The relevance of the Patan Patola

- In the Patan Patola Heritage Museum, one distinctive photograph is sure to catch the eye. A black and white photograph shows the art of Patola weaving being taught to the daughters in the family. Earlier, since you would find an alliance within the community of Patola weavers, the know-how of weaving was essential. The woman could pitch in along with men in the family. While today that is not the case, the knowledge is still passed on to the women along with the men in the family.”

- For centuries, Patola has been considered an auspicious heirloom. It continues to be so today as well. What was once worn by the royalty is now worn by the affluent. It’s become a symbol of opulence as much as posterity and good luck. For the few who are preserving this art, it’s a tradition to be upheld for generations to come.

- Being hung in almost every popular textile museum of the world, it isn’t hard to understand why it is such a prized procession. For some it is the extraordinary quality of the weave, for others it is the vibrant colours, the reasons can be many.

- Natural dyes gave way to chemical dyes during the 20th century, but recently natural dyes have been revived by some weavers, appealing to the environmentally aware customer. The patolu sari is popular now amongst elite and upper class women who wear it to celebrate a part of India’s rich craft heritage as well as to look beautiful. It has also for centuries been a popular gift for the bride at her wedding.

But the fact is, the story of the Patola is one that will never fade, just like its colours.