By www.bharattone.com, July 30, 2025

In the 124th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat on July 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the timeless craftsmanship of Maharashtra’s Paithani sarees, a 2,000-year-old weaving tradition that embodies India’s rich cultural heritage. Highlighting the contributions of artisans like Kavita Dhawale from Paithan, the Prime Minister celebrated the sarees’ intricate designs and their role in empowering rural women and advancing India’s textile sector. As the nation approaches the 10th anniversary of National Handloom Day on August 7, this spotlight on Paithani sarees underscores their significance in the “Vocal for Local” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. For Bharat Tone readers, here’s a deep dive into the legacy of Paithani sarees, their modern revival, and their global appeal.

The Timeless Art of Paithani Weaving

Originating in Paithan, a historic town in Aurangabad district once known as Pratishthana, Paithani sarees trace their roots to the Satavahana dynasty (200 BCE). These handwoven silk sarees, renowned for their vibrant colors, intricate zari work, and nature-inspired motifs like peacocks, lotuses, and vines, were prized trade items, exchanged for gold in the Greco-Roman world. The craft flourished under the Maratha Empire’s Peshwas in the 17th and 18th centuries, with Yeola emerging as a key weaving hub alongside Paithan. Today, Paithani sarees remain a cultural treasure, cherished for weddings, festivals, and auspicious occasions across Maharashtra and beyond.

Crafting a Paithani saree is a labor-intensive process, often taking six months to two years, depending on the design’s complexity. Woven with mulberry silk from Bengaluru and zari from Surat, these sarees feature a plain or butti-adorned body, a decorative pallu, and borders with interlocking weft techniques. A hallmark of authenticity is that both sides of the saree are identical, distinguishing handwoven Paithanis from power-loom imitations. Traditional colors like reds, yellows, blues, and purples, combined with motifs such as Narali (coconut), pankha (fan), and asavali (flowering vine), reflect Maharashtra’s artistic heritage.

PM Modi’s Tribute to Paithani Artisans

In his Mann Ki Baat address, PM Modi spotlighted Kavita Dhawale, a Paithani weaver from Paithan, whose journey from working in a small room to running a production center employing over 350 women exemplifies the transformative power of traditional crafts. With government support, Dhawale now earns three times more by selling her handwoven sarees, contributing to economic empowerment and rural development. The Prime Minister linked this success to the broader revival of India’s textile sector, noting that over 3,000 textile startups are driving innovation and global recognition for handlooms.

Modi’s praise extended to other handloom success stories, such as the revival of Santhali sarees by 650 tribal women in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj and the modernization of weaving in Nalanda, Bihar, where Naveen Kumar’s family has adopted handloom technology to collaborate with major brands. “The textile sector is not just a business; it is a celebration of India’s diversity,” he said, emphasizing its role in the Viksit Bharat mission for a developed India by 2047.

Paithani’s Modern Revival and Global Reach

The Paithani weaving tradition, centered in Paithan and Yeola, has seen a renaissance in recent decades. Yeola, with over 3,000 looms and 10,000 artisans involved in weaving, dyeing, and degumming, received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010, alongside Paithan. Weavers like Shantilal V. Bhandge, a National Award and Sant Kabir Award recipient, have kept the craft alive, blending traditional designs with contemporary elements like larger borders and experimental colors such as chocolate brown and violet.

Government initiatives, including training workshops and support for weavers, have revitalized the craft, which saw a decline in the 20th century. Modern Paithanis incorporate trendy patterns and lighter fabrics to appeal to younger audiences, while online platforms like Paithanistore.com and Vastranand.in have expanded their reach globally, making them a favorite among the Indian diaspora and fashion enthusiasts. Celebrities and brides often choose Paithani sarees for their regal appeal, with contemporary draping styles like the Nauvari or dupatta-like tucks adding versatility.

National Handloom Day and Vocal for Local

PM Modi’s address comes ahead of the 10th National Handloom Day on August 7, 2025, which commemorates the Swadeshi Movement of 1905 that energized local crafts like Khadi and Paithani. The Prime Minister urged Indians to embrace “Vocal for Local,” encouraging the purchase of handcrafted products to support artisans and strengthen self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. “Buy and sell only those things that are made in India, in which an Indian has shed sweat,” he said, highlighting the economic and cultural significance of handlooms.

Social media reactions on X reflect widespread pride in this recognition. Users celebrated Kavita Dhawale’s story, with posts like, “The Paithani and Santhali saree stories made me emotional! Our traditional weaves are treasures that need preservation.” Another user noted, “Great to see technology blending with tradition!” These sentiments underscore the emotional and cultural resonance of Paithani sarees for Indians worldwide.

Why Paithani Matters to India

Paithani sarees are more than garments; they are a testament to Maharashtra’s heritage and India’s textile diversity. Each saree, with its kaleidoscopic play of colors and intricate motifs, tells a story of craftsmanship passed down through generations. The revival of this art form, supported by government initiatives and modern innovation, has empowered artisans, particularly women, and positioned Paithani as a global symbol of Indian elegance. For the Indian diaspora, owning a Paithani saree is a way to connect with cultural roots, especially during festivals and weddings.

As National Handloom Day approaches, PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat serves as a call to action for Indians to celebrate and support Paithani weavers. By choosing handwoven sarees, consumers can preserve a 2,000-year-old legacy and contribute to the economic empowerment of rural artisans. For Bharat Tone readers, this is an opportunity to embrace Paithani’s timeless beauty and champion the artisans who weave India’s heritage into every thread.

Keywords: Paithani Sarees, PM Modi, Mann Ki Baat, Maharashtra Weaving, National Handloom Day, Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Kavita Dhawale, Yeola Paithani, Indian Textile Heritage