K.V. Sahaja, a master weaver with over 20 years of experience, leading the work to create the fabric for the Prime Minister’s Onakkodi at Loknath Weavers Industrial Cooperative Society in Kannur.
| Photo Credit: S.K. MOHAN
Once again, the delicate threads of Kannur’s legendary handloom tradition is travelling all the way to the national capital. This Onam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seven Union Ministers will receive their Onakkodi, a ceremonial festive attire, woven in the heart of Kannur by the skilled hands of Loknath Weavers at Melechovva.
The effort, guided by a team from the Directorate of Handloom and Textiles, involves the creation of nine unique kurta patterns – two contrasting colour designs for the Prime Minister and one each for the Ministers, including Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Rajnath Singh.
Each piece is about five metre long. The stitch kurtas will be prepared by a Hantex tailoring unit in Thiruvananthapuram, said P. Vinod Kumar, secretary, Loknath Weavers. “This is the third year we are entrusted with this honour,” he said.
“In the first year, we were given the design to make. The second time, we got to select the fabric and pattern in consultation with a Hantex technical team. Likewise this year also. This time, we are making a unique fabric that requires much effort,” said A. Pavithran, president of Loknath Weavers. . He said they are creating the fabric for the Prime Minister using eight Raka (warp) and four Kalu (weft), which creates a twill weave with a diagonal line effect. “It is not just about the fabric. It is Kerala’s identity going to Delhi,” he added.
K.V. Sahaja,49, a master weaver with over 20 years of experience, is leading the work for the Prime Minister’s Onakkodi. “This is the first time I am weaving for the Prime Minister. There is responsibility and excitement in every shuttle throw,” Ms. Sahaja said, without looking up from him loom. She completed making the fabrics on Thursday and will ship them for stitching by Friday.
“I have been working on it for the past two weeks. It is challenging and requires a lot of concentration. A combination of four colours, including black, purple and a mixture of brown and white, is used for the Prime Minister,” Ms. Sahaja said. The fabric is crafted in twill weave, a technique that demands patience. But the end result is worth every hour spent, she added.
“For us, this not just a festive assignment. It is the spirit of Kannur reaching the highest offices of the country,” said Mr. Vinod Kumar, echoing the pride of the weaving community.
Published – August 07, 2025 11:07 pm IST
