PARVATHIPURAN-MANYAM: Narayanapuram handloom sarees popularly known as ‘Bobbili Sarees’ are likely to get the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for their unique craftsmanship made up of 100 count yarn.
A special team from Hyderabad visited Narayanapuram village under Balijipeta mandal in the Parvathipuram-Manyam district to inspect the craftsmanship of the saree and sent a detailed report to the Centre.
The handloom weavers of Narayanapuram are eagerly waiting for the confirmation of the GI tag to show their skill and craftsmanship.
Narayanapuram, a tiny village under Balijipeta mandal in the Parvathipuram-Manyam district, is famous for the production of plain and check handloom sarees.
The sarees are thin, delicate, and soft made up using only 100 count yarn. They are famous for their 100 count thread (Higher thread counts mean a smoother, silkier and more expensive fabric).
The sarees have unique designs and boast a rich heritage dating back centuries of Bobbili as well as North Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The saree with its soft silks, adorned with intricate zari work and mesmerising motifs, tells a story of culture and tradition.
As many as 300 handloom weavers from Narayanapuram and neighbouring Arasada village have been weaving the sarees with unique designs. Though there is a glorious past for Bobbili sarees, now it has been gasping for its survival for a decade due to the fast-changing lifestyles of the consumers and limited income for the workers.
This has resulted in very few families in Narayanapuram weaving and others migrating in search of livelihood.
The district administration identified Bobbili sarees under the One District One Product (ODOP) and applied for a geographical indication (GI) tag to empower the artisans by recognising their invaluable contribution to the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
A third-party agency for the geographical indication (GI) tag led by verification officer Srivatsa visited Narayanapuram in February and inspected the weaving process of the Bobbili saree. They have inspected the whole weaving process including production of raw material, spinning, dabba winding of yarn, warping, street sizing, knotting, looming, and weaving. They have sent a detailed report to the Government of India for the geographical indication (GI) tag.
Speaking to TNIE, assistant development officer N Venkataramana said, “Narayanapuram saree has a unique design and weaving process. They are thin, delicate, and soft. They are famous for their 100 count yarn. We have exhibited our product in various State and national-level exhibitions under ODOP. We have applied for a geographical indication (GI) tag. A team from a third-party agency visited Narayanapuram village, inspected the weaving process and sent a detailed report to the government of India for GI Tag.”
He also expressed hopes of revival by stating, “I hope the Government of India will give a GI tag to Bobbili Saree for its unique design, which will help the weaver community to sustain their tradition besides providing financial benefits.”