Interviewtimes 
As Ayodhya prepares for the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple on January 22, a unique contribution is making its way from the heart of Odisha. A weaver family from Bargarh, known for their expertise in the traditional art of ‘Bandha Kala,’ has meticulously crafted a saree titled ‘Ram Setu,’ depicting the iconic bridge built by Lord Ram in the epic Ramayan.
Master craftsman Ishwar Meher, along with his wife Rebati and son Manas, has intricately woven the ‘Ram Setu’ saree using the finest Tassar silk and Khadi cotton, bringing to life the saga of Lord Ram’s journey to Lanka. This masterpiece is not merely a piece of clothing but a work of art that narrates a profound mythological tale.
The vibrant blue body of the saree symbolizes the vast ocean, adorned with meticulously crafted motifs of fishes and turtles, capturing the essence of marine life. At the heart of the saree lies a black pattern, representing the stone bridge of ‘Ram Setu,’ with each stone bearing the divine name of Ram in Hindi.
The ‘anchal’ of the saree unfolds a visual storytelling of Lord Hanuman and his Vanara Sena, including Sugriva, Angada, Nala, Nila, and even squirrels, tirelessly contributing to the construction of the sacred bridge. The details are woven with such precision that each element comes alive, carrying the spirit of devotion and craftsmanship.
Although the saree was conceived in 2022, it wasn’t specifically crafted with the impending Ram Mandir consecration in mind. Ishwar Meher, a recipient of the 2019 Sant Kabir Handloom Award from the Ministry of Textiles, shared, “Since I have worked on many mythological themes in the past, I decided to work on the construction of Ram Setu that year.”
The artistic journey took five months, with the family utilizing their expertise in ‘Bandha Kala’ to create a one-of-a-kind piece. The colours used in the saree are derived from natural sources such as iron rust, harada, besan, jaggery, and indigo, contributing to its exquisite charm.
Priced at Rs 1.10 lakh, this unique creation stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Odisha’s weavers. Ishwar and his relative, Dushyant Meher, are now on a mission to exhibit the ‘Ram Setu’ saree in New Delhi, aiming to showcase it at handloom exhibitions or at the Jagannath temple.
This ‘Bandha Kala’ saree, portraying the Ramayan anecdote, not only celebrates the craftsmanship of the weaver family but also pays homage to the timeless tale of devotion, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. As it becomes a part of the historic Ayodhya ceremony, it serves as a cultural bridge, connecting the artistic traditions of Odisha with the spiritual significance of the Ramayan.
