BAAVANBUTI-52 Sparks from Bihar

  

BAWANBUTI- The dying art of Bihar

        As my blog mentions seek out fashion so what  am i seeking out for my readers today....

          Have you guys visited the state of Bihar ?? Yes... Bihar the state that is 12th largest in terms of geographical size and 3rd largest in terms of population. Bihar also saw birth of many arts and crafts like Mithila Painting , Sikki , Sujni and many more.

Today  i am going to introduce you to one of the dying art of Bihar which originated in Nalanda (80 kms from Patna). The  Bawanbuti tradition which symbolizes capturing the beauty of universe through motifs of Buddhist artefacts in a six yard length of saree.

          About BAWANBUTI:  So.... why is it called Bawanbuti anyways ..well Bawan means (fifty two) and Buti means ( Motifs). In ancient Buddhist city of Nalanda ( Bihar) Bawanbuti was the most famous weaving technique practiced by the weavers of Baswanbigha, a village where this tradition blossom. Mostly made in jacquard looms, pit looms and framed looms. The loom is prepared with warp ( vertical ) threads that run the length of the finished fabric. Sitting at the loom , the weaver works on weft ( horizontal) threads.
 Bawanbuti weaving is similar to satin stitch embroidery. Motifs are usually bigger about 1 to 2 inches. They are arranged either in line or alternative. The color ranges from red to yellow to parrot green . Each butis were measured by scale of King Georges 1 rupee coin. Today this textile stands apart from the entire range of saris we see elsewhere in the state. I hope we as designers should learn to bring the art of Bawanbuti alive and help the weavers in the state of Bihar.