Curtains of Culture
The intricate craft of weaving pardas and fabrics in Dhalapathar is practised by the members of the Rangani community in the region. Most households' livelihood depends solely on weaving these handlooms, which holds immense cultural value. This tradition has been ongoing for over a century, and every elderly member of each household is well-versed in the process and technique of dyeing and weaving fabrics. As the tradition continues, this precious information has been passed down from one generation to the other. The craft and the artisans draw considerable influence from Buddhism, which is reflected abundantly in the lifestyle and artistic creations.
The precise manner in which the artisans design these curtains and fabrics differentiates them from all other crafts. The technique requires a jacquard with 400 hooks to weave the curtains. Traditionally, artisans employ graphs to draw pictures on screens before recreating them onto the pardas. The artisans are highly skilled and its their sheer capability that they cast these designs onto the fabrics without using any graphs or reference material. It is a month-long endeavour to create a single screen, and the entire household plays a role in bringing the final product together. Artisans employ natural colours derived from fruits such as jamun and mango bark, adding a fascinating layer of hue to the craft works. At the first glance itself, the accuracy and sharpness of the design is apparent, adding to the striking aesthetic appeal of these products. Since almost every household in Dhalapathar is engaged in the trade, the community around this craft is robust.
An Array of Intriguing Designs
The hallmark design originating from this craft is that of temples. One can also find designs representing a map of Orissa or India, Ashok Chakra (the wheels of Dharma), the Taj Mahal, Surya Namaskar ( a yoga exercise), sunset views, and prominent political/ historical entities. The temple designs on pardas are also the most sought-after not only due to their historical and religious significance but also cause they spread piousness and purity in the house. Designs of famous temples such as the Jagannath Temple, Konark Temple, and Lingaraj Temple are among the many designs produced on curtains that can be purchased.
