Ikat is a century old textile, historically made all over Asia, Central Asia and some parts of Africa. Ikat is also an ancient Indian dyeing technique that brings vintage, handwoven, geometric or zig zag arrow pattern into textile. Hand-dyed and handwoven Ikat is made using both silk and cotton yarns.

Pochampally Handloom Park recently organised a four-day Pochampally IKAT art Mela at Aga Khan Hall, in an attempt to revive the dying art of Ikat from the Pochampally district of now Telangana state. which ended on Tuesday, but not before it had charmed Delhiites.

The Ikat pattern is drawn by hand onto the fabric yarns, before they are woven. Both the warp and the weft are tied and dyed according to the pattern. Then the yarn is strung onto looms and woven by hand.

Historically, the patterns had social and cultural significance, but artists today are using the technique of Ikat to create contemporary patterns and artworks. The Ikat of today is available in bright colours and edgy patterns, which can be paired with even jeans!

Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh Kumar, development commissioner (Handlooms), Union Minstry of Textiles, said, that one can see the blend of different styles and concept of handloom creations coming together under one roof in this exhibition.

Under this unique exhibition, the weavers are exhibiting their creations of different types of handloom products in vibrant colours and textures in wide variety and styles.

Various apparels, particularly designer fabrics, silk and cotton saris were showcased here for the fashion connoisseurs. On display were colorful ranges of fabrics, stoles, scarves, saris in silk and cotton, dupattas, table mats, covers, cotton shirts and kurtis, handbags and more.

All the handwoven fabrics in exquisite designs and contemporary colours were made by designers, skillfully created by weavers of Pochampally exclusively for this exhibition.

Platforms such as these are required to reach out to the mass looking for well-designed handloom and handmade cotton, silk wear and exclusive home textiles.