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Writer's pictureKartavya Karma

A New Dawn for the Handloom Legacy of Kasar Devi, Almora




It is profoundly moving to see lost craftsmanship revived, especially if it comes with the livelihoods of women from Uttarakhand. As Kasar Devi's Deenapani region, once shrouded by still silences, will start to hum again, hope swells in the air. This is not just a handloom unit opening; it's a story of resilience, empowerment, and an unyielding spirit that women had woven their dreams into its threads.


Seven months ago, the vocal silence that struck an area handloom unit, once the pride of the place, was such that it left a vacuum that crossed borders for its outstanding woolen products in tweed, pashmina, merino, and lamb's wool. Shawls, mufflers, gloves, and stoles were not just garments but tokens of art, warmth, and culture, and it was prized by all its buyers across the globe.


It was a shock when this unit closed its door. Nearly 150 skillful women, who used their hands as the blood and life for this unit, are jobless now. Their artistry that once had great demand sits idle, and what was once a busy production hall has been brought to a grinding halt. Once cheerful buyers, from nearby communities as well as overseas, have also been waiting in vain, as their favorite handloom products are no longer available. The warmth of hand-made woolens, imbued with the heritage of that region, was about to fade into some other world.



But the story doesn't end here. It's all about Kartavya Karma, which saw the untapped potential in the skilled hands of these women and the legacy of this unit. It was very clear that there was a sense of urgency to restore the livelihoods of these women and the reputation of the Kasar Devi handloom industry. Drawing from their own individual determinations and visions, Kartavya Karma embarked on restoring to life what had been lost. They set out to give the last rites to the seemingly dead looms in such a manner as to make sure the art of weaving would be not only saved but thrive again.


This is much more than just an opening. Kartavya Karma is out to transform the unit into a Centre of Excellence; this will ensure the craft goes on but with the added multiple popularity and recognition she receives. Basically, it's just restoring pride as well as providing platforms where such exceptional skills can be exhibited through these women. The looms shall again come alive with the rhythmic howls of creativity, and the women shall get their chance to prove that nothing can stop them.



This is a testament to the indomitable spirit of these women and sends a strong message-that no matter how tough the situation, the strength of "Matrishakti" is unstoppable. They will soar, unbounded by any limitations, and their craftsmanship will echo, not just in this small community but across the world.


Soon, the stillness of Deenapani would once again reverberate with the hum of handlooms as woolen masterpieces are once more woven across the region. Today, snuggling up in one of these precious handwoven treasures will mean not just warmth, but the unbreakable spirit of women who have cast it. Every shawl, muffler, and cardigan would speak of how they struggled, what work they put in to stitch it together, and how the power of community brought it all together.


So, the world will soon bask in the glow of these handmade products lovingly created by the very epitome of women who have taken adversity as an opportunity. Those products will carry the essence of relationships, traditions, and devotion that bi folding the region. And with every stitch of thread, the story of the women of Kasar Devi would continue to inspire and resonate far beyond the hills of Uttarakhand.

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