Celebrate #LocalWaliDiwali with the Traditional Paithani Craft in a New Avatar with Handbags

As Diwali approaches, the spirit of celebration shines brightly, spotlighting the exquisite Paithani saree in a fresh new way—ethnic handbags. Rooted in the rich history of Paithan, this traditional textile art is now reimagined for modern sensibilities. Mumbai’s Navinya’s Paithani Studio is at the forefront of this revival, offering vibrant, customisable bags that beautifully blend heritage with contemporary style, ensuring these stunning handbags add a touch of elegance to your festive celebrations.

#LocalWaliDiwali

Local Samosa’s #LocalWaliDiwali series puts a spotlight on India’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, and handicrafts, along with the local mom-and-pop stores that have been serving their communities for generations. This initiative celebrates the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on the most promising local stores that are at the heart of their cities, known for reviving traditional Indian crafts across various categories.

This Diwali, through this series, we are committed to showcasing the best local artists, craftsmen, and small businesses that preserve Indian heritage through their products. By putting these gems on the map, we aim to connect them with people beyond their city, giving these local businesses the visibility, boost, and clientele they deserve.

Historical Roots and Craftsmanship of Paithani Sarees

Paithani sarees, originating from the Satavahana dynasty around the 2nd century BCE, are deeply rooted in the textile-rich town of Paithan. This traditional garment has evolved over centuries, been influenced by diverse cultures, and gained prominence under Maratha rulers like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

The craftsmanship of Paithani sarees is an artistic marvel, known for their luxurious silk and intricate motifs. Woven from pure silk threads, these sarees often feature traditional designs like peacocks and flowers. The 'tari' weaving technique involves using a handloom to create detailed patterns, with many sarees adorned in gold or silver threads for added opulence.

A standout element is the 'pallu,' which showcases elaborate embroidery and vibrant colours, reflecting the weaver's skill. In recognition of their cultural significance, Paithani sarees received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag on September 3, 2010, affirming their esteemed place in Indian textile heritage.

The Modern Revival: Paithani Bags

Wearing a saree, for many in this day and age, has been restricted to special occasions and festivals. This is especially true for stunning but heavy sarees like the Paithani. And with the newer generation looking for modern twists to heritage art and crafts, it makes sense to turn a beloved legacy into a novel avatar. 

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in preserving and promoting the Paithani saree, both in India and internationally. Efforts to sustain traditional weaving techniques and support local artisans have helped revive interest in this historic garment. One of the ways Paithani is not only becoming accessible to the general public but has also found a renewed interest is handbags made with the art!

Navinya’s Paithani Studio, Mumbai

Located at Hindmata in Dadar East, Mumbai, Navinya’s Paithani Studio by Sonali Bane has spun the art and craft of Paithani into a unique direction. Here, you can find unique products made from Paithani like kurta sets, dupattas, lehengas, kaftans along with jackets and sherwanis for men. There’s also a kids' collection that reflects this heritage art. But what caught our eye was the varied collection of Paithani bags.

This shop has quickly become a favourite of Marathi celebrities like Ishitta Arun, Sonalee Kulkarni, Vaishali Made, Snehalata Vasaikar, Prathamesh Parab and more. The collection of bags includes clutches, tote bags, handbags, potlis and so on. The cherry on top is that you can get them customised as per your needs. The bags have elements like a nath on the front, beads on handles and straps that match the bags. They are colourful, vibrant, ethnic and just the right thing to jazz up your festive outfits. It’s an ideal way of preserving and highlighting the heritage craft of Paithani this Diwali in ways that make you stand out from the crowd. Be it a saree, kurti or even something Indo-western, a Paithani bag or potli can elevate your Diwali looks while keeping it functional. 

These Paithani bags cost between Rs. 550 to Rs. 1,500. The brand ships worldwide. It’s an extraordinary way to highlight the art of Paithani in a minimalistic yet beautiful way.

Where: Hindmata, Dadar East, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Contact: 9076023366

Want us to feature any local stores or artists who are preserving and rejuvenating Indian arts, crafts and handicrafts? Then write to us at content@localsamosa.com!