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'Bande Mataram' on the loom of Bengal, the president's award-winning artist weaves a story of patriotism on saree
Sandy Verma | August 15, 2026 7:24 PM CST

The state has taken various initiatives on 'Bande Mataram' in the past half century. This is the first time Independence Day has been celebrated with the sound of 'Bande Mataram' at Red Fort and Red Road. But not only that, this time the weaving of Bengal is also 'Bande Mataram'. Abhinav Basak, the famous handloom artist who won the President's Award, weaves the story of patriotism in the saree.

The saree made on Jamdani is light off white in color. Boots all over the saree. 'Vande Mataram' is written in ocher and green colors. The concept and design of this special saree is created by Abhinav Basak himself. Sachin is his reliable partner and senior handloom artist in technical implementation. It took 15 days to make the saree. According to Abhinav Basak, eminent loom artist who received President's award, “This is not a saree meant for general wear. The word 'Vande Mataram' is very sacred and delicately embroidered on the loom. It has the potential to be worn or dishonoured. Hence, it is a work of art only for exhibition and preservation purposes.” Apart from this, he has also made various tricolor sarees for common people to wear on the occasion of Independence Day. Which has already responded in the market.

Handwoven sarees of Bengal weavers are very popular. Jamdani, Shantipuri, Begampuri, Dhanekhali sarees are appreciated not only in Bengali inner circles. There are also outside Bengal. Bangla loom sarees have stolen the stars. Actresses like Vidya Balan, Shabana Azmi, Katrina Kaif have worn Bengali weaves. Again, politicians like Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani, Mahua Maitra have stolen the hearts of Bengali weave sarees. So there is no doubt that handloom woven sarees have undergone the blood-watering labor of weavers. But day by day the number of weavers is decreasing and the crisis is starting to develop.


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