National Handloom Day: Weavers of Gujarat's Bhujodi weave a story of resilience and revival

By Prabhdeep Singh
Kutch (Gujarat) [India], August 7 : Bhujodi, a quaint village nestled in the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a living testament to the enduring spirit of craftsmanship. For centuries, the Vankar community has called this place home, their lives intricately woven with the threads of tradition.
Known primarily for their expertise in weaving blankets, shawls, and carpets, the artisans of Bhujodi have transformed their heritage into a thriving industry.

Historically, the community's livelihood was dependent on the local farming and shepherd communities - the Ahirs and Rabaris. However, the resilience of these artisans has seen them through the ages, adapting to changing times.
Bhujodi is now known for its award-winning weavers - recognitions that have served as the catalyst, propelling the village into the limelight and attracting tourists and buyers from far and wide.
Government initiatives aimed at reviving the Kutch region's crafts have also provided a much-needed boost. Exhibitions and fairs have opened new markets - both domestic and international.
Arjunbhai Vankar, an artisan and trader, said, "Bhujodi has become a famous place now because there are many national award winners here. Many people are famous for making particular products and have become famous in the country and abroad, so the people who come here (in Kutch), also visit Bhujodi and buy the products made here and some of them sell it as part of their business."
"This is how our work progresses. So one is the sales during winter, secondly, there are some companies - like Central Cottage in Delhi, Fab India, and other big companies, like Reliance, and Tata Birla. Such companies, procure our products to promote artisans. The third source of sales is exhibitions like some good government exhibitions are organized in different cities."
The weavers of Bhujodi have diversified their product range, also venturing into sarees and stoles apart from traditional carpet and blanket weaving to cater to evolving tastes.
They are determined to preserve their legacy. 66-year-old master carpet weaver, Virji Khetabhai Siju said he's been passing on the intricate art to the younger generation, and sees a bright future, but there is a need for concerted efforts to attract the younger generation facing the pull of contemporary careers.
Virji Khetabhai Siju, Master Carpet Weaver, said, "The future of this work is bright, but in export. It is good in India, but there is a huge demand for exports. If one has 50 artisans, then there are also fewer. This young weaver has learnt from me. He completed his studies and came here to learn from me. I have taught him for over a year - dyeing and how to work on a loom. He works on his own now. After learning, one can work on his own anywhere."
The Gujarat government's 'Garvi Gurjari' initiative is also playing a pivotal role in reviving the state's handloom and handicraft sector through its emporia, exhibitions, and online presence.
It recently witnessed sales reaching Rs 25 crore, breaking a record of 50 years. An official said initiatives such as One District, One Product and the move to gift traditional products by the top leadership have helped promote Gujarat's artisans on the global stage.
L R. R. Jadav, Deputy Manager (Administration) at Garvi Gurjari said, "Whatever we achieved in the past fiscal year, the targets we achieved, it was also due to new initiatives by the Gujarat government. We have launched a new scheme called 'ODOP - One District One Product."
He added, "There are several products that are made in each district, such as the handloom handicrafts product of Varsha and Patan's Patola Saree; in Ahmedabad there is Kalamkari work, in Surendranagar there is Tangaliya work, in Anand we have Agate. In Kutch, there is bandhani work and in Bhujodi, there is shawl work. We have identified the unique crafts of each district, and we also provide training under this scheme. Through exhibitions, we have been able to promote these crafts and this has been one factor in achieving these record sales."
With ongoing support from the government and continued dedication to their craft, the artisans of Gujarat are weaving a bright future for generations to come.
They are a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist, leading to a vibrant and sustainable future.