Varanasi: Ramraj Cotton has introduced a new handloom collection called Pancha, bringing the traditional Santhali weaving heritage of Mayurbhanj, Odisha, into a contemporary form of the dhoti. The initiative aims to give greater visibility to one of India’s lesser-known textile traditions while creating new opportunities for the tribal women weavers who have preserved the craft across generations.
The launch is part of Ramraj Cotton’s broader effort to showcase India’s diverse handloom heritage and connect traditional crafts with modern consumers without compromising their cultural character.
K. R. Nagarajan, Founder and Chairman of Ramraj Cotton, said India’s handloom traditions are exceptionally diverse, but many distinctive weaving practices remain largely confined to the communities that have kept them alive. He described the Santhali weaving tradition of Mayurbhanj as a valuable part of this heritage and said the Pancha initiative seeks to introduce it to a wider audience while retaining its original character.
The Santhali women of the region have traditionally used the distinctive weaving technique to create sarees. However, limited opportunities for preservation and market access, along with changing lifestyles, have contributed to the gradual decline in the visibility of the craft over the years. Ramraj Cotton has sought to adapt the traditional weave into a dhoti format through Pancha, giving the craft a contemporary application and a potential new market.
The Pancha collection retains key elements of the traditional weaving process. Each piece is handwoven from 100 per cent cotton and features an off-white base, azo-free colours, a simple weave and an extra-weft technique. The combination highlights the skill of artisans who continue to carry forward a weaving tradition passed down through generations.
The initiative also places emphasis on the role of women artisans in sustaining the craft. By bringing their work into a wider retail and online market, the collection seeks to strengthen both recognition of the weaving tradition and livelihood opportunities for the communities associated with it.
Pancha will be available from August 7 at select Ramraj Cotton exclusive stores and through the company’s official online store, offering consumers an opportunity to experience a traditional Odisha handloom craft in a contemporary format.
