Thread by thread, Pochampally’s weavers bring a living tradition to Hyderabad

The rhythmic clatter of a handloom rises above the chatter of visitors inside Hall No. 4 of the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad. At the centre of the gathering sits 71-year-old Yadagiri, his hands moving with practised ease as hundreds of threads slowly come together to form a pink Pochampally Ikat saree. Around him, people stop, watch, ask questions and take photographs. For many, it is their first glimpse into the painstaking process behind one of Telangana’s most celebrated handloom traditions.

For Yadagiri, however, the loom is nothing new. The weaver from Bhongir in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district has spent nearly six decades at it. “It takes us four days to weave one saree. After weaving, it goes for dyeing and finishing before it is ready for sale,” he says, carefully guiding the shuttle through the threads.

The saree taking shape before visitors is expected to cost around ₹9,000. Yet, as onlookers witness the labour involved, the price tag begins to tell a different story, one of time, skill and patience rather than mere fabric. Yadagiri says he has been weaving since he was 15 years old and continues to work around 8 hours a day.

But beneath his pride in the craft lies a growing concern. “My children also became weavers, but my grandchildren are not interested. The tradition that we once took pride in is slowly dying,” he says.

His concern finds echoes across the ‘Thread Pochampally’ exhibition, where around 100 weavers have set up stalls displaying sarees, dress materials, shirts and other handwoven products. The exhibition also showcases natural dyes used in Telangana and offers visitors an opportunity to observe the weaving process firsthand.

The event has drawn a steady stream of visitors, from young professionals and students to families and senior citizens. Among them is Kanika, a 32-year-old IT professional who moved to Hyderabad three years ago. “I first heard about Pochampally last year. I always felt the products were a little expensive. But after watching the weavers work today, I understand how much human effort goes into every piece,” she says.

At Bhagyalakshmi Sarees stall, Bhagyalakshmi, who hails from Pochampally, says she frequently participates in handloom exhibitions across Hyderabad. However, this is the first time she has been part of an exhibition dedicated entirely to Pochampally Ikat. “Despite receiving UNESCO recognition, many people in Telangana are still not fully aware of Pochampally and its significance. Exhibitions like this help people understand the craft and appreciate the work of the weavers,” she says.

Organised by the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district administration with support from CSR partners, the exhibition has emerged as both a cultural showcase and a commercial success. According to Yadadri Bhuvanagiri Collector Anuraag Jayanti, the exhibition has attracted more than 13,000 visitors in the first three days alone and generated sales exceeding ₹2.3 crore.