Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Bomkai Saree - GI Handloom of Odisha

Bomkai is an exclusive handloom product of Odisha.

"Bomkai Saree & Fabrics" have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Bomkai Saree- Source: Utkalamrita

The Saree's name is Bomkai as it has originated in the Bomkai village of Ganjam district of Odisha.

However, now Bomkai Sarees are being mostly handwoven in the Sonepur district of Odisha.

Thus, they are being called called "Sonepuri" Sarees.

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

Stay Strong!

What is strength?

That we see being exhibited by action-heroes and heroines, right?

Despite being a feminist, I have used the word- "heroes" first and then "heroines" in the above sentence.

Ever wonder how and why the very words- "action", "strong", "strength", "power" etc are associated with men?

Aren't there more action-heroes than action-heroines?

Batman, Spiderman, Antman, Phantom, Superman...

vs

Supergirl, Wondergirl...

"The strongest man in the world is he who stands most alone."

Losing Track Of Time

They asked her to focus on work.

She was not the type to shirk.

Serious about responsibilities,

Losing track of time in liabilities.


Her dreams were smothered.

But, she was no longer bothered!

She was head over heels in love!

Losing track of time hand in glove.

Source: Unsplash

Monday, 25 September 2023

Get Over Jealousy

"I went to find a bad person in the universe, and I found none."
- Kabir
Be "happy and joyful" and "never do harm to anyone".
Totally agree with these words expressed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji in this Speaking Tree column- "Get Over Jealousy" published by ET Prime on August 26, 2023:

Sharing Caring Honey Bee

She travelled for many hours-

Voluntary efforts with devotion.

For gardens, she scaled walls & towers,

And gathered key drops & information.

Source: Unsplash

Does Rasabali Have A Hole Like Doughnut?

Rasabali is a traditional Chhena sweet of Odisha.

It is a bhoga/offering at Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha.

More information about Kendrapara Rasabali here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Source: Mobile News

By now, many are aware that the Geographical Indication (GI) application for "Kendrapara Rasabali" has been submitted and it will earn the GI tag shortly.

Friday, 22 September 2023

Dungaria Kondh - Kapadaganda Shawl

Can you guess the names of the handlooms in this image?


That is me in the centre flanked by two gorgeous women.

Do you know-
My Silk Saree's name?

The names of the exquisite shawls by the graceful women standing to my left and right?

Thursday, 21 September 2023

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag

It is heartening to see the interest regarding Geographical Indication (GI) now in Odisha.

I saw a couple of social media posts sharing about the upcoming GIs like- Kendrapara Rasabali.

Having done the initial facilitation of this GI, it gives me great pride and happiness.

In fact, just like the Utkal Mistanna Byabasyee Sangha for Odisha Rasagola GI, the producer-group - "Kendrapara Rasabali Mistanna Nirmata Sangha" was formed after my suggestion, guidance and constant follow-up. 

It may be noted that the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola has informed and inspired many producer-groups to also earn GIs for their own local products.

After receiving query from a local writer, Shri Saroj Mohanty, regarding Kendrapara Rasabali GI in 2020, I had created a WhatsApp group to facilitate the process. Some stakeholders had been added by the Admins that also included Shri Mohanty. Rasabali GI information was being continuously shared in the group.

GI Application was filed in December 2021.

The main product-description about Rasabali in the GI application has been exactly taken from the initial 3 lines shared in my blog post (published on July 2020)-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Yes, my Blog- "The Explorer of Miracles" finds mention in the Kendrapara Rasabali GI application.

National Handloom Awards 2023

September 20 is celebrated as "Silk Day".

Today we are also celebrating- Nuakhai- an important harvest festival of Odisha.

It's an important day for our rich handlooms & talented weavers.

Source

This blog post has reference to the "National Handloom Awards" for this year (& some previous years) that are yet to be held.

Thanks to Ministry of Textiles initiative for the first National Handloom Day on 7th August 2015. 

National Handloom Awards were handed over.

Handloom-weaving community felt honoured.

Contribution of this sector in the socio-economic development of our nation is immense. #MyHandloomMyPride


National Handloom Day is over on August 7th this year. 

But, Awards were not handed over to weavers. 

Notification for the National Handloom Awards (NHA) 2023 application/submission is not published as yet.


I had first shared about this issue 2 months ago- registration number: PMOPG/E/2023/0135449. 

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/07/letter-for-national-handloom-awards.html

However, date for this year's NHA is still not out.

As per reply received on 26.07.2023, NHA dates & details would be shared after guidelines are set.

Interested weavers are still asking- When will they get notification for National Handloom Awards?


Our weavers have spent a lot of time and effort & invested resources for creating unique designs.

Those prized pieces are still waiting to be sent for NHA consideration.

Once a piece is woven for Award, weaver cannot showcase or sell that. 

Money is blocked.

As NHA haven't been held for past 2-3 years, many pieces are lying.

There's loss of morale & patience.


Textile ministry should announce submission dates & details soon so that the weavers can apply. 

This month, the NHA application process should be published.

Requesting completion of all pending NHA ceremonies before end of this year- 2023.

Target must be to hand over National Handloom Awards for year 2024 on the National Handloom Day 2024.

Tuesday, 19 September 2023

Shree Ganesha - Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

May Shree Ganesha bless all this Ganesh Chaturthi.

How many are still using "Lord" to refer to our Gods?

Can we please start using "Shree" instead of Lord?
Shree Ganesha 🙏🎊

Jaya Shree Ganesha 🙏🎊


Shree Ganesha is a much-loved God and is invoked first during many events and Pujas.
He is "Vighnaharta"- i.e. the "remover of obstacles".

Who does not want obstacles to be removed?


Shree Ganesha also finds expression in many handicrafts and handlooms of Odisha like the following-

Pattachitra
Odisha Pattachitra

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