. Her father was a Ikat magician and a kind soul, she inherited his persona and work ethics.
and the pile holds the key to happiness for many women :) 
No comments:
Post a Comment