Remote Hoseri village yougsters find livelyhoods in natural dyed handloom weaving
Udupi: In the remote village of Hoseri near Byndoor of Kundapur, about 9 women and 3 men have taken up sustainable weaving through the ‘Bagal Bandhugalu’ initiative, supported by Kadike Trust. Despite having no prior experience in weaving, these youngsters were trained since last October to craft clothes using traditional techniques. Their products stand out due to the use of natural dyes, resulting in soothing shades like areca brown and pink, indigo blue, madder red and pink, marigold yellow, pomegranate yellow, and wild almond black. This project is being lauded as a model of sustainability.
Mamatha Rai, President of Kadike Trust, providing insights into the journey, said, “We initiated second project to create sustainable livelihood after successfully reviving Udupi Saree weaving . The initiative began in 2018, marking the return of Saroja to weaving. We visited Sarojas’ house on her request and During the rainy season, Saroja faced challenges, so we arranged a shed for her through the Weavers Service center and the trust.
“As women in the neighbourhood showed interest, we set up refurbished looms at Saroja Annappa’s Loom Shed in Hoseri, a small remote hamlet in Yelajith village, Byndoor taluk. This hamlet, located about five kilometres from the nearest bus route, has no local employment opportunities,” she said.
Meanwhile, eight youth, including members of tribal communities, received comprehensive training in hand weaving with the support from well wishers . Master trainer Chandran trained initially and is now continued by Saroja. Trainees learned to weave stoles, shawls, and bath towels naturally dyed and designed by Mamatha Rai. These products are now in demand by institutions and colleges for honoring guests. Recently, 30 graduates of the executive MBA program at IIMB used natural shawls during their convocation. The women, who had no prior weaving background, have inspired others in the community, and the team now includes three men.
“We are working towards building a proper workspace for these women. Some are also involved in agriculture. This truly is a model project. The name ‘Bagal Bandhugalu’ is inspired by a large tree in the community’s sacred grove, known locally as Renje, Bakula, or Bullet Wood Tree. They are the model of sustainable life style and the community is committed to eco-friendly practices like growing organic vegetables, reducing plastic wastes, and avoiding crackers during ceremonies ,” she said.
It is an inspiring example of traditional craftsmanship and environmental consciousness, Mamatha added.
During recent Nekara Ratna award ceremony by Kadike Trust to two senior most Udupi Saree Weavers Mamatha Rai introduced the young weavers of Team Bagal Bandhugalu to the audience. She said that senior weavers, who had expressed concern about youngsters drifting away from the profession, are now happy to see the younger generation joining in and continuing the tradition.
Weaving trainer Mr. Prabula Chandran along with Saroja Naik and Annapa Marati, who arranged the training at their home, were honored for their service.