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Culture stories, news, articles, videos, slideshows, images, and web stories. Business Insider India is providing latest and consolidated news related to the Culture category.

Culture Stories, News, Articles, Videos, Slideshows and Web Stories

A sixth-grade social science textbook that I read described India as a piece of fabric, with countless threads coloured in a myriad of majestic shades, woven together. This metaphor holds exceptionally well when put into the context of our handloom industry. India has a rich history of handlooms and weaving cultures. The culture of handlooms is so intricately woven into Indian culture, that there are whole towns dedicated to the same: Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh to Pochampally in Telangana and a dozen more! Unfortunately, the handloom industry in India is dying. The struggle is multi-faceted, ranging from a declining workforce to fierce competition from power looms. Hence, five years ago, August 7 was proclaimed National Handloom Day in response to this crisis and to heighten public awareness. This date holds special historical significance, commemorating the initiation of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905—a pivotal act of defiance against British colonial rule. <h2>When did this industry come into existence?</h2>According to archaeological findings, the origins of handloom in the Indian subcontinent may be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mughal Empire was known to support and patronise weavers. The support from the royal patrons resulted in the invention of new textiles such as ‘Mulmul’ and ‘Banarasi Brocade’ among others. This era witnessed a heightened worldwide demand for Indian textiles. In the 17th century, India produced 25% of the world’s textiles, with Bengal accounting for more than 50% of textiles and 80% of silks imported by the Dutch from Asia. <h2>What led to the decline of the Indian handloom?</h2>The East India Company's entry fuelled the industry's initial decline, which started in the 1830s. The weavers were obliged to sell only to the British, and that too at exceedingly cheap prices, virtually putting them out of business. On the other hand, Indian cloth was taxed excessively to promote machine-made British clothing. The Industrial Revolution in Britain strengthened their indigenous textile industry, giving rise to new markets for cheaper textiles. In India, the collapse of the Mughal aristocracies meant no access to royal patronage. As a result, textiles like Khadi and muslin had little demand in the market. Circling back to the present, the industry is facing both similar and new challenges. Fabrics made on power looms are cheaper and faster to produce, in comparison to handloom fabrics. The industry is largely unorganised, and the wages are shockingly low. 67% of handloom workers are earning less than the minimum wage every month. Faced with economic challenges, the older artisans are thus forced to encourage the newer generation to choose an alternative career path. This migration of the workforce from a traditional sector is evident from the fall in the number of weavers less than 35 years of age- from 26.13 lakh in 2009-10 to 16.07 lakh in 2019-20. The majority of weavers do not have access to banking facilities, let alone institutional credit. Furthermore, if one manages to accumulate credit, there is a mismatch between the supply and demand forces due to the lack of awareness about handwoven textiles in the current generation. <h2>Initiatives for revival</h2>The cultural significance of the Indian handloom isn’t just limited to its beauty and extravagance, but it extends to our independence struggle as well. The Swadeshi movement immortalised the charkha and advocated for the use of indigenous goods. Following independence, the Indian government took many measures to revive the handloom industry. In 1953, India’s Parliament approved the Khadi and Other Handloom Industries Development Act. In 1955, the All India Handloom Fabrics Marketing Cooperative Society was formed to promote the sale of fabrics produced by handloom cooperatives across India. The National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) aimed to provide financial assistance for marketing and production. The Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive Welfare Scheme offers health and life insurance to weavers, to ensure social security. The organisation commenced a fortnight-long exhibition, “VIRAASAT” dedicated to celebrating the 10th National Handloom Day began at Handloom Haat in Janpath, New Delhi on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, and will conclude on 16th August 2024. The Handloom Mark scheme was introduced to authenticate handloom products, thus enabling weavers to gain better market access and ensuring that consumers get genuine products. Moreover, the India Trade Portal also mentions that the GOI plans to provide financial assistance of Rs. 30 crore to at least 10,000 handlooms. Various state governments also regularly conduct handloom expos and fairs, providing platforms for weavers to showcase and sell their products directly to consumers. <h2>Contemporary Brands and their love for Indian handloom</h2>Modern, popular designers such as Sabyasachi and Ritu Kumar are known to work closely with weavers and have been doing their part by bringing worldwide attention to the handloom industries. Recently, Ajrakh was brought into the limelight when Alia Bhatt wore a custom Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Ajrakh saree to Joy Awards in Riyadh. However, it’s not just the fashion moguls who are working towards the revival of this industry. Contemporary indie brands are partnering with local weavers, and creating awareness about their work. The emergence of such indie brands and their association with local artisans is beneficial for both entities. For instance, Joskai Studio derives its name from ‘Joskai’, a woven piece of cloth worn as a part of the traditional costume of the Tiwa community of Assam. They work with artisans in northeast India, specifically from the weaving village of Saualkuchi in Assam. Rouka by Sreejith Jeevan is a Kerala-based brand that works strictly with weavers from Kerala, specifically Chendamangalam and Kuthampally. <h2>Employment and Exports</h2>According to the Indian Trade Portal, the Indian handloom sector is the country’s second-largest employer after agriculture in rural areas. The Handloom Census 2019-20 mentions that the industry employs about 35,22,512 workers across the country, with women forming 77.29% of the workforce. India is the second largest exporter of handloom products in the world, with exports valued at $ 353.9 million in 2017- 18, as per EXIM bank's working papers. The major handloom export centres are Karur, Panipat, Varanasi and Kannur where handloom products like bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, floor coverings, and embroidered textile materials and curtains etc. are produced for export markets. During April 2021-February 2022, India exported handloom products worth 1693 crore, as per Indian Trade Portal. Indian silk scarves also form a sizable chunk of total handloom exports, in addition to home textiles like carpets, rugs and mats, which constitute over 13.6% of India’s total handloom exports. <h2>The Path Forward</h2>The mere existence of organisations and allocation of funds isn’t enough to sustain the legacy of India’s rich handloom industry. Big corporations working with local weavers ensure employment but don't protect them from exploitation and meagre wages, leaving them vulnerable. The people in power ought to come up with strategies that ensure the trickle-down effect of the schemes and funds. The new generation of buyers has a greater purchasing power than the one before them. Marketing focused on bringing Indian handloom practices into the limelight can do wonders in this case.

