09-29-2005, 12:57 AM
<b>'Ayurvastra' gaining popularity world over </b>
Usha Ram Manohar/ Kochi
With people becoming increasingly health conscious the world over, Ayurvastra, fabric which is dyed using various ayurvedic herbs, sandalwood, neem and turmeric, is climbing the popularity chart.
Now, it is not only sarees, dress materials and bedsheets made of these fabric which are in great demand but Purdahs made of ayurvedic herbs are being exported to Saudi Arabia following demand from women of the royal family, says K Komalakumaran, Secretary, Handloom Weavers Development Society, based at Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.
The ayurvedic herbs have various medicinal properties and when they are dyed with the fabric, it gives a cooling effect. They are good for various skin disorders, asthma and some other ailments, he claimed.
The society is at present exporting to Italy, Germany, UK and USA, Singapore and Malyasia, he said adding Rs one crore worth export earnings were received last year. Some enquiries had also been received during the business-to-business meet held here recently, he said. Komalachandran said the technology being used for making Ayur cloth is being utlised for making coir mats, mattresses, door mats and carpets, Bamboo, jute and silk.
Delhi-based wool weavers from Himachal, Ladakh and Orissa have entered into tie-ups with the society to make Ayurvedic wool.
Usha Ram Manohar/ Kochi
With people becoming increasingly health conscious the world over, Ayurvastra, fabric which is dyed using various ayurvedic herbs, sandalwood, neem and turmeric, is climbing the popularity chart.
Now, it is not only sarees, dress materials and bedsheets made of these fabric which are in great demand but Purdahs made of ayurvedic herbs are being exported to Saudi Arabia following demand from women of the royal family, says K Komalakumaran, Secretary, Handloom Weavers Development Society, based at Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram.
The ayurvedic herbs have various medicinal properties and when they are dyed with the fabric, it gives a cooling effect. They are good for various skin disorders, asthma and some other ailments, he claimed.
The society is at present exporting to Italy, Germany, UK and USA, Singapore and Malyasia, he said adding Rs one crore worth export earnings were received last year. Some enquiries had also been received during the business-to-business meet held here recently, he said. Komalachandran said the technology being used for making Ayur cloth is being utlised for making coir mats, mattresses, door mats and carpets, Bamboo, jute and silk.
Delhi-based wool weavers from Himachal, Ladakh and Orissa have entered into tie-ups with the society to make Ayurvedic wool.