West Bengal’s heritage Baluchari silk sarees are all set to spice up 2016 with a boutique calendar; celebrating the myth and magic of the 200-year-old craft.
Originating in the 18th century in a small village named Baluchar along the bank of river Bhagirathi in Murshidabad district of Bengal, the hub of the craft later shifted to Bishnupur in Bankura district, the capital of the Malla rulers.
Intricate mythological motifs depicting episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are unique aspects of this style of weaving. It takes at least a week of dedicated workmanship to produce one saree.
To promote and market the exquisite craft for an international audience, NGO Freed worked with photographer Surajit Hari for an exclusive calendar showcasing the designs and varieties and was launched recently.
Bengali actresses Rituparna Sengupta, Koneenica Bandopadhayay and Rachana Banerjee have modelled the sarees for the calendar.
