Funny…despite having lived in Nasik for so many years, I never ventured beyond to explore the villages and towns nearby. Perhaps my Maheshwar experience was the trigger.
In 2011, my parents and I set off, curious to see this shopping destination where every weekend, wedding shoppers streamed into town.
What made the journey itself a treat were the verdant vineyards that we passed on the way. Just before the town, there was a picturesque spot by the river where people gathered in the evenings to relax. The town’s own ‘Chowpatty’ !!
The language is an interesting mix of Marathi with Hindi, a unique dialect. The food is spicy and predominantly non-vegetarian. Also a weavers’ town, the traditions are the same as we saw in Maheshwar. The whole family is involved in the weaving process.
The origin of the weave in this town, and the popularity of the saree harks back to the Peshwa period and today, almost every Maharashtrian wedding trousseau must have this saree. It is considered a legacy to be handed down to future generations.
Well, with so many hints, I’m sure it cannot remain a mystery any longer! I am referring to the ancient town of Yeola. In 2011, after my first visit, I started working with the weavers of Yeola and added the beautiful Paithani saree to my repertoire.
Maheshwar was my learning ground and it came to good use here. Paithani sarees in silk and zari were most popular, but they had to be made more contemporary while retaining their heritage.
I met three weavers in Yeola, who I will refer to as my Trimurti ! One was earnest and genuine, another was very proactive and resourceful and the third was extremely creative with a sharp business acumen and they are my backbone and core team to this day.
Together, we have been able to develop new designs, create new colours and make the cotton version of the Paithani saree from Yeola, very popular as a versatile option for women who want to use it as smart casual attire or for formal occasions.
There is a theory that the Paithani in it’s original form in the Peshwa period, was woven in cotton and zari. But we know only about the silk Paithani which perhaps, stole the limelight quite understandably because of it’s sheer splendour. My weaver partner was trying to weave the cotton version, but it had been a challenge which I eagerly took on.
His colour choices were in my opinion, a little too pale, so I gave him a palette of vibrant pastels like peach, pista green, pearl white, acqua blue, light yellow and ivory. This worked out very well and I had a range of absolutely unique summery cotton Paithani sarees for my first collection.
My first collection of cotton Paithani sarees was sold out and as it’s popularity grew, so did it’s demand. Over the years, we have designed and developed a very unique range of sarees as well as silk and cotton stoles, and kurta lengths so that this beautiful weave becomes accessible to women who want another option to a saree.
The Trimurti have also flourished in their personal lives, got married, had children, built homes, bought more looms..Seeing their progress has made my work even more fulfilling. A trip to Yeola is always met with much enthusiasm by my family. It starts with a thorough cleaning of the car boot so that I can bring back my precious cargo of Paithanis. A stop by at the Holkar vineyard on the way to stock up on wine, a beautiful countryside to feast our eyes on and a simple but delicious lunch of pithla, bhakri and bharli wangi at a small roadside eatery, makes it a memorable trip everytime !
– As narrated to Neelu Joglekar