15-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kuppadam silk sarees win national award under ODOP initiative
GUNTUR: The famed Kuppadam silk sarees of Chirala in Bapatla district have received a prestigious national award under the Centre's 'One District One Product' (ODOP) initiative, putting the spotlight back on a centuries-old handloom tradition.
The award will be presented during a national ceremony at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, on July 14. Bapatla District Collector J Venkata Murali will receive the award on behalf of the district.
This recognition comes as a major boost to hundreds of weaving families in Chirala and surrounding villages, who have kept the Kuppadam saree tradition alive despite dwindling demand in the face of mechanised textile production. The intricate weaving technique and traditional motifs had once earned wide acclaim but saw a steady decline, threatening the livelihood of many artisans. 'There was a time when we feared our children would never touch the loom again,' said Lakshman Rao, a senior weaver from Chirala. 'Now, with this award, it feels like our struggle has been acknowledged. Our looms have found a voice again.'
Many weavers, despite financial hardships, continued to weave in small workshops and homes. Some took up other jobs to survive but returned to the loom whenever possible—preserving techniques passed down through generations.
