News: Srikakulam’s famed Ponduru Khadi has received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Government of India.
About Ponduru Khadi
- Ponduru Khadi is a traditional handspun and handwoven cotton fabric produced in Ponduru village of Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh.
- The fabric is widely known for its fine texture, durability, and natural finish and was famously preferred by Mahatma Gandhi.
- Unique Raw Material: Ponduru Khadi is made from short-staple hill variety cotton that is naturally pest-resistant.
- The cotton is cultivated using chemical-free farming practices, making the fabric environmentally sustainable.
- This raw material contributes to the softness, breathability, and durability of the cloth.
- Traditional Production Process: The entire production process of Ponduru Khadi is carried out using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
- Cotton ginning is performed using the jawbone of the indigenous Valuga fish, a practice unique to the region.
- The cotton is then cleaned, carded, and converted into slivers, which are stored in dried banana stems.
- Hand spinning is done using a rare single-spindle charkha with 24 spokes before weaving on traditional handlooms.
- The craft is sustained by skilled weavers from the Sali, Padmasali, Pattusali, and Devanga communities.
- Many weavers operate looms within their homes, making the craft deeply integrated into village life and culture.
- Historical and Cultural Significance:
- Historically, nearly every household in Ponduru had a loom and produced khadi for personal use and export.
- Ponduru Khadi was once exported to countries such as the United States, Japan, Denmark, and Sweden.
- The fabric symbolizes self-reliance and aligns closely with Gandhian ideals of swadeshi and sustainable living.