Fabric of a nation: Sustaining India's handloom legacy in modern times

There are nearly 60 properties in India that find a place in the Tentative List for further inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, according to information shared by the government in Parliament on Monday. A Tentative List is an inventory of those properties that each State Party intends to consider for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) is being held in New Delhi from July 21 to July 31. India is hosting the key event of UNESCO for the first time. The mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam -- 'Moidams' -- was, on July 26, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it the first cultural property from the Northeast to get the coveted tag. 'Moidams' was submitted as India's nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2023-24. The site was put in the Tentative List of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2014. In a written response to a query in Lok Sabha, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, "There are 57 properties in the Tentative List for further inclusion in the World Heritage List. However, as per the Operational Guidelines 2023, only one property can be submitted for the World Heritage inscription process each year. As of now, 42 properties have been inscribed on the World Heritage List." The updated list for India, after the inclusion of centuries-old 'Moidams', is now 43 sites on the World Heritage List and 56 properties on the Tentative List, according to the website of UNESCO, which adds that out of the 195 States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, 189 have submitted a Tentative List. Shekhawat was also asked whether the government has formulated any scheme for the protection of cultural heritage in compliance with the guidelines of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). "No, sir, there is no such scheme formulated for the protection of cultural heritage in compliance with the guidelines of UNESCO. However, India has ratified the 1972 UNESCO World Heritage Convention. All the World Heritage properties, along with other sites and monuments under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, are protected and conserved by funds provided by the Government of India based on their requirements and Annual Conservation Plan (ACP)," the Union minister replied. In response to another query, he said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) takes up conservation and maintenance work of protected monuments and sites throughout the country, including 286 in the state of Maharashtra. "Conservation and maintenance of monuments and archaeological sites is a continuous process and is taken up as per the need of monuments and availability of resources," the minister said. Shekhawat, in his response, also shared details of expenditure incurred on conservation, preservation and environmental development of protected monuments during the last three years and till July 15 of the current financial year. The figures stand as follows -- Rs 269.57 crore (2021-22), Rs 391.93 crore (2022-23), and Rs 443.53 crore (2023-24), while it was Rs 73.36 crore (2024-25) till July 15 of the current financial year.

Nearly 60 properties from India on Tentative List for inclusion on World Heritage List, says govt

The mound burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam, Moidams was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of Cultural Property on Friday. The decision was taken during the ongoing 46th World Heritage Committee (WHC) session held in the national capital, Delhi. UNESCO will examine the proposals of 27 sites for inscription on the World Heritage List, the state of conservation of 124 sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List, and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The World Heritage Committee is one of the two bodies governing the Convention for the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage. It is composed of the representatives of 21 states, elected from the 195 states parties to the Convention. In the ongoing session, from July 23 to July 25, the Committee will examine the state of conservation of the 124 sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List, 57 of which are also on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Similarly, from July 26 to July 29, the Committee will examine the dossiers of 27 sites proposed for inscription on the World Heritage List. The sites will be examined according to three categories. The three categories are natural, mixed, and cultural. Reacting to the news Assam Chief Minister Himmant Biswa Sharma said, "The Moidams make it to the UNESCO World Heritage list under the category Cultural Property. A great win for Assam. Thank You Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, members of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the people of Assam." "The Moidams of Charaideo embody the deep spiritual belief, rich civilisational heritage and architectural prowess of Assam's Tai-Ahom community. Apart from the fact this announcement has been made from the soil of Bharat, its entry also stands out for 2 more reasons," he added in a post on X. "It is the first time a site from the North East has made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the Cultural Category. After Kaziranga and Manas National Parks, it is Assam's 3rd World Heritage Site. I urge all of you to come and experience Awesome Assam," he further said. The Moidams are the burial mounds of the Ahom kings, queens and nobles. The word Moidam is derived from the Tai word Phrang-Mai-Dam or Mai-Tam. Phrang-Mai means to put into the grave or to bury and Dam means the spirit of the dead. Though Moidams are found in all the districts of upper Assam, Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahoms was the necropolis of almost all the Ahom Royals. Charaideo is situated 28 km east of Sivasagar. The first king of the Ahoms Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha was buried at Charaideo after his death observing all the Tai-Ahom religious rites and rituals.

