In Assam, it's a cherished tradition to weave and wear one's own clothes. I have fond memories of spending my school summer breaks in Dhemaji, a town in Assam where my mother is from. At that time, we used to live in Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh and we had to take an overnight bus to reach Dhemaji. In Dhemaji, amidst the serene surroundings, my grandmother nurtured silk worms with care. Every household in the countryside had a hand-loom called 'Taat' to make the exquisite Assamese silk. Those days are etched vividly in my mind - my mother, grandmother, and aunts skillfully spinning yarn directly from the fluffy cocoons before weaving them into beautiful "Mekhela Chador".
Assam's renowned silk, akin to its famous tea, boasts ancient acclaim for its quality. Among the varieties, Pat, Eri, and Muga silk hold a special place in my heart. The meticulous process, where silkworms feast solely on specific trees, yields rare and superior silk, a testament to its enduring allure.
I recall a gentle argument between my maternal aunt and mother regarding my choice to wear my mother's old chadar for my wedding. "Why opt for worn garments when new ones are readily available?" she questioned. Yet, for me, the significance lay in its origin - woven by my mother herself during her youthful days. During my college days, I recall repurposing one such Muga chadar - woven by her to make a kurta. Surprisingly it still fits me! Even my husband, Uday, received a few gamusas as gifts, each a testament to exquisite craftsmanship.
A few years back, during one of my visits to Assam, I eagerly explored our family's heirloom collection, urging my mother to share some pieces with me. Among them, her Wedding 'Pat Silk' Mekhela Chador held a special allure. These timeless treasures hold a special place in our hearts, a reminder of our roots and the enduring beauty of tradition.
Do you possess any heirloom pieces that hold similar sentimental value for you?