Rohida Handlooms, led by Khetaram Sumra, is a growing business focused on bringing back the traditional craft of Pattu weaving in Dhanau village, Barmer district, Rajasthan. At 25 years old, Khetaram is passionate about weaving and helping his community. He learned the craft from his family and gained experience working with two weaving organizations. He also completed a course in Design and Enterprise Management at The Handloom School in Maheshwar.
Khetaram started Rohida Handlooms to preserve his cultural heritage and provide stable jobs for local artisans. Even though there is less demand for handmade products nowadays, Khetaram is determined to keep the tradition alive. By offering fair wages and stable employment, Rohida Handlooms aims to revive the ancient art of Pattu weaving, ensuring it continues for future generations. Khetaram is dedicated to improving his community’s future, one thread at a time.
Pattu weaving is a traditional craft mainly practiced in Barmer and other parts of Rajasthan. It has deep cultural roots in Western India. Traditionally, Pattu shawls or blankets were woven on pit looms using camel and sheep wool. These shawls were made in narrow strips with colorful designs. Today, synthetic dyes and cotton fibers have added more color options and intricate weaving methods create beautiful patterns. The weaving process uses vertical warp bands in complementary colors, with extra weft yarn creating an embroidery-like effect. Communities like Meghwal are experts in making different pattu designs, such as hiravali pattu and baladi check. These warm, colorful shawls are worn by both men and women and are essential garments in rural Rajasthan during the winter months.
By revitalizing this traditional craft, Rohida Handlooms not only preserves a valuable cultural heritage but also creates sustainable livelihoods for artisans, fostering a sense of pride and community in the process.