The textile tours of India take you to centres of traditional craftsmanship
across the country. Cloth has traditionally been woven in India by skilled weavers,
on handlooms, and made into garments that are draped in the form of a sari by
women, and dhoti's by men.
There are many craft traditions associated with textiles, such as mirror
work, block printing and bandhani tie-and-dye work in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Punjab is known for its traditional floral embroidery called Phulkari. Further
north Kashmir is known for fine embroidery in wool and silk, on woven woolen
shawls and garments, and Uttar Pradesh for white embroidery on pastel cotton
garments called Chikankari from Lucknow. In the east, Jharkhand, Bihar and
Bengal are known for their hand woven textiles. Bihar, for its golden tussar
silk weaving and Bengal for cotton Tangail, and silk Jamdani and Baluchari
saris. The seven Northeastern states are known for a range of tribal crafts
including handloom shawls and clothing. In Orissa there are many different
designs and motifs woven in cotton and silk to create the distinctive saris
of Orissa - Bomkai, Teliarumaal, Sambalpuri which are cherished by women in
India.
Handloom weaving is an established traditional industry in south India. Andhra
Pradesh has a rich weaving tradition, with Pochampalli and Venkatagiri being
among the best known. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are known for their rich Kanjeevaram
and Mysore silks and fine cotton saris and fabric in bright traditional colours.
Kerala is known for its traditional off white hand woven clothing, with gold
borders.
Further up on the west coast, Maharashtra is known for its Paithani and Poona
saris. Madhya Pradesh in the centre of India is known for its fine Chanderi
saris and Chattisgarh for its tribal weaves.
Overflowing with colour, texture and designs, India's textile heritage waits
to be discovered by you. Come experience the wonders of India's textile tradition,
with a textile tour of India.
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