Threads of Eternity

Seventy-six-year-old Harilal Meher has revived hundreds of traditional and rare Sambalpuri designs and integrates them along with contemporary motifs in sarees which are hugely in demand across the country and outside. He was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Odisha government, writes Diana Sahu

- Diana Sahu

A time when the handloom market is flooded with modern motifs and geometrical patterns, Harilal Meher's loom celebrates the traditionality of the craft.

In his mid-70s, the weaver of Jhiliminda in Bargarh has not just revived hundreds of traditional Sambalpuri designs but is also using them to create contemporary patterns that have become hugely popular with handloom connoisseurs, both in India and abroad. In the process, he has also trained 5,000 weavers who, like him, are working towards popularising traditional designs in Sambalpuri weaves.

"Over the years, a multitude of designs and patterns have made their way into the design bank of Sambalpuri handlooms. For the last six decades, my work has been focused on finding old designs and integrating them with contemporary motifs," said Harilal who was felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts department on the occasion of the National Handloom Day. In 2023, he was felicitated with Sant Kabir Handloom Award for a 'Sachipar Dasphulia' khadi saree.