Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s iconic Bomkai handloom, a centuries-old weaving tradition from Ganjam district, is facing a severe crisis, with artisans warning that the craft could be on the brink of extinction.
Once a thriving cottage industry supporting nearly 60 families, Bomkai weaving in parts of the district has now reportedly dwindled to just one surviving family, highlighting the scale of decline.
Heritage Craft Under Threat
Bomkai, a Bomkai Handloom textile known for its intricate motifs and cultural significance, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolising Odisha’s rich handloom heritage.
However, the sector has been hit by multiple challenges:
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Closure of local weavers’ cooperatives
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Lack of sustained institutional and policy support
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Influx of cheap imitations and powerloom replicas flooding markets
Economic Distress and Migration
With declining demand for authentic handwoven products and limited income opportunities, many traditional weavers have been forced to shift to alternative livelihoods or migrate, leaving the craft with very few practitioners.
Remaining artisans have expressed concern that without urgent intervention, the tradition could disappear entirely in the near future.
Need for Revival Measures
Experts and stakeholders suggest several steps to revive the sector:
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Establishing training and skill development centres
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Improving market access and direct-to-consumer channels
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Strengthening branding and GI enforcement to curb fake products
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Providing financial and policy support to weavers
Mixed Ground Reality
While Bomkai sarees are still available in markets, including genuine handloom versions, experts caution that visibility does not reflect sustainability. The growing dominance of imitations has diluted the market share of authentic weavers.
The situation underscores an urgent need to protect and revitalise Odisha’s traditional crafts, ensuring that heritage handlooms like Bomkai continue to survive for future generations.
-OdishaAge
