Thursday 9 April 2020

Habaspuri Saree And Fabrics #OdishaGI #KnowYourGI #GIsofIndia #AToZChallenge

"Habaspuri" is named after the village of Habaspur in Kalahandi district in Odisha, where it originated.  Habaspuri is a cotton-based traditional handloom textile of Odisha. 

These are handwoven by the skilled tribal weavers of Habaspur. Presently, the places of production have increased- Chicheiguda village in Junagarh Block, Baladimal, Chakuli, and nearby places of Kalahandi district of Odisha. Habaspuri saree is used as a ceremonial bridal saree by the local people. 

Habaspuri style of weaving is influenced by age-old tribal traditions of Kalahandi. The weaving, production and design is unique with Kondha tribe weavers of the region weaving traditional patterns like Kumbha (temple), fish, tortoise, flower, tribal wall art and tattoos etc. Extra warp temple motifs are arranged longitudinally on the border. The anchal has extra weft designs consisting of local motifs. 


Habaspuri Saree and Fabrics is a unique and special product and has got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. It is a GI of Odisha, India. 

GI Tag Details:
Type: Handicraft
GI Application# 219
Certificate Date: 17/07/2012

However, this was another GI product that was not available in the shops when I tried to locate samples to carry with me to Delhi to showcase at the GI exhibition at the BRICS Alliance Business Conclave.

Just like in the case of Dhalapathar Parda And Fabrics, the sample issue was sorted thanks to Shri Devaraja Sahu of Boyanika, who understood the gravity of the situation and trusting me, provided a gorgeous Habaspuri saree for display.
You can read the details about Odisha GIs here.
The availability issue still persists. Very few weavers are weaving the original Habaspuri sarees and fabrics. Some middlemen directly procure them for sale outside the state. This explains the unavailability/rarity of this GI product even in the state capital, Bhubaneswar.
Do hope there is extra focus on ensuring regular supply of the original saree. Training needs to be imparted to the younger generation too so that they can carry on the ancient tradition.

It is alarming to see misleading images being represented as Habaspuri saree. I request everyone not to trust most of the online platforms that are simply misusing the name and cheating customers.

H For- Habaspuri, Handloom
Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics

I am writing A-Z posts about the Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha #OdishaGI.
GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history, reputation etc. of a geographical location.
Only when info is shared, people can learn and be aware.
This is my sincere attempt to share information about the GI-Tags of Odisha.
You can check out my other GI posts here.
Let us all use GI products - the "invaluable treasures of incredible India", and encourage our artisans, weavers, and farmers.
Are you aware of Geographical Indications? 
Had you heard or seen the Habaspuri Saree
Please do share in the comments below.

8 comments:

  1. Never seen a Habaspuri sari. Would try to find out one on my next visit. As you have rightly mentioned getting the authentic material is an issue everywhere. This problem can be addressed with more consumer awareness.

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  2. I have never heard of this saree, what a surprise. Such wonderful drape and graceful. I am definitely searching it after the lockdown is getting over.

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  3. The design of the Habaspuri sari definitely sounds interesting with a tortoise and tattoos woven in them. After reading your posts I would definitely like to visit a odisha handloom exhibition.

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  4. Never heard of this type of sarees before. The designs are gorgeous, especially the borders!

    Episode 6 in the series 'Idiosyncrasies of a Covidiot"

    FRUITS & NUTS

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  5. I have bought two Habaspuri sarees in the last six months. I first bought a Habaspuri pure silk saree directly from weavers' Cooperative in Chicheguda village of Kalahandi district, the only village where 30 odd households are making these sarees. It is nothing less than a classic piece of art. The second one is a Habaspuri cotton saree which I bought from Boyanika, a Government of Odisha store in Kalahandi. Again, it is an exquisite piece of art. I think that if we want to protect this Kalahandi craft, the preservation cannot be left to government alone. You can surely find Boyanika stores in Bhubaneswar, Delhi and other major cities in India.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for purchasing Habaspuri Sarees and for supporting our Chicheguda village weaver's cooperative and Boyanika.
      Thank you for visiting and for your appreciation and feedback. Totally agree with you that these are "classic piece of art". We cannot expect the government to do everything.
      More promotion is definitely needed. We must ensure the availability of these heritage products worldwide. All need to be "vocal for local".

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  6. I borrowed a sari from my mother in law whose motifs are identical to habaspuri style of weaving. However this sari is a silk. As the sari was a gift to my mother in law, she doesn't know from where the sari was. Any one who can help me identify the type of sari.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting, reading and sharing your views.
      Great to learn that you have our Odisha Handloom Saree in your collection.
      Do share the images of the Saree. We will help to identify it.
      We must definitely know the right names of our treasures.
      Please share the pics & tag me- Twitter/FB/Instagram - @anitaexplorer

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