Reviving the forgotten tradition: New Wave Paithani

Mumbai, Oct 1 (UNI) Amidst dying traditions, revival of the Paithani saree, considered as the 'Mahavastra' or grand outfit for the Matriach of a traditional Marathi family, was initiated about two decades ago by late Saroj Dhananjay, holding almost annual exhibitions and providing the basic infrastructure for the artisans to promote this artful saree.

Continuing the tradition, the exhibition of Paithani sarees, 'New Wave Paithani', began at Scout Pavilion, Shivaji Park today and will continue the entire week till October 7.

Mrs Sannidha Bhide, who was a close friend of Mrs Dhananjay and now continues to organise the yearly exhibitions, said, ''This is the best way for providing a direct market for the artisans who were left with no means of survival when the production costs of their art sky-rocketed.'' While Paithanis, as they are called, are available in the market, the work of these artisans is absolutely authentic, she added.

Mrs Dhananjay started the exhibitions because when she needed to buy one for a traditional religious family function, there was not a single shop in the market selling them in the year 1972.

Realising the need to revamp this endangered art of weaving these intricately gold and silver designed sarees she then began approaching weavers around Paithan, Yeola and Sambhaji Nagar in Maharashtra and assisted them for obtaining loans, repair looms and started the yearly exhibition called 'New Wave Paithani' in 1990.

The history of these sarees, that are woven in pure silk, goes back to Second Century AD and has been passed on from generation-to-generation to be used by the 'Lady of the House' for religious and social functions.

''With sarees ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.5 lakh, the exhibition aims to spread the tradition of the Paithani,'' said Mrs Bhide.

In fact, the Consul General of Sultanate of Oman, Arafah Sameer, chief guest at the inauguration of the exhibition today, said, ''It was very impressionable to see the colourful sarees on display from different parts of the state. It is a wonderful way to keep the tradition going.'' UNI ARM GB YA RK1735