Rayagada,Feb, 3:: The Handloom, Textiles and Handicrafts Department has planned to develop new products using the traditional Kapdagunda weaving style of the Dongria Kondh tribe residing in Rayagada district. Detailed discussions have been held with Dongria women, with the objective of encouraging them to become entrepreneurs.
At present, it takes nearly three months to weave a single Kapdagunda shawl. As the remuneration is relatively low compared to the hard work involved, the weavers have not always been able to fully focus on creativity during the weaving process. However, considering the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the Kapdagunda style, the department has decided to utilize this traditional craft to introduce new products to the market.
Dongria women are being trained to produce bags, coats, purses, and other items using the Kapdagunda weaving technique. Discussions have also been held with designers on how to adapt the products to meet market demand with new and innovative designs. Dongria women and young girls who know how to weave shawls are being provided training at an incubation centre in Bhubaneswar. After completing the training, they will train other weavers in their region about the new products.
According to Departmental Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar, Dongria women can become master trainers, start their own businesses, and emerge as entrepreneurs. Through a special scheme implemented by Utkalika Cooperative Limited, various products will be developed using Dongria fusion designs. Educational qualifications for becoming a master trainer have also been relaxed. A Dongria woman master trainer can earn up to ₹20,000 per month. The department is making consistent efforts to transform tribal women into entrepreneurs.
The department’s training institution (SADHAC), in collaboration with national and international designers, is working with Dongria weavers to develop exclusive shawls and other products.
While agriculture remains the primary livelihood in the Niyamgiri hills, Kapdagunda shawls hold strong potential to strengthen the economic condition of the Dongria community. These shawls are woven using red, yellow, green, and earthy-colored threads. The red-thread shawl symbolizes religion and tradition; yellow represents friendship and harmony; green signifies biodiversity; and the earthy color symbolizes Dharanipenu (the Earth deity) and their presiding goddess. Over time, these shawls have become a major attraction at government and private events.
Recently, during the visit of the President of Singapore to Odisha, guests were presented with bags made using Kapdagunda designs. Currently, the department procures base fabric from Kaptipada in Mayurbhanj district and supplies it to the Dongria weavers. In the future, base fabric will be sourced from Koraput district for this purpose.
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