Handmade and traditional Patola sarees depicting India’s rich culture featured at India GI Fair 2022
TEN NEWS NETWORK
Greater Noida, August 26th, 2022: The India GI(Geographical Indications) Fair was inaugurated on Friday Morning at the India Expo Center and Mart. A three-day event, India GI Fair is organized by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts(EPCH).
The fair showcases GI-tagged products that are “Invaluable treasures of Incredible India” and aim to build confidence amongst the buying community.
India GI Fair provides unique access to India’s treasure trove and authentic products.
One of the most interesting exhibitors present at the event was Nageshwari Patola Arts. The company manufactures sarees designed with one of the country’s historic and cultural art forms originating from Gujarat called Patola.
In conversation with Ten News, the owner of the company, Naresh Rathod explains that Patola is a unique weave that dates back to more than 700 years.
“What makes Patola sarees so different from the rest is that the entire process of making the saree is handmade and it is made with the finest and pure silk.”
Rathod further remarks that Patola sarees were worn even by the women of the royal families in olden times. “People are still fascinated by Patola sarees and it truly is a lost art”.
Speaking about the declining demand for Patola sarees today, he says that people are switching over to modern and machine-made products rather than traditionally handmade sarees which is why the art is becoming extinct.
When asked about reviving the lost spirit of Patola art, Rathod replies that his company would like to spread awareness about this historic art so that the value of handmade products is bought back. “Artists who work extremely hard to create such art pieces need to be given a platform to showcase their talent”.
Lastly, talking about his expectations from the fair, Rathod says that he wishes for all artists, especially from rural areas to be given an international platform to display their talent so that the country’s lost spirit and art can be revived.
