From Handicrafts to the Loom: Karuna Rajbongshi's 20-Year Weaving Journey in Nalbari

My name is Karuna Rajbongshi, and I come from Nalbari, Assam — a land where the rhythm of the loom has echoed through homes for generations.

My journey in traditional craftsmanship began in handicrafts, a labor of love that demanded patience, precision, and countless hours of dedicated work. However, as the market grew uncertain and demand began to wane, I made a thoughtful decision — to transition into handloom weaving, a craft no less beautiful, yet kinder to the pace of trade.

Since 2005, I have devoted myself to this art. On my loom, I weave some of Assam's most cherished creations — the Mekhela Chador and delicate blouse pieces, each taking roughly two days to complete from start to finish. The raw materials — threads of possibility — are sourced from the market, and the final price of each piece is deeply tied to the quality of what goes into it.

The finest fabrics — Muga, Eri, and pure silk — carry the weight of their rarity and richness, with finished pieces valued up to ₹15,000. Cotton, more accessible and widely loved, offers a gentler price point, beginning around ₹700. Every piece, regardless of material, carries the same thread of craftsmanship woven through it.

Yet, like the fabric itself, the life of a weaver has its textures. The market rises and falls without warning, and the ever-increasing cost of raw materials means that prices must follow — a constant balancing act between art and economy.

But what sustains me through it all is something far greater than commerce. This craft is not just my livelihood — it is my inheritance. Passed down through the generations of my family, weaving is woven into who we are. And just as it was given to me, I will gladly pass it on to my children, so that the loom in our home never falls silent.

Because some traditions are not just kept — they are carried forward, with pride.