Ramraj Cotton Revives Odisha’s Santhali Weave with the Launch of PANCHAA, Bringing a Tribal Textile Tradition to Contemporary India
Ramraj Cotton has launched Panchaa, a handloom dhoti inspired by the traditional Santhali weave of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. The initiative aims to revive fading tribal weaving traditions, provide livelihood opportunities for women artisans, and present the craft in a contemporary form.
Hyderabad: Ramraj Cotton has launched Panchaa, a new handloom offering that reimagines the traditional Santhali weave of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, as a contemporary dhoti.
Through Panchaa, the brand continues its effort to bring India’s lesser-known weaving traditions into the spotlight, creating renewed recognition and livelihood opportunities for the tribal women weavers who keep the craft alive.
Traditionally woven as sarees by women of the Santhali tribal community, this distinctive weave has gradually faded from prominence over the decades due to declining patronage, changing lifestyles and limited market opportunities.
Recognising both its artistic value and its potential for contemporary relevance, K.R. Nagarajan, Founder & Chairman, Ramraj Cotton, has reimagined the Santhali weave in the form of the dhoti through Panchaa.
Panchaa retains the traditional character of the weave while giving it a new, wider relevance. Each piece is handwoven in 100% cotton with an off-white base and azo-free dyes, combining a plain weave with an extra-weft technique.
Panchaa will be available from August 7 at select Ramraj Cotton Exclusive Stores and online at
www.ramrajcotton.in/collections/panchaa-handwoven-dhotis
