Swami in the heritage city of Mangalagiri in the foothills of the holy hill temple of Panakala Narasimha, now a part of Amravati, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a Timeless -Manglagiri handloom for some time, really a threads of faith, tradition, and craftsmanship.
For centuries, devotees visiting the pilgrimage not only enrich the hill spiritually, but also descend with a tangible token of cultural reverence – a handwowan sari – purchased from local artisans as a sacred ritual and a statement of elegance. Today, this rich tradition has blossomed in a reputable textile inheritance that has earned the iconic geographical signal (GI) tag and global praise.
Mangalgiri handloom sector – located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh – is not only about clothes. It is a living chronicle of India’s handloom heritage, a flexible community of artisans, and a will for the cultural economy that weaves identity and livelihood together. Recognized, Mangalgiri saree and other clothes are standing as a glorious symbol of the crafts-centered development model of India under India’s ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative.
Inheritance of loom
The uniqueness of Mangalgiri textiles lies in their minimum grandeur. Their fine cotton texture, striking boundaries and absence of embroidery in the body, these sarees leave a cool sophistication. The weaving is identified by the Nizam Border–a royal cruel design-diveted design-oriented strips or checks marked by the temple Gopuram stoleDesigns speak of regional religious ethos, where devotion and design have long been co -existed.
A woman weavers working on a traditional loom in a house in Mangalgiri in Guntur district. , Photo Credit: GN Rao
It is not just sarees that originate from these taxes. Mangalagiri weavers produce a versatile range of products such as salwar suits, dupattas, shirting fabrics, towels, bed linen and even mosquito nets. Cotton remains a favorite medium, which gives the fabric a mild, breath quality – perfect for the climate of India.
Guntur and Palanadu districts host 21 cooperative societies, which are completely dedicated to Mangalgiri handloom, more than 4,500 active weavers and about 5,000 assistant workers, assistant directors, handlooms and garments, B. Uday Kumar says. The importance of these numbers is not only economic but deeply social – each loom supports families, preserves artistry, and enhances tradition.
A heritage under siege – and rescued
Despite their permanent appeal, Mangalgiri weavers have faced several challenges over time. Powerloom proliferation, the decline in profits, and the market competition began to endanger the great existence of handloom clusters and as a result the number of weavers is also gradually decreasing.
Recognizing this, both the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh intervened with concentrated policy measures. The National Handloom Development Program (NHDP) and the comprehensive handloom cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) have provided a very important lifeline. Now, small cluster Development Progam (SCDP) is also being implemented here under NHDP.
Under SCDP, the government has approved more than ₹ 91 lakh, covering 265 beneficiaries in Mangalgiri -1 cluster for the development of its tax In fact, it is a part of a total amount of more than ₹ 2.09 crore under the program for five groups in the state, including Trichoteshwar, Kalahaswar in Bapatla district and Narayanavanam in Tirupati district, Chilkuripat -1 in Palanadu district and Mangalgiri -1 in Gantur district.
The government is also providing special incentives for women weavers. Apart from this, the government is also ensured for 161 beneficiaries, which is to the tune of about ₹ 1.3 crore in Mangalgiri.
Under these schemes, the district has seen over 190 individual workshops, distribution of hundreds of advanced taxes and construction of general facilities centers. These physical places have not only improved productivity, but have also restored dignity for artisans who now work in a safe, better-equipped environment near their homes. Design training has been another game-changer.
The Government of Andhra Pradesh participated with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Hyderabad and National Institute of Design (NID), Guntur, to equip the weavers with skills that mix traditional weaving with modern aesthetics. More than 400 individuals-weaving, designers, and cluster officers-have gone through this training, from color theory and patterns to marketing and e-commerce to learn everything.
“This training helped individuals to enhance their skills in understanding traditional knowledge using skills, materials, equipment and marketing approaches. As part of the program they designs, specific textile and apparel methods, textile fiber, knitting structures, surface design, dyeing techniques, colorful techniques, printing, printing methods, patterns, dropping, dropping, driving, driving,”.
Low income is a cause of concern
With an experience of nearly 45 years, 60 -year -old handloom activist Bitra Nazara Rao said that he earns average on average and 8,000 per month and traders pay ₹ 4,000 to ₹ 5,000 per four sarees. Each saree takes a few days to weave. At the same time, weavers have to spend more than 1,000 on other supporting tasks such as bundling thread. He said that after completing four sarees, the worker would be left for only four sarees and with 3,000.
A weavers couple spinning yarn for use in handloom products at Manglagiri in Guntur district. , Photo Credit: GN Rao
A weaver preparing yarn of various colors for use in handloom products near Manglagiri in Guntur district. , Photo Credit: GN Rao
Mr. Nejswar Rao said that he mixes silk, cotton and zari to produce fine quality sarees. He said that even though the government provided some skill training in Jacquard Karghe, many weavers could not adopt it due to complexity. Meanwhile, Mr. Udaya Kumar said that the weavers in Mangalgiri have to adopt Jacquard Karghe to survive and improve their skills like weavers in Chirla, who are producing. Kuppadam The saree, which takes over a higher price than the Mangalagiri sarees due to its designs. Mangalagiri weavers could also produce more designs for Jacquard Karghe, they explained.
Weave in modern economy
Mangalagiri separates how it balances heritage with innovation. Sarees and clothes are now being actively promoted in national and international exhibitions. From the Samumika exhibition in New Delhi, New Delhi, the Shilp Bazaar in Navi Mumbai and the State Handloom Expo at Guntur, the district administration has ensured that these exquisite weaving get their right place in the headlines. There is also a revolution in retail channels. Thanks to the government-backed incentive, many Mangalgiri weavers now marketing their products through e-commerce portals. It has opened new revenue currents and has eliminated exploitative middlemen from the equation. Financial inclusion has also been addressed. Schemes such as currency loans, cash credits, and DRDA/MEPMA loans have enabled more than 1,000 weavers to use capital to expand operations or start entrepreneurship undertakings.
From local threads to global recognition
The efforts of the district administration are one of the most compelling contenders for the Odop Award at Mangalagiri Saree, which is a national level recognition for excellence in indigenous products. The proposal argues not only on the ability of cultural importance and design excellence, but also on the strength of institutional support, community upliftment and economic impact. Today, the symbolism of a Mangalgiri saree is multi -layered – it is a cloth of worship, a flag of stability, a badge of indigenous pride, and a product of tireless human craftsmanship.
As the India wants to resume its rural economies through the lens of the tradition, the Mangalagiri handloom sector provides a bright example of how to correct it.
From temple rituals to international runways, Mangalgiri saree travel is a tapestry of faith, flexibility and talent. And as long as these looms continue their sweet rhythm, Mangalgiri’s legacy will be woven in a lot of Indian identity.