Moidams of Assam included in the UNESCO World Heritage List

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<ul><li>Google is taking a deep dive into the Indian arts and crafts. </li><li>The online exhibition will showcase 280+ online exhibitions, 11,000+ images and videos. </li><li>The exhibition portrays how crafted paper can be developed from waste, including damaged currency notes. </li></ul>Google has partnered with the Ministry of Tourism, Dastkari Haat Samiti and 20 other cultural institutions to hold an exhibit called ‘Crafted in India’. Through the online immersive tour, Google is providing users with a deep dive into the Indian culture of arts and crafts. From the popular arts that have the world’s attention to the lesser-known crafts like the exquisite basketry of the Angami Nagas, the exhibition will showcase over 280 online exhibitions, with more than 11,000 images and videos. "The wealth of history and culture that Indian crafts exhibit is breathtaking. I am confident people around the world, but also Indians will be as amazed - as I was - by the exhibit and little nuggets like the fact that Lambani women continue to create rhythms with needle and thread, and their work is popular among people across cities,” Amit Sood, Senior Director, Google Arts &amp; Culture, said. The exhibition is also portraying how crafted paper can be developed from waste, including damaged currency notes. Google Arts and Culture globally has made waves for its rich display of cultures and traditions from across the world. “Over the years we have done many projects in India that puts a global spotlight on India's rich culture, and celebrates the people behind it,” said Sood.

Google showcases exotic Indian crafts like Angami Naga basketry, Lambani paintings and more

<ul><li>Millions of people will hit Durga Puja Pandals today to celebrate one of the world's biggest street festivals. </li><li>The Durga Puja festival, a 10-day long carnival is celebrated early October. </li><li>One of the artists crafted Durga idols made of 50 kg pure gold worth ₹500 million. </li><li>Here are some pictures of Durga Puja pandals across the country. </li></ul>Millions of people will hit Durga Puja Pandals today to celebrate one of the world's biggest street festivals. The Durga Puja festival, a 10-day long carnival is celebrated early October. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Goddess Durga comes down to Earth by her four children to visit her parents. She is also known to have slayed the demon Mahishashur, during the same period. Business Insider India picked up the top Durga puja pandals created across several states to celebrate the festival. This community festival is celebrated in the company of friends and family. They also relish foods at street stalls and and patiently stand in long queues to visit the statues of the Goddess. <div type="image" title="AF8F1DFB-59C2-48E7-B636-125B1C75F428" msid="71480280" hostid="261"></div>

 There are several puja committees which create pandals, or marquees, of all shapes and sizes. <div type="image" title="e3cdaf690671f9516b57061bfbd5b10a" msid="71480281" hostid="261"></div>
 One of the artists crafted Durga idols made of 50 kg pure gold worth ₹500 million. Artists also recreated India’s historic mission to the moon, Chandrayaan 2, at puja pandals in Nagpur and Varanasi. <div type="image" title="Nagpur: A replica of &amp;#39;Chandrayaan&amp;#39; made into a Durga Puja pandal during Navratri..." msid="71480273" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A replica of &amp;#39;Chandrayaan&amp;#39; made into a Durga Puja pandal during Navratri Festival, in Nagpur.Photo) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 In Kolkata, around 3,000 community pujas and 5,000 family pujas are being held. Another 25,000 community pujas were organised by local clubs, non-government and social organizations. <div type="image" title="A5B87F24-3319-44AD-B15A-1D467DE69216" msid="71480282" hostid="261"></div>
 The puja festivities and prayers begin on the sixth day of the first quarter of the moon and end on Dashami or the 10th day, celebrated across the country as Dassehra. <div type="image" title="7E370E5F-8BF7-4926-A959-14F3DA6AC6F7" tempid="77742" msid="71480321" hostid="261"></div>

 The main fervor starts from the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day when people start visiting the pandal for celebration. 
	<div type="image" title="Kolkata: A Durga Puja pandal themed on letter-box during the ongoing Durga Puja ..." msid="71480291" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A Durga Puja pandal themed on letter-box during the ongoing Durga Puja festival, at Chetla Agrani, in Kolkata.Photo) (&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>

 The festival concludes the 10th day, called Vijayadashami. 
 <div type="image" title="F0921F65-4097-4C8C-9D8E-E2100B410DE9" tempid="77748" msid="71480322" hostid="261"></div>

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