The exhibition celebrated extensive work of one of its founders Dr. Alka Raghuvanshi with her obsessive passion for sarees. She was not only a pioneer in bringing art onto the six yards drape but also a responsible curator and designer as she started the handloom saree movement at multiple levels which included her writings in various newspapers as a journalist and on the large social media groups too.

After her demise in 2021 her sister, artist, curator and the co-founder of Ehsaas, Manisha Gawade continues to be the torch bearer of the legacy that Dr. Raghuvanshi leaves behind.

 Alka’s life and dream, continues to weave this beautiful tana- bana as Ehsaas brought forwards as an amalgamation of the various weaves of India. The exhibition  revisited some of the popular WINTER HANDLOOM SILK SAREES – Patan Patola (Gujrat), Sambhalpuri (Odisha), Assam Silk, Pochampally (Telangana), Kanjivaram (Tamil Nadu) and Paithani (from Maharashtra) through their historical journeys.

Ehsaas is a non profit digital platform which provides the handloom weavers an extensive exposure to ensure that these handwoven textiles are not lost in the sands of time but the tradition is carried forward by our future generations which has been with us for centuries.

The handloom sector has suffered for many decades at the hands of western influences and mechanisation. It has always been the endeavour at Ehsaas to bring these weavers and artists to the forefront to reiterate the make in India concept and generate employment for them through its annual exhibition.

The platform provides a wonderful space for the lovers of the handloom promoting genuine fabric and celebrating intricately woven patterns of artistic brilliance. 

Ehsaas, the non profit initiative was founded in 2012 by two sisters late Dr. Alka Raghuvanshi and Manisha Gawade. Given the experience of both being curators, journalists & designers they knew they had to make this important move to support the weavers.

 Some of the great living legends of Indian Arts supported this cause, who have given their unconditional support and have defined the cultural mel hue of India for more than half a century. Check them dazzle in these beautiful drapes here.

— Curated by Manisha Gawade