After having come across a write up on the blanket weaving craft in the sleepy village of Kalangal near Sulur a decade ago I was curious to find out more on this occupational craft of the Kurumba tribe.
Today me and my son took an impromptu trip and drove to this village trying to retrace the trail of the forgotten craft.
We soon came across a 1000 Year old Perumal temple with its magnificent stone carved pillars in the outskirts of the village.
We got down and started exploring the bylanes by foot- They were tidy , lined with white washed homes and tiled roofs .
Traditional homes
After having checked with many localites on this woven craft who seemed oblivious to this fact, we were guided to a Paatti who they felt could give us some insights .
Savitri Akka was kind enough to show us around the village citing the fact that since five years no one including her is into this handicraft of woolen blanket weaving any more owing to lack of materials, demand and market.
I couldnt help realizing that another heritge traditional craft was slowly dying and the stone Mandapa stood in ruins as a silent witness .
As the name Kalangal…ironically time seemed to have wiped out a precious craft of the tribes in this region.
After having bid good bye to Savitri akka, we visited the temple which was open and had a quick Darshan with the priest offering us curd rice- a welcome respite which tasted heavenly under the blaring sun.
On return, we took the less trodden village roads and were treated to vast open fields and quietude that was soothing to the senses.
Indeed the country side expanse uplifted the spirits which was otherwise slightly dampened with the thoughts on a lost cultural heritage in its rural settings and possibilities to retrieve the same .
Well written. Enjoyed the trip along with the author…
Great a welcome change from the present atmosphere
Lovely write up Rekha! ? Wish you many more such experiences and do continue to share with us!
Beautiful description! I could feel the heat from the pictures! And I do wonder why this sweltering hot weather battered village invent their own special woollen blanket! Do you have a picture of the Kalangal blanket? Just being curious!