Handloom weaver creates Sambalpuri Din saree with language messages
Handloom weaver Hemanchal Meher, 44, of Haradkhol village in Subarnapur’s Sonpur block, has completed a silk saree woven with Sambalpuri-language messages to mark Sambalpuri Din.
Handloom weaver Hemanchal Meher, 44, of Haradkhol village in Subarnapur’s Sonpur block, has completed a silk saree woven with Sambalpuri-language messages to mark Sambalpuri Din. The saree’s pallu reads ‘Ame Sambalpuria, Sambalpuri Din ra lagi gurdute subhechha’ and its body bears slogans promoting the language, song, dance, dress and food. Meher, assisted by his wife Parbati and family, spent over three-and-a-half months on the piece, which involved dyeing yarn, design and 12 days of weaving.
What messages are woven into the saree?
The anchal (pallu) carries the Sambalpuri-language message “Ame Sambalpuria, Sambalpuri Din ra lagi gurdute subhechha”. The body of the saree features five slogans: “Speak Sambalpuri”, “Sing Sambalpuri”, “Dance Sambalpuri”, “Wear Sambalpuri” and “Eat Sambalpuri”.
How long did Meher spend on the saree and what steps were involved?
Meher said the project involved dyeing silk yarn, preparing the design and weaving the fabric. While the actual weaving took 12 days, the entire process required over three and a half months. His wife, Parbati, and other family members assisted him throughout the work.
Who contributed to the saree’s creation and what is Meher’s background?
Nationally acclaimed Bandha artist Guru Prafulla Meher helped develop the concept for the saree. Hemanchal Meher is a third-generation weaver who has spent the past 24 years preserving and innovating the traditional Sambalpuri handloom craft. He has woven only two such sarees so far, each priced at Rs 25,000.
Who is Hemanchal Meher?
Hemanchal Meher is a 44‑year‑old handloom weaver from Haradkhol village in Subarnapur’s Sonpur block.
What occasion prompted the saree?
The saree was crafted to celebrate Sambalpuri Din.
What message is woven on the pallu of the saree?
The pallu carries the Sambalpuri‑language message “Ame Sambalpuria, Sambalpuri Din ra lagi gurdute subhechha” (We are Sambalpuri people. Many greetings on Sambalpuri Din).
What slogans appear on the body of the saree?
The body features the slogans “Speak Sambalpuri”, “Sing Sambalpuri”, “Dance Sambalpuri”, “Wear Sambalpuri” and “Eat Sambalpuri”.
How long did Meher take to complete the saree?
Meher spent over three and a half months on the saree, with the actual weaving taking 12 days.
What steps were involved in making the saree?
The process included dyeing silk yarn, preparing the design and weaving the fabric.
Who assisted Meher in the saree’s creation?
His wife, Parbati, and other family members assisted him throughout the work.
Who helped develop the concept for the saree?
Nationally acclaimed Bandha artist Guru Prafulla Meher helped develop the concept.
How many such sarees has Meher woven and what is their price?
Meher has woven only two such sarees, each priced at Rs 25,000.
What is Meher’s background in weaving?
He is a third‑generation weaver who has spent the past 24 years preserving and innovating the traditional Sambalpuri handloom craft.
Priyanka Panda
District Correspondent, Subarnapur
Priyanka Panda covers Subarnapur (Sonepur), reporting on the district's temple heritage, riverine agriculture, and local civic issues.
View all articles by Priyanka →
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