Bomkai Handloom Tradition in Odisha's Ganjam on the Brink of Disappearance Amid Lack of Support

The famed Bomkai Pata, a traditional handloom from Odisha’s Ganjam district, is facing a serious decline due to the lack of institutional support, decreasing artisan participation, and the growing presence of fake products in the market.
Once a thriving cottage industry, Bomkai weaving in Bomkai village of the district supported around 60 weaver families. The fabric had strong demand not only across Odisha but also in Delhi and Haryana. Renowned artisans of the village, late Chakrapani Patra, a President's award winner, and late Kabiraj Nayak, had brought recognition to the craft, while late Chaitanya Nayak had trained several weavers, ensuring continuity of the skill in the village.

However, the number of active weaver families has sharply dropped over time. The decline began after the closure of the local weavers’ cooperative society, which had been formed by the 60 families. At present, only one family continues the tradition, with Keshab Nayak and his nephews Kahnu Nayak and Sushant Kumar Nayak holding on to the ancestral profession. The artisans say that without immediate government support, they too may be forced to abandon weaving.

Economic hardship has also pushed some artisans to work as migrant labourers. Despite repeated appeals to the state government, the weavers claim that no concrete steps have been taken to address their problems.

In 2023, then Union Textiles Minister Darshana Jardosh had visited Bomkai village and held discussions with the weavers. Officials from the state handloom department also followed up with visits and assurances for revival measures. However, even after three years, the promised support has not materialised.

Adding to the crisis, traders in the state are reportedly producing imitations of Bomkai Pata and selling them under the same name. Meanwhile, the original artisans remain deprived of support and market access.

Locals believe that opening training centres in Bomkai and nearby villages could help revive the craft by attracting new artisans and preserving traditional skills.
source:sambadenglish.com