The Taj Mahal Palace Revives the Art of Master Weaving

06-22-2011

 With New Handloom Saris as Staff Uniforms Across All Luxury Properties

 

 

Taj Hotels Palaces and Resorts Commits to

Preserving and Reviving A Forgotten Tradition

By Ensuring Livelihood of 25 Master Weavers of Benares

 

MUMBAI (June 21, 2011) – To spearhead the revival of the art of master weaving, staff at the flagship Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai will soon welcome all guests in new vibrant uniforms created by the magical weavers of Benares, a city (known also as Varanasi) where the threads of ancient culture are literally woven into the history of one of the oldest Hindu living cities in the world.

 

Based on the theme of love and taking inspiration from the staff’s admiration for the refurbished and iconic hotel, Mumbai-based designer Jay Ramrakhiani has infused new life into the uniforms by adapting three unique designs with three distinct borders. Reusing the vibrant colors that embody the spirit of love, the Taj uniforms have been painstakingly created in burnt Sienna (warp) and fresh Sienna (weft) complimented by a Navy woven border.

 

Taj Hotels Palaces and Resorts has always been committed to preserving and reviving forgotten tradition as well as providing sustainable livelihoods for individuals in the community. By extending support to the master weavers of Benares, Taj is spearheading the revival of the art of master weaving. Taj believes that luxury, much like tradition, needs to be preserved and nurtured, so to revive the handloom industry from extinction, Taj coined the idea of using handloom saris as uniforms across all their luxury properties.

 

Taj identified three villages and 25 master-weavers, supplying them with food, shelter, water pumps and solar lights so the weavers were still able to work despite frequent power outages. Taj hoped to instill confidence in the villagers, as well as give them work to return their dignity and pride in the weaving they had crafted over centuries.
 

Taj also initiated medical help, started infant and child nutrition programs to take care of malnutrition, conducted an eye camp for the weavers and provided glasses to those in need. In association with the Krishnamurty foundation, Taj provided education about the current art of weaving and set up looms in schools for children to understand and imbibe the weaving craft. Taj also set up computers (donated by TCS) to educate the children in graphic design. In addition, Taj also opened individual bank accounts for the weavers to ensure that all the benefits went to the weavers directly.

 

Today, the tradition of the hand-woven fabric has been replaced by power-looms, where prints have replaced the finesse and intricate beauty of the master craftsman’s weave. In the past, each weave was a work of customized, individual art to be treasured and preserved. Many of the weavers’ families have switched from traditional art form to other modern professions. Skills, which were part of family legacies and honed over generations are slowly disappearing. Currently there are less than 100 master weavers left in Varanasi. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is honored to be associated with these weavers and the historic art of weaving and will continue to help ensure a livelihood for some of these master weavers.

 

Examples of these artisanal textiles, woven silks and saris, stone studded jewelry, evening bags, paintings, home furnishings and more premium handicrafts from leading and emerging Indian artisans are also available at Taj Khazana lifestyle boutiques, located at key Taj hotels in major cities across India.

 

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

 

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 92 hotels in 53 locations across India with an additional 17 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East.  From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  The Taj, a symbol of Indian hospitality, has recently completed the centenary of its landmark hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. www.tajhotels.com

 

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