లూమ్ ఎప్పుడూ నిశ్శబ్దంగా ఉండకూడదుః నల్బరీకి చెందిన కరుణ రాజ్బోంగ్షి

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 labour of love that demanded patience, precision, and countless hours of dedicated work. As the market grew uncertain and demand began to wane, I made a thoughtful decision: to transition into handloom weaving.

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. Raw materials are sourced from the market.

The finest fabrics — Muga, Eri, and pure silk — carry the weight of their rarity, with finished pieces valued up to Rs 15,000. Cotton, more accessible and widely loved, starts at around Rs 700.

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 my family's generations, 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.